Selina Vickery '20, a fourth-year medical student at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, was the recipient of a Fulbright-Queen Mary, University of London Award graduate scholarship in 2023-2024 during which she pursued a master’s in global public health and policy at Queen Mary University of London via US-UK Fulbright Commission. She completed her dissertation on quantifying surgical volumes in Uganda to inform policymaking and funding to improve patient access to and facility capability of surgical and anesthesia care. She will be pursuing general surgery residency with interests in surgical oncology, addressing health disparities, global surgery, and global health policy. Vickery spoke about her Fulbright experience at the 2025 Fulbright and Fulbright-Hays Recognition Reception on March 31, 2025.
It is an honor to be speaking with you today representing all our incredible Fulbright and Fulbright-Hays scholars. In preparation for this speech, it was so eye opening to reflect on a journey that has shaped not only my personal growth but also my professional trajectory as a future surgeon interested in global health. My experience pursuing a master’s degree in London was truly transformative, offering me a profound opportunity to view the world through a broader, more global lens and develop a greater intentionality in pursuing global partnerships in research, advocacy, and medicine—critical areas that will define my future work both locally and in the field of global surgery.
Studying global health and policy in a culturally diverse and international setting, like London, expanded my perspective in ways I could never have imagined.
One of the most pivotal aspects of my Fulbright experience was my dissertation work in Uganda, where I studied health systems strengthening in the context of surgical volumes, capacity, and access to surgical care. This project illuminated the challenges and disparities in health care delivery, particularly in low-resource settings, and underscored the immense importance of international collaboration to make powerful differences in remote communities. As we know, cross-cultural understanding and patience are essential when navigating these diverse health landscapes. My time in Uganda through my Fulbright highlighted the complexity of these issues and reinforced my belief that true solutions to health disparities require not only scientific and medical expertise but also deep cultural empathy and collaborative action.
Studying global health and policy in a culturally diverse and international setting, like London, expanded my perspective in ways I could never have imagined. It taught me to think critically about the policies that govern health care systems and the social determinants of health that impact access to care around the world. The diverse cohort of Fulbright scholars and the conversations we shared from every corner of the globe have been reminders that our work as professionals extends far beyond the confines of our own countries and disciplines. The lessons of collaboration, open-mindedness, and humility have been invaluable in shaping how I approach my field and will continue to shape how I view my purpose as a surgeon and global advocate.
As I transition into surgical residency, I will carry these lessons with me—lessons in advocacy, cultural awareness, and the pursuit of collaborative international partnerships. I will carry the understanding that my role as a surgeon extends beyond the operating room and that, in many ways, the responsibility to advocate for patients, to challenge inequities, and to foster connections across borders is also necessary. These lessons will impact how I approach my colleagues, both locally and abroad, and how I interact with and advocate within health care systems, whether in the U.S. or in the global health sphere.
In this time when the future of the Fulbright program and many educational experiences are uncertain, I want to emphasize just how critical this experience has been in enriching my personal and professional growth, and how the Fulbright mission of promoting cultural exchange and international collaboration is more important than ever. Through these enriching experiences, we are developing not just scholars, but world leaders—leaders who will continue to drive meaningful change in medicine, research, and advocacy. As we reflect on the profound impact this program has had on our journeys, we are reminded that our work as Fulbright scholars is far from over. As we move forward, we must continue to be dedicated to continuing the mission of Fulbright by fostering the growth of cross-cultural understanding and collaboration that will shape a more equitable and compassionate world.
I am so excited for all the future scholars in the room and the life-changing journey you’re about to have. Thank you all so much for your time.
