Public Health Diaries - Neeru Chaudhary
Name: Neeru Chaudhary
Birthplace and Country: Bhuj, Gujarat, India
Educational Qualification: Diploma, International Affairs and Diplomacy – Indian Institute of Governance and Leadership & Shastri Institute of Governance and Leadership (Jan 2024 - Jul 2024)
Master of Public Health (MPH) – Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), (2021–2022)
Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm), Aligarh College of Pharmacy, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (2016–2020)
Languages you speak or write: Hindi (Native), English (Fluent), German (Learning)
What do you do?
I’m a Public Health Educator, Researcher, Content Creator, and Author. Previously, I worked as a Junior Communications Officer at Fortify Health until February. I lead Faces of Public Health, a global storytelling initiative, and mentor students through Topmate. I’m also the creator of the YouTube channel Public Health with Neeru Chaudhary, which has over 1.4K subscribers, and a published author of novels and public health-themed books available on Amazon. Currently, I’m actively seeking new opportunities to contribute my skills and expertise in public health communications and education.
What prompted you to go for (or switch to) public health or community medicine?
Coming from a pharmacy background, I witnessed the limitations of treating illness without addressing its root causes. I chose public health to shift from prescriptions to prevention—to amplify awareness, promote health equity, and advocate for systemic change.
What is the best part of being a public health or community medicine professional?
The impact multiplies. You're not just helping one person—you’re empowering communities. Whether through research, storytelling, or advocacy, the work reaches beyond borders, disciplines, and data.
What are your career plans/dreams on the pathway of public health/community medicine?
I envision working in global health communication and advocacy—amplifying real stories behind the statistics. Faces of Public Health is my passion project, and I aim to grow it into a widely recognized platform across India and beyond, while continuing research, writing, and teaching.
Which is (are) your most favorite subjects /areas of interest in this domain
1. Health communication
2. Disease surveillance and epidemiology
3. Environmental health and climate resilience
4. Community-based research and digital storytelling
Which is (are) your least favorite subjects /areas of interest in this domain?
Pharmacovigilance and regulatory documentation—while important, these areas feel less aligned with my communication-driven focus.
What has (have) been the best/ most memorable moment(s) in your career so far?
1. Publishing my MPH thesis on dengue awareness as a book.
2. Receiving heartfelt messages from young professionals mentored through Topmate.
3. Seeing my novels touch readers emotionally—especially Try, Try, Cry, Try, which blends mental health and public health in a unique format.
4. Creating Faces of Public Health, a platform that connects real stories with the broader public health narrative.
What are the challenges /drawbacks you see in practicing public health or community medicine?
1. Under-recognition of the field
2. Burnout among professionals
3. Bureaucratic and systemic inertia
4. Lack of storytelling—data dominates, but voices often get lost
In your assessment, what is the future of public health?
It’s human-centered and hybrid—where technology, empathy, and equity meet. Public health will increasingly rely on digital platforms, community voices, and cross-disciplinary collaboration to solve complex challenges like climate change, mental health, and misinformation.
If given a choice, what alternate career would you have opted for?
A full-time author and social impact storyteller. Fortunately, I get to combine both worlds today—writing novels and public health narratives that inform, heal, and inspire.
Where would you like to work in the future?
I aspire to work with global organizations like WHO and UN, and also envision contributing to the Government of India’s public health initiatives — especially in the areas of health communication, policy advocacy, and community engagement. I aim to serve as a Global Health Communication Lead, driving narratives that bridge science and society. Simultaneously, I’m committed to building Faces of Public Health into a powerful, independent nonprofit media platform that amplifies stories from the ground — stories that inform, inspire, and influence health equity across borders.
What is your dream travel destination?
India — every state, every district. As a public health educator, my dream is to explore the diverse landscapes, cultures, and health systems across the country. Each place has its own story, challenges, and innovations. I want to connect with communities, learn from local practices, and understand public health at the grassroots level across India.
What is something you wish to change about the world?
I want to shift the world’s relationship with health from fear and urgency to empathy and agency. I want health systems to see people, not just patients. To value storytelling as much as surveillance. And to remind everyone: rest, reflection, and resilience are progress.
A quote that resonates deeply with you?
"Public health begins when we start listening — not just to data, but to people." — Neeru Chaudhary
Any other point(s)/thought(s) you would like us to know about you? Please feel free to share with us.
I believe storytelling is a powerful tool in public health. Through my platform Faces of Public Health, I aim to amplify the voices of those working tirelessly to make a difference, often behind the scenes. Whether it's through my YouTube channel, mentoring sessions, books, or social media, my mission is clear: to make public health engaging, accessible, and human.
