Public Health Diaries - Salomea Guchmazashvili

I am a public health professional with a background in medicine and a PhD in Public Health and Epidemiology. I currently work as a National Consultant at the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Georgia, where I lead and support national public health initiatives focused on rehabilitation and assistive technology, noncommunicable diseases, healthy aging, community, and long-term care. My work integrates evidence-based policymaking, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement to improve health systems and promote population health.

During my clinical training in medicine, I became increasingly aware that many of the health issues I encountered were rooted in broader social, economic, and environmental factors. I realized that treating individual patients wasn’t enough—I wanted to work upstream, where I could help shape systems, policies, and interventions that improve health outcomes for entire populations. This shift in perspective inspired me to pursue a Master's and later a PhD in Public Health and Epidemiology. Public health allows me to combine my clinical knowledge with research, data, and advocacy to address complex health challenges and create a sustainable, equitable impact on a larger scale.

The most fulfilling part of being a public health professional is the opportunity to contribute to large-scale, meaningful change that impacts entire populations. Working with the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Georgia has given me the unique chance to collaborate with government institutions, health professionals, and international partners to shape evidence-based policies and strengthen health systems. Whether coordinating initiatives on rehabilitation and assistive technology or community care, I find deep purpose in translating data into action and advancing health equity at the national level.

My vision is to become a globally recognized leader in public health systems and project management. I am currently on the pathway to becoming a PMI-certified project manager, which will further strengthen my ability to lead complex, multisectoral public health initiatives. In parallel, I have established my own consultancy—Public Health Consultation Hub Georgia—through which I aim to support students and professionals in building impactful public health careers. One of my key goals is to design and deliver a certification course in public health project management, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical implementation. Ultimately, I hope to contribute to the development of resilient, evidence-based, and people-centered health systems at both national and international levels.

My key areas of interest include cancer policy and research—particularly the link between thyroid cancer and reproductive health—healthy aging, community and long-term care, and public health project management. I am also deeply committed to advancing rehabilitation, disability inclusion, and access to assistive technology, especially within the framework of health systems strengthening. Through both my professional roles and research, I focus on translating evidence into policy and practice to ensure equitable, person-centered care across all life stages.

While I appreciate the importance of all areas within public health, I have found that topics heavily rooted in environmental toxicology or entomology are less aligned with my current interests and career goals. My passion lies more in health systems, service delivery, and population-level interventions. That said, I recognize the value of interdisciplinary knowledge in public health, and I remain open to learning across different domains as needed to support comprehensive, integrated approaches to health.

One of the most memorable moments in my career was presenting my research on thyroid cancer and reproductive health at the 2024 British Thyroid Association Annual Meeting. It was an incredible opportunity to share my work with experts in the field and contribute to global discussions on thyroid cancer. Another defining moment was being invited as a keynote speaker at the 3rd Ace Clinical Trial Summit in 2025, following my prior participation in the 2nd summit. These experiences have not only validated my research but also reinforced my commitment to advancing public health through evidence-based solutions. Additionally, establishing my consultancy—Public Health Consultation Hub Georgia—has been a key milestone in my career. It allows me to provide tailored public health training and consulting services while empowering the next generation of public health professionals. Becoming a member of the British Thyroid Association (BTA) was also a proud moment, as it provided me with a platform to collaborate with experts and stay at the forefront of advancements in thyroid health research and care.

One of the main challenges in public health is the difficulty in measuring and achieving long-term outcomes, especially when addressing complex issues like noncommunicable diseases, cancer care, and healthy aging. Public health interventions often require significant time and effort before the full impact is visible, which can be frustrating for both practitioners and stakeholders. Additionally, navigating the political and resource constraints in different health systems can sometimes limit the implementation of evidence-based solutions, especially in low-resource settings.

I’ve personally faced challenges in coordinating multisectoral projects, particularly when trying to align the priorities of different stakeholders such as government bodies, healthcare providers, and community organizations. Overcoming organizational silos and ensuring that each party is working towards a common goal has been one of the most difficult aspects of my work. However, I’ve found that fostering open communication, building trust through consistent engagement, and ensuring that all stakeholders understand the shared benefits of the intervention can go a long way in overcoming these barriers.

Despite these challenges, the opportunity to drive systemic change and improve population health makes these hurdles worthwhile. They motivate me to continue advocating for more integrated, sustainable, and people-centered public health solutions.

The future of public health is increasingly focused on precision, equity, and integration. As we continue to address global health challenges such as noncommunicable diseases, climate change, and health disparities, the emphasis will be on data-driven, personalized solutions that cater to the specific needs of diverse populations and regions. Advances in digital health, artificial intelligence, and telemedicine will significantly transform how we monitor, prevent, and treat diseases, ensuring healthcare becomes more accessible and tailored to individual needs.

A key priority for the future will be health equity. Ensuring that vulnerable populations, including those with disabilities or from low-income communities, have access to high-quality care and health opportunities will be central to public health strategies. Innovations in health equity, such as integrating rehabilitation, disability services, and assistive technologies into mainstream health systems, will be essential as the world’s population ages.

Global health governance will also evolve to meet the growing challenges of a more interconnected world. International collaboration among governments, organizations like WHO, private sectors, and local communities will be critical to creating integrated, sustainable health systems. This will enable more effective responses to emerging threats such as pandemics and the broader health impacts of climate change.

In my work, especially through my consultancy and projects with WHO, I am already seeing how the future of public health will rely on fostering these collaborative, multisectoral approaches to solve complex health challenges. The future of public health will not just focus on healthcare delivery but on creating resilient, people-centered systems that promote health equity for all.

If I weren’t in public health, I would have opted to practice medicine. I have always had a strong passion for patient care and the ability to directly impact individuals' health and well-being. The clinical aspect of medicine, along with the opportunity to diagnose, treat, and support patients, has always been a compelling path. Although my current focus is on public health, the hands-on aspect of practicing medicine and contributing directly to patient outcomes would have been a fulfilling alternate career for me.

In the future, I would like to continue working in global public health, particularly in roles that allow me to influence health policy and systems at an international level. I am interested in expanding my consultancy work, collaborating with international organizations such as WHO, and potentially working with global health NGOs to drive forward evidence-based health interventions. Additionally, I see myself working in environments that allow me to combine public health expertise with project management, particularly in organizations that focus on health systems strengthening, cancer care, and healthy aging. I am passionate about contributing to impactful health solutions on a global scale, fostering collaboration across countries, and improving access to quality care for underserved populations.

My dream travel destination is Japan. I am fascinated by its rich cultural heritage, the harmonious blend of modernity and tradition, and the unique experiences it offers—from exploring ancient temples to experiencing the vibrant energy of cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. I’m particularly drawn to Japan’s commitment to health and longevity, which aligns with my professional interests in healthy aging and public health. The country’s innovative approach to healthcare, wellness, and assistive technology makes it an inspiring place to visit and learn from. Plus, Japan’s natural beauty, with its serene gardens and breathtaking landscapes, makes it the perfect destination for reflection and rejuvenation.

I wish to see a world where healthcare is truly equitable, where everyone—regardless of their socioeconomic status, disability, or geographic location—has equal access to high-quality care. The disparities in healthcare access and outcomes remain a major challenge, and I am particularly passionate about addressing the needs of underserved and marginalized populations. I believe in the power of integrated health systems that not only focus on prevention and treatment but also prioritize rehabilitation, assistive technologies, and mental health support. If we can create systems that cater to the diverse needs of individuals, from healthy aging to those living with disabilities, we can build a healthier, more inclusive world. This is a cause I’m deeply committed to through both my work and personal mission.

"Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person." — Mother Teresa
This quote reflects my own approach to driving change. While collaboration is essential, I believe that each individual has the power to make a difference through small, meaningful actions. It speaks to my role in leading projects and initiatives that aim to improve public health at the grassroots level.

I believe that public health is not just a profession; it’s a lifelong commitment to making the world a healthier and more equitable place. My journey has been shaped by a deep passion for both research and practical solutions. Throughout my career, I have strived to integrate my expertise in medicine, public health, and project management to design and implement effective interventions that benefit both individuals and communities.

As a mother, my perspective on health has evolved, and I’m increasingly motivated by the need for systems that support both family and community well-being, particularly through initiatives like healthy aging and rehabilitation. The opportunities I’ve had to collaborate with organizations like WHO have allowed me to learn from diverse health systems, which has enriched my approach to public health.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue expanding my consultancy, offering training in public health project management, and leading initiatives that address global health challenges. I’m committed to empowering the next generation of public health professionals and contributing to sustainable solutions that improve quality of life worldwide.