Student leader-turned-mentor honoured for commitment to global health
This award recognizes exceptional young alumni who have graduated within the last 10 years, and who inspire their peers, other young alumni, recent graduates, and current students through their significant contributions to their profession, their community, the university, and to their own personal development.
Rohit graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2004 with an Honours BSc in Health Studies. From his early days on campus, he displayed natural leadership qualities. Rohit's interest and passion for helping people through public and global health inspired him and a friend to found the University of Waterloo International Health Development Association (UWHIDA) whose mission is to raise awareness of international health and development issues across the globe. The student-run organization has grown and continues to offer students the opportunity to travel to developing countries and to participate in a variety of health projects. As the co-founder, Rohit remains connected to this organization by acting as an external advisor.
After graduating from Waterloo, Rohit continued his studies and completed his Master of Public Health degree at Boston University, where he specialized in epidemiology and global health. He was also certified in infectious diseases and health economics. Rohit has since held a variety of positions directly linked to public and global health with Unite for Site (as Regional Director of Canada), the World Health Organization (internship), a private consulting firm, and now as a Senior Program Advisor with our Government's Canadian International Development Agency where he focuses on tuberculosis control and global health research.
Rohit's volunteerism and leadership in global health have not gone un-noticed. He was a National Laureate of the Canada Millennium Award, was named Unite for Sight's Volunteer of the Year and received the University of Waterloo John McBain Award for International Entrepreneurship, among many other awards.
In addition to Rohit's incredible list of work and volunteer accomplishments he has substantial acting experience in both theatre and film, is an avid golfer, and yoga enthusiast.
Rohit was an inspirational role model as a student and continues to be one as a young professional, passionate leader, and a global health change agent. The Faculty of Applied Health Sciences is proud to honour him with the 2009 Young Alumni Award.