Wai Linn, originally from the central region of Myanmar, is graduating from the Master of Science in Global Health program. Prior to coming to Duke, Linn earned his medical degree from the University of Medicine, Magway. In his native country, Linn worked with the Asian Harm Reduction Network-Myanmar (AHRN) providing integrated HIV and harm reduction services to people who use drugs and their family members in remote and conflict-affected areas in northern Myanmar.
My plan after graduating is … I’ll be going back to Myanmar to continue my global health work, especially in harm-reduction and humanitarian areas. I want to apply the implementation research practices I’ve learned at DGHI to ongoing infectious disease interventions. That is my first immediate goal. My long-term goal is to contribute to strengthening Myanmar’s health system to improve access to health services for the most marginalized populations — people who use drugs, people with HIV or TB and rural communities with low socioeconomic status.
My interest in global health comes from … working with patients at AHRN. Through this work, I witnessed firsthand the significant barriers they faced in accessing healthcare—barriers rooted in drug use–related stigma, low socioeconomic status and systemic discrimination. These experiences deepened my understanding of the social and structural determinants of health and sparked my passion for health equity and global health practice.
My thesis work taught me … a disease-oriented approach has been able to help a lot of people, but it isn’t the best route to achieve global targets. For people with HIV who inject drugs, it’s not just enough to provide antiretroviral therapy care for HIV but to also consider treatment for other conditions such as substance use disorders and mental health. We need to create an individualized care plan and provide whole-person care. From this work, I have gained more skills and knowledge to advocate for those in need, engaging with higher-level stakeholders such as national programs and policymakers to help make changes at that level.
Reflecting on my time at Duke shows me … this experience has impacted me in a positive way. I met professors and DGHI Education Team staff who were incredibly supportive and fostered a great environment for both personal and professional growth. I think about the resources offered at the institute. I never imagined finding so much support through teams such as the Research Design & Analysis Core (RDAC). RDAC is there to help with any problems or roadblocks in research.
Nowhere but Duke could I have … been a part of a research project such as with the Ibemere Research Lab overseen by Stephanie Ibemere, Ph.D., a DGHI affiliate, on sickle cell studies in Nigeria. Also, nowhere but here could I have the support I had from my fellow students. They championed my work and inspired me. Not only did we study together, but we hung out together. My friends and I spent a lot of time on Ninth Street.
I have mixed feelings about going back home at the end of May. I’m happy I’ll see my family and friends who I haven’t seen in-person in two years, but I’m also sad because I’ll miss this program and the opportunities I had at Duke. It has been a wonderful experience, and I don’t think I’ll have this again.
What I’ll miss about DGHI is … the academic work and my friends. Whenever I faced challenges, I could consult with a professor when I needed answers. I’ll also miss going to the Triangle Training Center with my cohort before our first fall semester began. It was one of the most memorable experiences that bonded us.
My advice for global health students is … At DGHI, you’ll interact with diverse people from around the world. Initially, it might be challenging to adjust to academic demands and cultural differences. Over time, you will overcome those challenges. Also, learning from other students and their past work is incredibly valuable in global health. Being a good listener is one of the most rewarding skills you can develop.
