The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, offers experienced professionals from designated countries a year of professional enrichment in the United States. The program caters to mid-career professionals across various fields, where applicants must demonstrate substantial professional experience, leadership qualities, and a record of public service. With competitive selection criteria and a focus on leadership development, the Humphrey Fellowship Program serves as a gateway for non-U.S. citizens to enhance their skills and contribute to global advancement.
We spoke with Humphrey fellow Dr. Teresa Nwachukwu of Nigeria. As a State Epidemiologist, Dr. Nwachukwu brings a wealth of experience and knowledge from her medical background, public health, and global health. In our recent interview, Dr. Teresa graciously shared her experiences, detailing her story from a small village and offering advice to aspiring professionals seeking similar pathways to success.
Can you tell us about your background and why you wanted to be a physician?
I grew up in a small village named Ekim, where my parents, both teachers, often transferred and moved from one school to another. Our world was confined, but my father’s stories painted vivid pictures of distant cities with towering buildings and expansive libraries. Hearing about structures as large as football fields seemed unbelievable, as our elementary school library was all but a carton of books in the back of the classroom. If you liked, you could read every book in that library- which we did! However, it was these tales that sparked a curiosity in me, especially as the oldest of eight siblings.
My father’s stories gave us a vision of possibilities. As the eldest, I always dreamed of traveling around the world, mainly because I was curious to see if my father’s stories were true.
After completing grade school, I was inspired to pursue a medical degree because there were few doctors when I was growing up. I remember that when we got sick, a man would ride down on his bicycle and inject everyone in the home with chloroquine and novalgin medications. This was before both drug therapies were outlawed. Even if one person was sick, everyone got the same treatment because we couldn’t afford to have the man return multiple times for each person who became ill.
We all hated the poor man, and I remember wanting to be a doctor so I could drive down and treat each person when they needed me. Everybody called him ‘doctor.’ In fact, that was his official title until I found out he was a community health extension worker. So I had this vision that every child would have the treatment they needed rather than the bandwagon treatment we all received every time someone got ill.
After completing my studies in Medicine at the University of Lagos, I began my career as a General Practitioner, uncertain of where it would lead. Despite finding fulfillment in helping others, I sensed a growing desire for something more. However, I couldn’t quite articulate what that ‘something’ was.
What then led you to get a Master’s in Health Management and Public Health?
I recall being summoned to the headquarters of my workplace. There, I found out I was assigned to lead the medical unit at a large city orphanage. I was thrilled about the opportunity, but it also brought significant responsibilities. Suddenly, I was immersed in managing budgets, logistics, human resources, and various administrative tasks. These were challenges I hadn’t anticipated, as medical school seldom prepares you for real-world scenarios like these.
I had to learn health management skills on the job, which motivated me to pursue a Master’s Degree in Health Management in another state. Despite the demands of commuting seven hours every weekend for two years while simultaneously balancing a young family and my full-time job, I remained committed and determined.
Although it took all of my commitment and willpower, this experience broadened my perspective on the opportunities that existed in the medical ecosystem. And I daresay it also prepared me to submit a successful application for the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship.
You then applied to the Humphrey Fellowship. Can you share how you came across this opportunity and what motivated you to apply?
I first learned about the Humphrey Fellowship from the U.S. embassy in my city. Although I submitted an application, I did not receive an acknowledgment.
A few years later, my husband encouraged me to reapply. I was more experienced and better aware of what I wanted, so clarifying my thoughts in the application was much more manageable. The Fellowship process takes about a year. The application is intensive and demanding. It requires hours and hours of research, writing, editing, and keeping the flow succinct and simple.
I applied to the Humphrey Fellowship to build a repertoire of skills to be a better leader and serve my country better. I wanted to gain communication and health management skills and build a network of friends, colleagues, partners, and mentors. Ultimately, I wanted a different experience and to be a better-prepared version of myself for the opportunities to lead and make an impact in my community.
After a successful application, I was awarded the Humphrey Fellowship in 2010-2011.
During the fellowship, what was your experience like at Tulane University? What research did you conduct on health systems?
My time at Tulane University was truly remarkable. I was privileged to be part of a world-class institution with an exceptional curriculum and distinguished professors. I also had the opportunity to engross myself in the vibrant culture of New Orleans, participating in events like Mardi Gras and contributing to the post-hurricane Katrina rebuilding efforts.
Throughout my term, I attended classes spanning various disciplines, including Public Health, global health, and health systems management. Engaging in field trips and workshops enriched my learning experience, while interactions with fellow students allowed for valuable knowledge sharing. Additionally, I conducted research on human resources for health and completed an internship at a city hospital, where I had the chance to observe and learn from industry leaders.
What were some key takeaways or highlights from the Humphrey Fellowship experience?
What I loved about the Fellowship was the independence to chart your course. You were literally taking your destiny into your own hands. You chose the classes you wanted, the trips you wanted, and the programs you desired. I got to travel to over 10 states in the US, be a Visiting Scholar at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman School of Public Health in Arizona, share practical public health experiences with the students in the MPH class at Tulane, and volunteer in Church, including singing in the choir.
The two most profound and life-defining events of the Fellowship year were my internship at the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) in Greensboro, NC, and joining Toastmasters International. Over a decade later, the ripple effect of those two events continues to reflect daily in my life.
I started a nonprofit called STLC, Steps To the Top Leadership Center, from my experience at CCL and have grown in the role of a paid professional speaker since joining Toastmasters International.
But I must also honor the frustrating moments. Because I traveled so frequently, I never got enough experience with the city’s transport system. I was constantly hopping on the wrong bus or train or walking south when I needed to be heading North.
As a medical doctor interested in public health and epidemiology, what unique perspectives do you think you can offer others? What advice can you share?
As a medical doctor interested in public health and epidemiology, I believe I bring a unique perspective to the table. My background allows me to understand healthcare challenges from both clinical and population-based viewpoints, enabling me to identify innovative solutions and bridge gaps between medical practice and public health initiatives. I am passionate about leveraging my experiences to advocate for preventive healthcare measures and address systemic issues that affect community well-being.
In terms of advice, I emphasize the importance of exploring diverse opportunities within the medical ecosystem. Stepping out of one’s comfort zone and embracing new experiences broadens horizons and fosters personal and professional growth. I encourage everyone to actively seek out fellowship programs and other avenues for self-discovery and development. My own transformative journey through the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship highlights the impact such programs can have on shaping your future path and identity.
In terms of advice for those interested in fellowship programs like the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship, the process is highly competitive. It’s essential to clarify your objectives for the fellowship and align them with your current thematic focus. Conduct thorough research in your area of interest, begin the application process well in advance, and aim to submit ahead of the deadline. Engage with potential referees early and follow up diligently. Seeking mentorship from program alumni can be invaluable, and if invited for an interview, consider practicing with someone experienced, ideally a fellow alum.
Be sure to check out other Humphrey Fellows ProFellow has interviewed. And if you’re interested in applying yourself, bookmark the program to your free ProFellow account.
Dr. Teresa Nwachukwu is the state epidemiologist at the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, where she leads a multisectoral team that provides epidemic intelligence to over 6 million people. She studied medicine at the University of Lagos, public health, health management, and global health at institutions like Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Benue State University, Tulane University, and the University of Washington. As founder of Steps to the Top Leadership Center (STLC), a nonprofit, she provides leadership development programming for youth and women. She is an award-winning speaker, loves Scrabble and is married with children. Much of her time is spent at public speaking engagements and providing healthcare services for those in need.
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