The UK Faculty of Public Health (FPH), the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), the UK Public Health Register (UKPHR) and the London Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH London) have today launched a new podcast series – Belonging in Public Health – which explores and celebrates how identity shapes careers and experiences across the public health workforce.
Released monthly, the series features in-depth conversations with public health professionals from across the specialist and wider workforce – from clinical and allied health roles to local government and the voluntary sector – at every stage of their careers and from across the UK. Guests discuss their routes into public health, how their identity has shaped their practice, the challenges they see facing the profession, and what belonging means to them.
Belonging in Public Health is hosted by Samia Latif, FPH Board Member and Chair of the Faculty's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and Matthew Bazeley-Bell, Deputy Chief Executive of RSPH.
In the opening episode, Matthew is joined by Dr Robyn Stephenson, a former medic turned public health strategist working in local government. Robyn reflects on her journey from clinical medicine in rural Jamaica into public health, after seeing patients with treatable conditions repeatedly arrive at hospital in crisis. She discusses leading the decentralisation of an HIV treatment service in rural Jamaica, co-founding Margin2Centre – a non-profit that supports health systems to better serve marginalised women – and how her identity as a queer, Black woman and post-colonial subject shapes her practice.
Matthew Bazeley-Bell, Deputy Chief Executive of RSPH, said: “Public health has a path for everyone, and Belonging in Public Health is a wonderful opportunity to share the stories that show it. RSPH is proud to be part of this wider partnership showcasing the diverse experiences that go into improving and protecting the health of the public. It was a true privilege to speak with Dr. Stephenson and kick off the podcast. I hope that her unique journey serves as a source of inspiration for anyone interested in developing their career in public health.”
You can listen to the first episode via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube Podcasts and other major podcast platforms.