Mary Koroma is preparing to graduate with a Master in Public Health from Central Michigan University in May, after a journey that began in Sierra Leone and took her through China and the United States. Her decision to attend Central Michigan University followed advice from a doctor she met while gaining clinical experience in Pennsylvania, who suggested she pursue public health studies at the university.
Koroma’s story highlights how international experiences and exposure to different health care systems can shape future medical professionals. She said her interest in preventative medicine grew during an appointment where she observed a doctor asking about environmental factors, such as the age of a patient’s house and whether it had a basement—questions not typically asked where she previously practiced.
She explained that “it’s not just about age, but also a lot about factors like access.” Koroma added, “People who don’t get screened, don’t get treatment in the early stages of disease. They wind up finding out they are sick when symptoms start to show. By that time, the situation is much more serious.” Reflecting on disparities in cancer screenings among Americans over 45 years old between 2018 and 2024, Koroma noted that only one third were up to date on their screenings. Socio-economic factors such as access to health insurance increased screening rates while those facing out-of-pocket costs or living in rural areas had lower rates. Immigrants also saw reduced screening rates.
Her motivation for pursuing public health was influenced by personal experiences during two major outbreaks: Ebola in Sierra Leone and COVID-19 while studying medicine at university in China. She compared her father’s work as a doctor during Ebola to having “a family member in the military leave during wartime,” describing both outbreaks as traumatic periods marked by isolation.
Central Michigan University offers more than 200 academic programs across seven colleges—including undergraduate, graduate, online, and study abroad options—according to its official website. The university leads nationally for participation in Alternative Breaks programs according to its official website, has earned recognition as one of two Adobe Creative Campuses in Michigan and one of four Celonis Academic Centers of Excellence nationally according to its official website, extends offerings through online and study abroad programs beyond its Michigan base according to its official website, focuses on delivering comprehensive education for successful careers as per its official website, and ranks first statewide—and sixth regionally—for highest earnings among females under 40 as noted on its official site.
Koroma credits her mentors at CMU with helping her integrate lessons learned from both pandemics into her commitment toward prevention-focused healthcare. “I’ve learned a lot from my mentors, my professors and also from my colleagues,” she said. “CMU has given me a strong foundation.”
Looking ahead, Koroma hopes to continue working within U.S. public health after graduation so she can address gaps related to cancer prevention and detection.