Student Update: Obed Ohia, BSPH ‘16

This summer Obed Ohia, BSPH ‘16, had the opportunity to intern in our nation’s capital with the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) through The Washington Center, a partnering organization with UNC Charlotte. While interning at the NHMA, Obed worked on various programs that sought to increase the number of minorities working in the health care field. He also helped organize professional summits where best practices, for diseases such as Hepatitis C and Obesity, were rendered for healthcare professionals. Much of the work involved collaborating with organizations like the Association of American Medical Colleges and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with the goal to improve Hispanic health nationally. Alongside programming, he also was able to experience first-hand the behind-the-scenes workings of policy development and was able to participate in the advocacy processes required in passing a new bill (H.R.2927). While Obed thoroughly enjoyed his time in Washington, he is especially thankful for the experiences both at his internship and outside that bolstered his aspirations of working in health policy