March 27, 2025

International student Eudes Johan Soussa recently completed the Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology program at the Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health (DSPH). As he prepares for graduation day in June alongside his peers, he shares reflections on what led him to the field of public health and his experiences at Drexel University.

For the first fifteen years of his life, Soussa called Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) home, a place where his ambition took shape. He later moved to France for high school, then to Wales to complete the International Baccalaureate at UWC Atlantic College. These transitions were challenging yet transformative, offering him a global perspective that fueled his passion for healthcare.

In 2018, Soussa chose to go to college in the United States and pursued a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences at the College of Idaho with the intention of attending medical school. However, upon gaining more clarity on his own experiences growing up in Brazzaville and learning about the persistence of health inequities globally, he shifted his focus.

“After observing global healthcare disparities and witnessing firsthand the lack of health resources and interventions in my home country, I decided to pursue an MPH instead,” said Soussa.

“Growing up in Congo, I frequently fell ill, and medical professionals often struggled to diagnose the cause due to a lack of resources,” Soussa shared. “One example is air pollution, which is rarely discussed in my country due to the absence of monitoring tools. I developed asthma as a result, but it took years of suffering in silence before I was finally diagnosed and treated.”

This experience ignited Soussa’s determination to bridge the gap in public health knowledge and interventions in underserved regions. Equipped with his MPH training, he aims to work with health organizations to enhance disease prevention strategies, advocate for policy changes, and eventually serve as a Minister of Health to shape a more equitable healthcare system in the Republic of Congo.

Balancing academic and professional responsibilities throughout Soussa’s studies was no easy feat. He worked as a Coordinator at the Student Center for Diversity and Inclusion (SCDI) while also contributing remotely to an NGO in Congo focused on youth empowerment, women's rights, and clean water initiatives.

The quarter system at Drexel provided Soussa with the flexibility to manage these commitments and he found solace in student organizations such as the Drexel Middle Eastern & North African Club (MENA) and the Drexel African Students Association (DASA).

“I frequently attended MENA and DASA cultural and social events which allowed me to connect with my peers, de-stress, and feel a sense of belonging,” he shared. “This experience reinforced the importance of mental health and self-care, which are essential for success as a student.”

Another pivotal moment for Soussa was completing an internship at the Delaware Valley Community Health (DVCH) in the Vaccine Department. This opportunity enabled him to apply his classroom knowledge in a practical setting. He worked closely with healthcare professionals to promote vaccination programs.

“I gained valuable experience in how healthcare facilities promote vaccinations and educate communities to achieve herd immunity. My classes provided insights into the misinformation surrounding immunization, and my internship allowed me to apply this knowledge in a real-world setting, reinforcing the importance of health education and intervention strategies,” Soussa said.

For others considering DSPH for a master’s program, Soussa shared the school was right for him due to its reputation, its emphasis on research and real-world impact, and its caliber of student support.

“I chose Dornsife because it is a top-tier public health school with an outstanding reputation. I have always wanted to study on the East Coast and Dornsife is the #1 public health school in Philadelphia,” he said. “Dornsife provides excellent student support and fosters an inclusive environment.”

Since completing his MPH coursework in the Winter Quarter, Soussa is already working toward obtaining his Infection Preventionist Certification (a-IPC, CIC). He believes this specialization will allow him to contribute more effectively to public health initiatives.

Congratulations, Eudes Johan Soussa!