2024 Rotary Scholars Focus on Health and Medicine

Magdalene Kwarteng

Kwarteng plans to be a physician who addresses social disparities and the needs of disadvantaged communities, locally and globally. With the Rotary Scholarship, she will study for a master’s degree in public health at the University of Sydney's School of Public Health in Australia.

“A master’s in public health will help to bridge my knowledge gap between individual clinical care and the larger local or global community,” Kwarteng said. “I’ll be equipped to tackle mental health stigma and develop community-based interventions to promote mental wellness on a larger scale.”

Medical student Magdalene Kwarteng will study for a master’s degree in public health at the University of Sydney's School of Public Health. (Contributed photo)

Kwarteng selected the University of Sydney because of “its commitment to improving equity and communities through local initiatives.”

“Learning about health care systems in a different country can be very eye-opening and can guide insight on how we can improve our health care system in the U.S.,” she said. “Incorporating what I learn internationally will not only help with patients that I see back in the United States, but also aid in connecting with patients from all walks of life and cultures.”

Originally from Ghana, Kwarteng’s family lived in Verona, Italy, before moving to Northern Virginia.

“Growing up in a medically underserved community primarily composed of immigrants in Alexandria, I was struck by how such disparities can exist in a seemingly wealthy county,” she said, noting that while Alexandria has a high median income, about 11% of its population is uninsured. “I witnessed firsthand the challenges and barriers to health care these communities face. My experiences led me to the field of medicine to help improve health care access and equity, locally and globally.” 

After earning a master’s degree, Kwarteng plans to finish her last year of medical school at UVA and then complete a residency in psychiatry, with a child and adolescent subspecialty and/or a maternal mental health fellowship.

“I aspire to become a holistic psychiatrist who can be a catalyst for positive change in the mental health landscape,” she said. “A master’s in public health can help me achieve that goal.”

As a UVA Center for Global Health Equity Scholar, Kwarteng conducted global health research in Rwanda, and also volunteered at the University Medical Associates clinic in Charlottesville. 

“These opportunities only furthered my drive to become a physician who provides great individualized care, but works to address disparities on a grander scale,” she said. 

Hannah Zaveri

Zaveri, a 2023 graduate with a degree in global public health and sociology, will pursue a Master of Science degree in public health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

“I hope to further understand the risks climate change poses to vulnerable populations and advocate for essential climate and health policy change,” she said.

Born in Kenya, Zaveri has worked in Rwanda and considers East Africa home. She saw the importance of access to health care while growing up in Zimbabwe. 

UVA graduate Hannah Zaveri will pursue a master’s degree in public health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. (Contributed photo)

“Throughout secondary school, I saw significant health care gaps in Harare when volunteering with Chiedza, which educates and feeds vulnerable children impacted by HIV/AIDS,” Zaveri said. “Working with Chieza piqued my interest in studying public health to improve health care in southern Africa.”

Zaveri, of Falls Church, appreciates Rotary International’s interest in health care access. 

“Their focus on sustainable disease prevention and treatment aligns with my career interests,” she said. “Throughout the application process, I reflected on and articulated why a Master of Science degree in public health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine will help me achieve my goals and have the greatest positive impact.”

Her degree will culminate in a master’s project report focusing on an element of climate change.

“I am interested in investigating the disproportionate impact of climate change on malaria and the prevalence of other diseases,” Zaveri said.  “I want to shed light on the reality that low-income communities are most vulnerable to the negative health impacts of flooding, extreme temperatures and pollution.”

An Echols Scholar as an undergraduate, Zaveri conducted research with the UVA Ryan White HIV Clinic PositiveLinks Research Team. She was also a member of the Peer Health Educators leadership team, volunteered at UVA Health Children’s and served on the Habitat for Humanity UVA executive board. 

“Getting involved within the UVA and Charlottesville community was a big part of my undergraduate experience,” Zaveri said.

Assistant professor Kathryn Quissell, director of the Global Public Health Program, taught Zaveri in three courses, including her capstone project.

“She is bright, passionate and compassionate, and lovely to interact with,” Quissell said. “Hannah asks excellent questions, ones that are practically important and intellectually interesting. She also works extremely hard and always came to class ready to discuss and participate.”

Since graduating, Zaveri has worked as a college access counselor and program coordinator at Rwamagana Leaders’ School in Rwanda through the Princeton in Africa fellowship program. 

“I collaborated with community health workers in the fall to lead a few sexual and reproductive health workshops for Rwamagana Leaders’ School secondary students,” she said. “I really enjoyed supporting this health education initiative, which further motivated me to apply for my master’s in public health.”