Christian Altman, MD, is an anesthesiologist and a student in the Executive MPH-Public Health Administration & Policy (E-PHAP) program.

One of his earliest public health experiences was on a medical mission trip to Cape Coast, Ghana, where he delivered anesthesia to children undergoing general surgery procedures. During this experience, he recognized the difference made when health care is delivered to populations that are otherwise unable to receive medical services.

Christian completed his Bachelor of Arts at Transylvania University in Lexington, KY, and obtained his MD degree from the University of Louisville in Louisville, KY. He moved to Chicago for his anesthesiology residency at Northwestern University where he joined the anesthesia faculty. After three years, Altman moved back to Louisville for a private practice anesthesiology position.

Soon after, Altman rediscovered his interest in public health.

Moving back to his home state of Kentucky made him realize the abundance of chronic health conditions and health disparities that exist in that region of the U.S.

Specifically, Altman observed high rates of obesity, smoking, and diabetes in his patients and decided to embark on a new career path to work in public health. Altman developed subsequent interests in expanding preventive medical care, reducing cancer disparities, and improving health care quality.

Altman chose to pursue the public health field and expand his education by joining the E-PHAP program. The program is flexible enough that Altman is able to complete coursework while working full-time.

In the future, he wishes to transition away from clinical medicine and move into an administrative role with a community non-profit or other public health-related employment.

“I believe my medical background combined with skills learned through the E-PHAP program will make me a unique and desirable candidate for such a position,” says Altman

While he does not yet know the specific path he will take once finishing his MPH degree, Altman looks forward to making a difference in the community.

Altman was recently selected as a National Association of City & County Officials Local Public Health Policy and Practice Scholars, where he will work with a local public health mentor on several of Kentucky’s pressing chronic disease problems. The position will serve as Altman’s field experience and may grow into a master’s project.

~ Post by Mona Rath