Dr. Susan Henderson, an alumna of the Georgia State University Master of Public Health program, has become a medical officer for the United States Peace Corps.

As a medical officer, Dr. Henderson tracks infectious diseases, issues monthly newsletters with relevant information to Peace Corps Medical Officers worldwide to ensure they have the latest medical information, and serves as a consultant for fellow staff on complex medical cases.

She is working on ways to reduce the incidence of malaria, gastrointestinal infections, and other health care challenges faced by Peace Corps volunteers.

From 1991-1993, she served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Togo, Africa and describes the experience as “the toughest job I have ever loved.”

While in Togo, she worked on eradication of the New Guinea Worm and was paired with a local nurse to teach people how to filter their water, avoid contaminating water sources. The pair also tracked the number of cases of Guinea Worm in their 18-village region.

During her MPH she focused on health promotion and health education and spent her practicum implementing the Safe Routes to School Program. The program went on to become a model program in the state of Georgia.

Read more about Dr. Henderson at: http://publichealth.gsu.edu/2014/07/29/alumni-becomes-medical-officer-for-peace-corps/