Attention everyone, it’s finally happening! Winter is coming to an end, and with that, our blond best friend—the sun, of course—has made its triumphant return. Only Sweden can make you say that 5°C is the perfect setting for bringing back short sleeve t-shirts and putting any semblance of a winter jacket away. With Spring around the corner, what better way to celebrate this newfound zest for life than to hear from another student that makes the global health programme what it is. Coming all the way from Zambia, meet Donald!

How old are you, where are you from, and what were you doing before coming to KI?

I’m 32 years old from Zambia, and I studied Medicine at the University of Zambia. Before coming to Karolinska Institutet, I was working as a General Medical Officer, serving in both hospital and district-level roles, much of it in rural and remote settings, where I was involved in clinical care, hospital administration, and Gender-Based Violence response as a regional trainer for healthcare providers in clinical management of sexual and gender-based violence.

⁠⁠What led you to global health?

My journey into global health was shaped by firsthand experience working in one of Zambia’s underserved communities. I saw how health outcomes are influenced not only by clinical care but also by systems, policies, geography, and social determinants. Managing outbreaks, maternal health challenges, and emergency responses in resource-limited settings made me realize that sustainable impact requires strong health systems and informed policy decisions. Therefore, studying global health would give me the language and tools to connect frontline realities with broader solutions and a platform to learn from well-established systems in developed countries.

⁠ ⁠⁠What have you enjoyed the most about the programme so far?

What I’ve enjoyed most is the program’s strong foundational structure, particularly how it grounds our learning in the Global Burden of Disease and the concept of epidemiologic transition. This has helped me better understand how and why health priorities differ across countries and over time, and how demographic, social, and economic changes shape disease patterns. I’ve also appreciated learning from well-established researchers who are experts in their fields and who bring diverse perspectives when interpreting health metrics and evidence. I’ve also valued the diversity of perspectives from classmates with diverse backgrounds from all over the world.

⁠⁠What’s your favourite thing to do in Sweden?

I enjoy taking walks and soaking in the beautiful views of the city, especially how nature and urban life blend so seamlessly. I’ve also been impressed by how well-organised and reliable the public transport system in Stockholm is—it has made it very easy for me to navigate the city and explore other parts of Sweden.

If you could give your past self any advice, what would it be?

I would tell my past self not to be afraid to grow beyond the environment you start in, but to keep exploring, learning, and staying open to self-reinvention.

In short

Donald’s story is just another example of the unexpected places that ambition, discipline, and the drive to make a difference in the world can take you. Stay tuned for the next student spotlight coming up next month, and also stay put for some essential housing content you will not want to miss! See you soon, fellas.