Intern , EPCON.ai (2024)

• Contributed to the development of key performance indicators for the Global Fund HIV-TB project in collaboration with the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria

• Participated in weekly team strategy meetings, brainstorming and supporting multiple ongoing projects.

Health Economics and Program Management Workshop

Kasturba Medical College, Manipal (2025)

I led a workshop introducing the fundamentals of health economics and program management for medical professionals. Students explored real-life planning and budgeting through interactive exercises - from a creative skit on cancer screening that highlighted the value of context and stakeholder engagement, to quick-thinking budget revisions that demonstrated clarity and priority setting. A truly inspiring display of hands-on learning and leadership in action. 

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I designed and led a workshop introducing medical students to the fundamentals of health economics and program management, an area often overlooked in clinical training. Through interactive sessions, participants practiced planning, budgeting, and priority setting using real-world case scenarios.

One highlight was a skit on cancer screening, where students creatively explored how stakeholder engagement and contextual understanding shape program outcomes. Another exercise challenged them to revise budgets on the spot, revealing how economic reasoning can guide clear, evidence-based decisions.

Watching the group blend clinical thinking with health systems insight reminded me how empowering it is when young professionals look beyond treatment to the design and delivery of care itself.

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I designed and led a workshop introducing medical students to health economics and program management. Through creative activities, from a skit on cancer screening to rapid-fire budget exercises participants learned how context, evidence, and clarity drive real-world health decisions. It was a powerful reminder of how engaging education can spark leadership and systems thinking.

Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Education Session

Government School Dubaldhan, India (2023)

During a session on puberty and menstrual health, a student asked, “Why are women isolated during menstruation?” Her question carried the quiet weight of tradition and curiosity in equal measure.

I explained that the practice began centuries ago as a pause from labor-intensive chores like fetching water or cooking, but over time, its meaning was distorted, turning rest into exclusion. We discussed how knowledge can reclaim the original intent of care and dignity.

That moment reminded me why I continue this work: to replace silence with understanding and help young people see that science, culture, and compassion can coexist.

OR

During this session when a student asked, “Why are women isolated during menstruation?” I explained how the practice began as a way to give women rest, not restriction. Over time, meaning was lost, and stigma took its place. The discussion opened space for empathy and curiosity, a reminder that education can restore both science and dignity. 

Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Education Session

Delhi Public School Gurgaon, India (2022)

A full-circle moment - returning to my own school to lead a session on adolescent reproductive health. As a student here, inadequate education on this topic had inspired me to become a doctor and adolescenet health advocate. As I spoke with today’s students, I was reminded how persistent certain myths remain - one girl told me she had been advised to eat only fruits for five days after her first period. It reaffirmed why creating safe and open spaces for evidence-based conversations on reproductive health are as vital now as ever.

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Going back to my old school to lead a session on reproductive health felt like closing a loop. Years ago, the lack of proper education here had nudged me toward medicine and adolescent health advocacy. During the session, one student said she’d been told to eat only fruits during her period. I shared that the body actually needs full, healthy meals throughout the cycle - just skip the junk food. Her curiosity turned into a smile, and I was reminded that sometimes, change starts with a single honest conversation.

OR

Standing in front of students at my old school felt surreal. Years ago, I’d sat in those same classrooms, wondering why conversations around reproductive health were filled with gaps and taboos. That experience had quietly steered me toward medicine and, eventually, advocacy for adolescent health.

When I returned as a facilitator, I wanted to create the kind of safe, open space I once needed. During the discussion, a student shyly shared that she’d been told to eat only fruits for five days after her first period. I smiled and told her that menstruation isn’t a time for restriction—it’s when the body needs proper, nourishing food, with the only real advice being to avoid junk.

Her nod of understanding in that moment was a reminder of why I keep doing this work. Education isn’t just about facts; it’s about giving young people permission to question, learn, and trust their own bodies.

Management of Tuberculosis Sensitization Workshops

World Health Organization (2020-2023)

As a WHO consultant, I conducted more than 75 sensitization workshops across Haryana, India. These sessions brought together government program officers, medical college staff, students, private providers, and community representatives. The focus was simple yet vital - to strengthen understanding of tuberculosis (TB), its clinical management, disease surveillance and the roles of different stakeholders in India’s TB Elimination Program.

What stood out to me was how differently the same message needed to be told. A policymaker, a clinician, and a field worker each needed a distinct approach. Learning to adapt scientific communication to each audience taught me clarity, empathy, and agility. It showed me that delivering complex ideas simply is often the hardest and most important part of global public health.

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During my tenure as a WHO consultant, I conducted more than 75 tuberculosis (TB) sensitization workshops across Haryana. These sessions brought together government officers, medical college staff, students, private practitioners, and community representatives to strengthen understanding of TB management, surveillance, and program implementation under India’s TB Elimination Program. Each workshop taught me how differently the same message had to be delivered — a policymaker needed strategic clarity, a clinician needed evidence, and a field worker needed empathy and practicality. I learned that translating science into action requires not just technical knowledge but communication that connects. In many of the trainings, I was the only woman on the panel of trainers — a striking reminder of how underrepresented women remain in leadership roles. That realization continues to fuel my advocacy for women in public health leadership, not as placeholders for diversity, but as experts shaping the direction of policy and practice.

OR 

As a WHO consultant I led over 75 tuberculosis sensitization workshops across Haryana, India training program officers, clinicians, and community representatives on TB management and disease surveillance. Adapting the same message for diverse audiences taught me the value of clarity and empathy in public health communication. I was the only woman on the trainers’ panel in many of these trainings— a reminder of the gender gap in leadership and a motivation to champion women as true decision-makers, not just symbols of inclusion. 

Cost-effectiveness of Interventions for Perinatal Anxiety and Depression; Master's Thesis, Karolinska Institute (2025) 

I conducted a systematic review supervised by Dr. Filipa Sampaio, a Health Economist at Uppsala University. The study included 27 studies, most from high-income countries. Cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and primary care delivered by trained health visitors were consistently found to be cost-effective or cost-saving.

The findings revealed a critical gap: limited evidence from low- and middle-income settings. It has strengthened my resolve to contribute to maternal mental health research where it is most needed.

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I conducted a systematic review supported by Dr. Filipa Sampaio, a Health Economist at Uppsala University. The study synthesized 27 full economic evaluations of interventions for perinatal anxiety and depression, most originating from high-income countries. Cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and primary care delivered through trained health visitors consistently emerged as cost-effective or even cost-saving approaches. Yet, the research revealed a stark imbalance — only a handful of studies represented low- and middle-income settings. This gap reinforced my commitment to advancing maternal mental health research where resources are limited and evidence is scarce, ensuring that cost-effective care reaches the women who need it most. 

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I conducted a systematic review of 27 studies assessing the cost-effectiveness of interventions for perinatal anxiety and depression, supported by Dr. Filipa Sampaio at Uppsala University. The findings highlighted strong evidence for therapies like CBT and interpersonal therapy, but few studies from low- and middle-income settings — a gap that motivates my continued work toward equitable maternal mental health research. 

Assessment of Palliative care needs in the community (2018)

As part of a community-based study in rural Karnataka, I helped screen 2,041 individuals across two villages using the SPICT-4ALL tool to identify palliative care needs. Of the 4% who met the criteria, most required care for non-cancer conditions such as cardiovascular disease, dementia, or frailty.

Through this project, I explored the sociodemographic and health factors associated with palliative care needs. The work revealed that unmet needs in the community far exceed what is often recognized and highlighted the importance of integrating palliative care into primary health systems. This experience strengthened my understanding of how research can uncover hidden gaps in healthcare and inform compassionate, accessible solutions.

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As part of a community-based study in rural Karnataka, I helped screen 2,041 individuals across two villages using the SPICT-4ALL tool to identify palliative care needs. About 4% of participants met the criteria, most requiring care for non-cancer conditions such as cardiovascular disease, dementia, or frailty. I also analyzed sociodemographic and health factors associated with these needs, uncovering patterns that highlighted both vulnerability and inequity. 

This published work revealed that unmet palliative care needs in the community far exceed what is commonly perceived and underscored the importance of integrating palliative care into primary health systems. This experience strengthened my understanding of how research can reveal hidden gaps in healthcare and guide more compassionate, accessible interventions. 

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I helped screen 2,041 individuals in rural Karnataka using the SPICT-4ALL tool to identify palliative care needs. Around 4% met the criteria, mostly with non-cancer conditions. The study revealed that many needs go unrecognized and emphasized the importance of integrating palliative care into primary health systems. It was a formative experience in understanding how research can uncover gaps and inform compassionate, practical solutions.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Generic Medicines: A Community-Based Study (2017)

As part of a community-based study in rural and urban areas attached to a University Medical College, I surveyed 1,151 adults to understand awareness, attitudes, and usage of generic medicines. Despite India being the largest global provider of generics, we found that knowledge about these medicines was low — nearly 58% of participants were unaware of their benefits, regardless of socio-economic status, education, or chronic illness. After briefing participants on the safety, efficacy, and cost advantages of generics, over half developed a favourable attitude toward using them. However, actual uptake remained low, with only 4.6% having switched from branded medications in the previous six months.

This project highlighted that awareness is often the first barrier to accessibility, and that education can meaningfully shift perceptions. It reinforced my understanding that health interventions require both evidence-based communication and practical strategies to bridge the gap between knowledge and action.

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I surveyed 1,151 adults in rural and urban communities to explore awareness and usage of generic medicines. While knowledge was low, a brief educational session significantly improved attitudes, though only a small fraction had switched from branded medications. The study reinforced the importance of combining evidence-based education with practical strategies to improve access to essential medicines.