Navjot Buttar is a practicing epidemiologist who is currently pursuing a DrPH at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. She has written previously about the importance of incorporating health communications training into academic programs for future public health researchers. We sat down with Navjot for an interview about her scholarly pursuits and how she became an up-and-coming voice for the value and necessity of combining strategic health communications with data-driven approaches to public health.
What first drove you to pursue a degree in public health?
Like many who choose to enter the field of public health, I began my career in clinical practice as a dental surgeon in India. My decision to pursue a degree in public health was deeply rooted in a desire to make a meaningful impact on a larger scale and to expand my horizons in serving communities. While dentistry provided me with opportunities to serve, I realized that public health offered a broader perspective and a platform to address systemic health challenges.
This realization came about through an unfortunate personal health crisis. Experiencing the health care system as a patient revealed a perspective that I had previously overlooked as a clinician. Although it was a painful experience, it allowed me to recognize the importance of addressing the broader determinants of health. Public health, I realized, could bridge the gap between my clinical experiences and a deeper understanding of the underlying factors shaping health disparities. It offered me the opportunity to understand the intricate interplay of social, economic, political, behavioral, and environmental factors affecting health, which I could not fully grasp within the confines of clinical practice. Public health represents not only a professional calling but also a deeply personal commitment to improving the well-being of communities worldwide.
You are pursuing a degree in epidemiology along with a certificate in health communications, which is not common at Columbia or in this field in general. What made you want to be a trailblazer?
When I decided to pursue a career in public health, I had no idea that these two disciplines so rarely spoke to each other. But my experience as a clinician had already taught me the critical importance of both effective communication and data-driven approaches. I realized that to truly make an impact as a public health professional, I needed to possess the ability to connect with people and influence health behaviors, as well as the skills to analyze data and provide evidence-based solutions. Despite facing challenges in finding opportunities to merge these skills after completing my MPH, I remained committed to pursuing this combination in my doctoral program.
There are several reasons why I believe these fields are intertwined. First, we require evidence to evaluate the effectiveness of existing health communication theories and programs. This is essential work for epidemiologists, as they are equipped to assess how these theories translate into practice across different populations and circumstances.
Second, the prevalence of misinformation presents a significant public health challenge, akin to an infectious disease that spreads from person to person. As an epidemiologist, I feel compelled to understand the impact of misinformation, identify affected populations, and devise strategies to mitigate its spread.
Lastly, I am driven by a desire to explore how health communication and literacy serve as determinants of health. Understanding how these factors influence community health behaviors and access to healthcare is crucial for designing effective interventions and policies.
I firmly believe that “in dialogue, data finds its calling” and both these skills are indispensable in public health. Without effective communication of our research findings to those who need it most, the
data remains underutilized. This conviction motivates me to combine communications with epidemiology, as I strive to bridge the gap between research and practice, ultimately improving public health outcomes.
Given how unusual your path is, have you faced pushback or had to overcome any challenges?
Yes, I’ve certainly experienced several challenges along my professional journey. One of the primary hurdles I encountered was the lack of precedence and guidance within my network. It was challenging to find examples or opportunities to follow, which made it difficult to navigate the integration of these disciplines effectively.
But beyond that, I have also come up against the general perception that epidemiology and health communications are separate fields that operate in silos. While diseases like HIV are readily associated with epidemiology, the connection between misinformation and epidemiology may not be immediately apparent to everyone. This lack of understanding can hinder collaboration and interdisciplinary efforts. And that lack of understanding is also apparent in the lack of research funding. For example, the NIH recently withdrew its own health communications initiative, which would have supported research into effective public outreach and battling misinformation.
What do you think is behind all of this resistance?
I believe a lot of it can be attributed to historical compartmentalization within the public health field, which has inadvertently left gaps in our understanding and practice. Traditionally, health communication and epidemiology have operated within their respective spheres, potentially leading to a lack of interdisciplinary collaboration. However, there is growing recognition among professionals in both fields of the need to bridge these divides. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of addressing the gaps, particularly in how we communicate public health information. It has served as a wake-up call for public health professionals to recognize the critical role that effective communication plays in safeguarding community health.
As epidemiologists often assume managerial roles in public health programs, understanding the nuances of health communication is essential for devising effective strategies to engage communities and assess program success. By integrating health communication into curricula for epidemiology, we can equip future public health leaders with the tools they need to address complex health challenges comprehensively.
While change may take time, I am confident that the momentum is shifting towards greater integration of health communication into public health education. With increased awareness and collaboration, we can expect to see positive steps taken in this direction, ultimately leading to more effective public health interventions and improved health outcomes for communities worldwide.