Global Health Night 2024: A Health Reporter Perspective
By Sarah Lapin, Health Reporter
As a representative of the student coordinator team for the 2025 Interprofessional Global Health Course and a member of the editorial team for the McGill Perspectives on Global Health publication, I had the privilege of attending McGill’s 16th annual Global Health Night this past November. The event, a hallmark of the McGill Global Health Programs (GHP), is an inspiring tradition that unites and honors the remarkable accomplishments of McGill’s dynamic global health community.
The evening began with the student poster fair, a showcase of the brilliant work being conducted by McGill students in global health. Walking among the posters, I was struck by the depth and diversity of research topics. From community-based health interventions to cutting-edge technological innovations in healthcare, the presentations were a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of McGill’s young minds. Particularly notable were the Global Health Scholars, whose outstanding projects earned them well-deserved recognition during the event. A full directory of student posters, including the Global Health Scholars’ names, awards, and project details, can be found on the Global Health Night’s program webpage.
Following the poster fair, attendees transitioned to the main program, which featured an array of inspiring speakers and award presentations. A highlight of the evening was the keynote address by Dr. Oni Blackstock, a renowned primary care and HIV physician recognized as a thought leader in HIV and health equity. Dr. Blackstock is the founder and Executive Director of Health Justice, a consulting firm dedicated to helping health-related organizations center anti-racism and equity within their operations while addressing health disparities in the communities they serve. Her career encompasses clinical practice, research, public health, and advocacy, with a focus on dismantling systemic barriers to healthcare access. Her research, particularly at the intersection of race, gender, and HIV, has been transformative in highlighting the need for equity-driven solutions.
Dr. Blackstock’s keynote address, titled "Uprooting Health Inequities: Advancing Inclusive and Participatory Approaches to Clinical Research and Public Health," emphasized the importance of involving marginalized communities in the design and implementation of clinical research and public health initiatives. She highlighted how these inclusive approaches are essential for creating interventions that are both equitable and effective. Her presentation was a powerful call to action, urging audience members to reflect on how they can contribute to transforming healthcare systems to better serve diverse populations. Her insights underscored the critical role of anti-racism and equity in achieving meaningful progress in health justice.
Another exciting moment came with Dr. Madhukar Pai’s announcement of McGill’s forthcoming Bachelor of Arts degree in Global Health. This initiative marks a significant step forward for the University, signaling a commitment to equipping the next generation of leaders with the interdisciplinary knowledge and skills needed to address global health challenges.
As the evening drew to a close, I found myself buzzing with energy. It was truly inspiring to see so many great minds come together to celebrate the achievements of McGill’s global health community. The passion and dedication displayed throughout the night were a reminder that, despite the pressing challenges facing the field—from climate change and infectious diseases to fractured politics and healthcare inequities—there is hope. Events like Global Health Night reaffirm the power of collaboration and innovation in shaping a brighter future for global health. I left feeling both humbled and motivated, eager to contribute further to this vital field.
Sarah Lapin is a graduate student at McGill University, currently pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Global Health. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdepartmental Honours Immunology, also from McGill. Sarah’s graduate work, conducted in partnership with Médecins du Monde, focuses on understanding healthcare professionals’ perspectives of managing chronic illness in migrants with precarious status in Montreal. Sarah is also active in the global health sphere beyond her studies. She serves as a student coordinator for the Interprofessional Global Health Course, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and education on pressing global health issues, and as a Health Reporter on the McGill Perspectives on Global Health team.