WVU experiences pave the path for a career in social justice for current public health leader
In March, current PhD students in the West Virginia University School of Public Health had the chance to meet with a WVU alumnus who’s working at the crossroads of public health and social justice.
WVU School of Public Health graduate John Blosnich, PhD, MPH, is currently assistant professor and director of the Center for LGBTQ+ Health Equity at the University of Southern California Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. The event – a closed Q&A session held over an informal breakfast – marked an opportunity for students to ask career-related questions and gain insights into the quality of the WVU School of Public Health programs.
Later that day, Blosnich served as guest speaker for the Office of Research and Graduate Education’s Research Induction Ceremony, which recognized PhD and MD/PhD students from the School of Public Health, School of Medicine, School of Nursing, and School of Pharmacy.
WVU experiences give insight into real life public health concerns
According to Blosnich, his experiences at WVU were building blocks for the life and career he has now.
“The experiences I had with faculty at WVU were crucial to my professional development,” said Blosnich. “Ruth Kershner was the person who got me into public health. During my PhD program, I was lucky to work with the Prevention Research Center, which centered the importance of community-based participatory research. These experiences of learning outside of the classroom by attending meetings and becoming immersed in faculty research gave me insights into how what we learned in class looked like in real life.”
Currently, Blosnich uses his experiences and skills to address social justice and public health concerns among marginalized communities.
“My work focuses on health equity and suicide prevention, specifically for LGBT populations,” said Blosnich. “I think my work matters because—although I may focus on a specific community—social justice is a necessary part of public health.”
He adds that public health has enabled him to focus his life’s work on prevention efforts and health promotion of whole communities, rather than focusing on individual-level treatment.
“For communities facing health disparities, these determinants are often things like racism, homophobia, sexism, prejudice and discrimination,” said Blosnich. “And we need better research and community and stakeholder engagement to craft solutions that get at the roots of these public health problems.”
Since Blosnich’s time at WVU, he’s taken part in valuable LGBT health equity and Veterans Affairs research and received several notable state and national public health awards, including the I CARE Award for Outstanding LGBT Veteran Service from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Federal Executive Board Silver Award for Outstanding Contribution to Science (Medical); and the Commemorative Health Advocacy Award from the State Health Education Council of West Virginia.
When it comes to research, community connection is key
When asked what advice he’d offer to today’s Public Health students, his answer is simple—talk to people.
“Get out from behind your articles, surveys, and data and spend time with the communities you want to help,” said Blosnich. “Get out of your offices at least once a week and volunteer with groups in your communities, make connections, ask people for their stories and really listen to them. Ask them how you can help. “
He adds an important reminder for students who will meet inevitable career obstacles along the way.
“Be open to how your career in public health might take some twists and turns, but be sure to remain grounded in WHY you wanted to pursue public health in the first place,” said Dr. Bloshnich. “For many, if not all of us — it was to help people.”
Pictured above, top to bottom: John Blosnich speaks with School of Public Health PhD students (WVU Photo/N. Luna); Blosnich addresses attendees during the Research Induction Ceremony (WVU Photo/Office of Research and Graduate Education); Blosnich and some of the Public Health PhD students who attended the Q&A breakfast session (WVU Photo/N. Luna).
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CONTACT: Nikky Luna, Director of Marketing and Communications
WVU School of Public Health
304.293.1699