Happy day 3 in Birmingham! Today was packed with learning, and by the end of the day it truly felt like my brain had tripled in size. We headed to the South Campus of Birmingham City University bright and early at 9 a.m. for our first lecture. The morning began with a session on public health led by Sarah Zarti, an MD and professor at BCU. Her talk helped me rethink what public health really means and how broad its impact truly is.
Before today, when I thought about public health, I mostly imagined policies in hospitals and clinics, things like vaccination programs or disease prevention campaigns. However, this lecture expanded that perspective dramatically. Public health is about looking at the bigger picture and preventing problems before they happen, not just treating illness after it occurs. In the UK, six different groups work together to address public health issues. This includes not only healthcare providers but also organizations responsible for housing, safety, education, and community wellbeing. I learned that public health policies can involve things as simple as ensuring buildings have fire exits or that classrooms are well-lit. It’s not just about disease, it’s about creating environments that support overall wellbeing.
Interestingly, the healthcare priorities in the United Kingdom are very similar to those in the United States. Both countries are working to address health inequalities, mental health challenges, obesity, and the needs of an ageing population. It was reassuring to see how both systems are striving toward the same goal of improving quality of life, even though they approach healthcare differently. One thing that really stuck with me was the idea that public health is strongly shaped by power and money. The decisions made by governments and organizations directly influence the health outcomes of entire populations.
After the public health lecture, we had a panel discussion with two professors and two students who introduced us to midwifery in the UK. This session was fascinating because midwifery is structured very differently here than in the US. In the UK, midwives complete a three-year degree and are not considered nurses, they are autonomous practitioners who specialize in pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postnatal care. Their focus on continuity of care really stood out to me. Midwives often stay with the same patient throughout the pregnancy journey, which helps build trust and comfort.
Another surprising aspect of UK maternity care is that all services are free through the healthcare system. After birth, health visitors check in about ten days later and continue visiting during early childhood to ensure babies are meeting developmental milestones. This is something we don’t typically see in the US, and it really emphasizes preventative care and family support.
The panel also discussed women’s autonomy in reproductive healthcare and how decisions are guided by medical and social considerations. It was interesting to hear how policies differ between countries and how healthcare systems reflect cultural values and priorities.
After lunch, we heard from a mental health nurse who spoke honestly about his experiences working in mental health care. His perspective was eye-opening and deeply thought-provoking. He talked about how large institutions can sometimes cause patients to lose their sense of identity and individuality. Instead, he advocated for smaller, community-based mental health facilities that allow people to remain connected to their lives and communities while receiving care. He also challenged the idea of over-medicalization, asking whether every person in distress needs medication or whether some situations call for different kinds of support. This conversation really made me reflect on how language and labels in healthcare can unintentionally reduce people to diagnoses instead of seeing them as whole individuals.
Our final session of the day focused on the history of Birmingham, led by Marcia, who shared stories that helped us better understand the city’s cultural and historical roots. We learned about the Windrush generation, people from the Caribbean who were invited to come live in the UK and help rebuild post-war Britain. One idea she shared that really stuck with me was about preserving history. Rather than removing statues or monuments, she suggested updating plaques and adding context so the full story is told. This approach encourages learning from history instead of erasing it.
We also learned about Birmingham’s canal system and its connection to trade and industry, which helped us appreciate the city in a new way. After the tour, we went to a Jamaican restaurant for dinner, which felt like the perfect way to celebrate the day’s theme of culture and history. I tried plantains for the first time, and they were delicious!
By the end of the day, we were completely exhausted but in the best way possible. Today was filled with new perspectives, meaningful discussions, and so much learning. I’m excited to see what tomorrow brings as this journey continues.