An Engaging Conversation with Professor Dr Muhammad Aziz Rahman on Public Health Careers and Contributions

Q. What drew you to public health?

Muhammad Aziz: My journey into public health was shaped by a strong commitment to creating meaningful impact at the population level, rather than focusing only on individual-level change. Growing up in Bangladesh, I was exposed to the realities faced by communities affected by preventable diseases, health inequities, environmental risks, and limited access to essential health services. These experiences helped me understand that health is influenced not only by clinical care, but also by broader social, economic, environmental, and policy determinants. This perspective inspired me to pursue a career in public health, not to continue as a medical doctor. Public health provides a powerful platform to generate evidence, influence systems, shape policy decisions, and contribute to sustainable improvements in health and wellbeing for large populations. For me, it has always been a field where research and action come together to improve lives and advance health equity.

Q. What key areas are you currently focusing on to advance global health?

Muhammad Aziz: My current work is focused on advancing evidence that can inform policy, strengthen health systems, and improve population health outcomes. A major focus of my research is on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), tobacco control policy, migrant health and wellbeing in Australia, and the broader determinants of health, including discrimination and social inequities at the global level. I am also actively engaged in global burden of disease research, which provides critical insights into changing patterns of morbidity, mortality, and risk factors across countries and populations. In addition, I continue to contribute to policy translation and health systems capacity building, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where the need for sustainable, context-specific public health solutions is especially important. Across these areas, my priority is to ensure that high-quality research does not remain confined to academic publications but is translated into practical policy action, stronger public health practice, and measurable improvements in the lives of communities.

Q. What has been your greatest professional achievement so far, and what is the most significant challenge you have encountered in your career?

Muhammad Aziz: One of my most meaningful professional achievements has been the opportunity to establish and sustain global research collaborations that bring together academics, practitioners, policymakers, and institutions across different countries. These partnerships have enabled me to share knowledge and expertise, contribute to evidence generation, and support research that is relevant to diverse population health contexts. Equally rewarding has been my role in mentoring early-career researchers, supervising PhD students through to completion, and contributing to academic capacity building at both national and international levels. For me, these achievements are significant not only because of the outputs they have produced, but also because of the long-term impact they create through people, partnerships, and strengthened public health systems.

One of the most significant challenges in my career has been bridging the persistent gap between evidence generation and policy implementation. Public health research can produce strong and compelling data, but translating that evidence into timely, practical, and sustainable policy action often requires navigating complex political priorities, resource constraints, institutional processes, and competing stakeholder interests. This experience has reinforced my understanding that meaningful impact depends not only on scientific rigor, but also on effective communication, strategic relationship-building, policy advocacy, and sustained engagement with decision-makers.

Q. What is your role within the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) and how would you describe its impact on the public health community?

Muhammad Aziz: I have been a longstanding and active member of the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA), contributing through several leadership roles over many years. These include serving as a Vice President for the past two years, a Board Member for the past five years, and Convenor of the Health Promotion Special Interest Group for the past seven years. In recognition of my sustained contribution to the Association and the broader public health community, I was honored last year as a Fellow of the Public Health Association of Australia (FPHAA). Through PHAA, I contribute to national public health advocacy, research translation, policy dialogue, and professional capacity building. The Association plays a vital role in shaping public health priorities in Australia by bringing together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and advocates to promote evidence-informed action. Its influence is particularly important in areas such as prevention, tobacco control, health equity, and health promotion, ensuring that these issues remain visible, evidence-based, and central to national policy discussions.

Q. What is next for you?

Muhammad Aziz: Looking ahead, my priority is to further strengthen global research partnerships that generate high-quality evidence and translate that evidence into meaningful improvements in population health and wellbeing. I am particularly interested in advancing work that connects rigorous research with policy, practice, and community impact, especially in areas such as non-communicable disease prevention, tobacco control, health equity, migrant health, and global burden of disease research. Equally important to me is building the capability of the next generation of public health researchers, practitioners, and leaders through mentoring, supervision, and international collaboration. Ultimately, I see the next phase of my career as an opportunity to expand the reach and relevance of public health research, support evidence-informed decision-making, and contribute to sustainable improvements in health outcomes locally, nationally, and globally.

Q. You’ve studied at renowned institutions across the world like Johns Hopkins University. What is the single biggest lesson that has stayed with you?

Muhammad Aziz: The most enduring lesson has been the importance of thinking globally while acting locally. Studying and engaging with renowned institutions exposed me to diverse intellectual traditions, policy environments, and public health systems, which reinforced that effective solutions must be grounded in local realities while informed by the best available global evidence. It also deepened my understanding that complex public health challenges cannot be addressed through a single discipline or perspective. They require collaboration across epidemiology, health policy, behavioral science, environmental health, economics, and community engagement. This experience has shaped the way I approach my work: with a commitment to evidence-informed decision-making, contextual sensitivity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and practical impact for the communities we serve.

Q. Having significant working experiences in both Bangladesh and Australia, how do you compare the professional experiences and career opportunities in these two countries?

Muhammad Aziz: Both Bangladesh and Australia have offered me valuable but distinct professional experiences. Bangladesh provided high-impact, community-oriented exposure, where resource constraints often required innovation, resilience, and adaptability. Australia, by contrast, has provided a more structured research environment, supported by strong funding mechanisms, robust governance systems, and clearer pathways for policy engagement. Together, these experiences have strengthened my appreciation of contextual intelligence—the ability to translate global evidence into locally relevant solutions. From a career development perspective, I have also observed that many early-career professionals in Bangladesh are not always fully aware of the breadth of academic and public health opportunities available in Australia. This makes appropriate guidance, mentoring, and professional networking particularly important in helping them navigate global career pathways.

Q. What advice would you give to someone in Bangladesh who aspires to work in global health and academia at the global level?

Muhammad Aziz: My advice would be to focus first on developing strong foundational capabilities in research, critical thinking, communication, and ethical practice. Formal qualifications are important, but they should not be viewed simply as certificates or titles; their real value lies in how effectively they strengthen one’s ability to ask meaningful questions, generate evidence, and contribute to better health outcomes. For those aspiring to work in global health and academia, it is essential to remain open to interdisciplinary learning, actively seek international collaboration, and build professional networks beyond one’s immediate environment. Mentorship is also critical—both in receiving guidance from experienced colleagues and, over time, in supporting others. Most importantly, I would encourage young professionals to stay connected to real-world public health challenges. Global health is not defined only by working abroad; it is defined by the ability to make a meaningful and sustainable impact, whether at the local, national, or international level.

Q. Whom do you most admire in professional life, and why?

Muhammad Aziz: I deeply admire public health leaders, whether an early-career or a senior professional, who combine scientific excellence with a genuine commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of communities. I am particularly inspired by individuals whose work creates meaningful impact beyond academia, whether through research translation, community engagement, policy advocacy, or health systems strengthening. I also value leaders who use evidence to influence relevant policy change, mentor and support the next generation of professionals, and remain grounded in ethical principles, integrity, and service to the public good. For me, the most admirable professionals are those who not only achieve personal success but also create opportunities for others and contribute to lasting improvements in population health at local, national, and global levels.

Q. What are you currently writing?

Muhammad Aziz: At this stage, my writing is primarily focused on developing scholarly publications from the research projects I am involved in, rather than writing a single book. I strongly believe that every well-designed research project should lead to high-quality publications, as this is how we document evidence, share knowledge with the wider academic and professional community, and contribute to policy and practice. This includes manuscripts arising from my own research, collaborative projects, and the work of my PhD students and mentees. Supporting them through the publication process is an important part of my academic role, as it helps strengthen their research capacity, build their professional profiles, and ensure that valuable findings are disseminated effectively. In that sense, my current “writing” is centred on transforming research evidence into publications that can inform public health knowledge, policy, and practice.

Q. Do you have a personal motto or mantra you live by?

Muhammad Aziz: My personal motto is, “Be honest with yourself.” I believe self-honesty is essential for making meaningful decisions, remaining grounded in one’s values, and pursuing work with purpose and integrity. My advice to the next generation is that life is too short for regret, so it is important to choose a profession that brings both personal fulfilment and a genuine sense of contribution.

Q. Do you see yourself returning to Bangladesh in the coming years, considering your current career abroad (Australia)?

Muhammad Aziz: Bangladesh remains deeply important to me, both professionally and personally. The foundation of who I am today was shaped by the education, opportunities, and values I received there. I remain profoundly grateful for the scholarships and support that enabled my education through government school, college, and medical school. That support was made possible, directly or indirectly, through the contribution of the people of Bangladesh, and I feel a lasting sense of responsibility and indebtedness to give back. For this reason, Bangladesh will always remain central to my professional service, collaboration, and capacity-building efforts. While I am currently based in Australia, I see my role as a global contributor who can support health systems, strengthen research capacity, and contribute to policy development across countries, including Bangladesh. Returning in some capacity, whether through advisory roles, institutional partnerships, mentoring, or collaborative public health initiatives, is certainly part of my long-term vision.