June 18, 2024

In Essex Junction, Vermont, Global Health MPH student Sheila Chamberlin, CO, has spent the last three decades serving her community as the sole orthoptist in the region. She works full time, primarily in pediatric ophthalmology; teaches pediatric residents and medical students; and is very active in her national orthoptic association.

Beyond her local work, Chamberlin's passion for eye care has taken her across the globe, volunteering for more than 25 years in developing countries through organizations like OneSight. Currently, she leads a dedicated team in the University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC)'s Gambia Project, aiming to pioneer a sustainable school vision screening program in The Gambia. She aims to do the same in other countries in Africa once this project is completed.

With these big goals in mind, Chamberlin decided to pursue her master’s in public health (MPH) in global health at Drexel University's Dornsife School of Public Health (DSPH). The MPH program equips students like her with career-relevant policy writing and implementation strategies. For her, the online program was the right fit due to its flexibility and built-in faculty guidance.

“I travel frequently because of my project in Africa, and [DSPH] faculty have all been so supportive. That has been a big part of why I am able to work full time, develop my program, and work on my MPH,” she said.

Her journey at DSPH is marked by the unwavering support of not only her professors, but by fellow students and her academic advisor, Olivia Hamilton. This support system empowered her to overcome obstacles, proving that age is no barrier to learning and growth.

“I am very thankful for the support from my Drexel family. Professors have been so open to helping me along the way, my academic advisor, Olivia, is amazing, and my group projects have involved some wonderful younger folks who have also taught me a lot,” she shared. 

While still currently in the MPH program, Chamberlin has already put her new knowledge base to good use. “I've applied my new knowledge of needs assessments, different evaluation processes, and negotiation techniques to my program in Africa. The information from my classes has opened my eyes and my mind to be more transparent, adaptable, and open to learning/sharing information,” she shared. 

This training has also contributed to how she presents herself and the UVMMC Gambia Project to stakeholders. “I feel more confident about how I interact with government officials, leaders of countries, healthcare providers, and donors,” she said.

Chamberlin is projected to graduate this year and sees herself potentially instructing online classes or even pursuing a doctoral degree. In addition to her global health goals, she believes she embodies the adage that “one can indeed teach old dogs new tricks.” 

When Chamberlin isn’t working to improve health globally or locally, she and her husband are beekeepers and maple sugar makers. They also enjoy gardening at their hobby farm and fishing on Lake Champlain. They have two dogs, a cat, and a pet chicken. 

Learn more about Drexel Dornsife's Online MPH in Global Health