Public Health Insights with Prof. Sharmeen Yasmeen:
Distinguished Academic and Public Health Expert

Q. What inspired you to pursue a career in public health academia, and how has your journey and experience evolved through your various vital roles at Bangladesh Medical College?

Prof. Sharmeen Yasmeen: Initially, I aspired to become a paediatrician, with microbiology as my second choice. However, my professional journey took a different turn when I was appointed as a Lecturer in Community Medicine at Bangladesh Medical College (BMC) in 1992. While teaching, I discovered the true value of Public Health and its critical role in health promotion and disease prevention. Though opportunities arose to switch to clinical disciplines or microbiology, my growing passion for public health led me to commit fully to this field.

Following the completion of my postgraduate studies, I was promoted to Assistant Professor under the leadership of Prof. M. D. Husain, a dynamic and dedicated department head. Together, we actively promoted public health through seminars, symposia, CME, CPD programs, research initiatives, and journal clubs—many of which I led. These efforts significantly influenced our students and colleagues, inspiring many to pursue successful public health careers both nationally and internationally. Even clinicians began incorporating public health perspectives into their practice.

I also actively participated in Mobile Health Camps organized by Bangladesh Medical College Hospital in rural areas across the country. These initiatives effectively raised community awareness and helped bridge the gap between curative medicine and public health. I remain grateful to the visionary founding leadership of BMC, whose support was instrumental in advancing public health education and practice during those formative years.

Q. As a seasoned academic, how do you assess the current landscape and challenges facing public health academicians in Bangladesh?

Prof. Sharmeen Yasmeen: Globally, public health offers promising and dynamic career prospects, particularly for academicians. In Bangladesh, while public health education has seen some curriculum-based changes over the past decade, many of these lack practical applicability. Faculty members often remain confined to limited roles, receive minimal institutional support, and face underutilization—leading to professional dissatisfaction.

Despite the evolving nature of public health challenges, corresponding reforms in teaching and faculty development have been minimal. Institutional and national initiatives to build faculty capacity are insufficient, and professional public health bodies remain largely inactive in fostering collaboration and advocacy.

Our healthcare system continues to be predominantly clinically oriented, which naturally draws students toward clinical disciplines during their academic journey. The absence of strategic workforce planning has resulted in an imbalanced skill mix in the health sector.

As a public health academic with 33 years of experience, it is disheartening to acknowledge that we have not yet done justice to the academic advancement of this field. Critical areas such as competency-based curricula, faculty development, community-engaged teaching, and a supportive educational environment remain unaddressed, leaving public health education in Bangladesh far from its full potential.

Q. Looking back on your career, what do you consider your most significant contribution or accomplishment as a faculty member within a leading public health institution in Bangladesh?

Prof. Sharmeen Yasmeen: After completing my MPhil in 2005, I was promoted to Professor in 2007. Since then, I have been actively engaged in institutional development, including faculty development programs and research capacity building—both within Bangladesh Medical College (BMC) and in collaboration with external organizations.

I am a founding member and former Chairperson (2019–2020) of the Public Health Foundation, Bangladesh (PHF, BD), where I now serve as an Adviser. I have played a key role in organizing 10 international public health conferences since 2013.

As a committed social activist, I currently serve as Chairperson of the Autism Welfare Foundation, which provides schooling and services for over 150 individuals with autism. I am also the Managing Director of Smart Healthcare and Research Limited (SHRL), which focuses on maternal and child health, professional capacity building, research, and the use of technology to expand affordable healthcare access.

Representing these organizations, I have participated in numerous national and international forums—as an advocate, speaker, expert panel member, and chair of scientific sessions. Each of these roles has enriched my professional journey, and I remain a lifelong learner, open to new knowledge and collaboration.

The most fulfilling aspect of my career has been my students. Today, many of them serve in both public health and clinical disciplines across Bangladesh and abroad, often applying a public health lens in their work. Knowing I played a role in shaping their values and perspectives brings me profound satisfaction.

Q. You have inspired many emerging public health professionals through your leadership in academia and volunteer work. What motivates you to continue mentoring and guiding the next generation of public health leaders?

Prof. Sharmeen Yasmeen: My inspiration comes from my students’ curiosity. I continuously seek ways to simplify complex public health concepts to enhance their understanding and enable effective application in exams and real-world settings. This approach not only strengthens their academic performance but also fosters genuine interest in public health and research.

I remain accessible to guide, support, and encourage students whenever needed. As educators, we hold the responsibility to nurture them as future health leaders. Many of them engage as public health volunteers in conferences and workshops, and we organize various training programs for them—ranging from research and career planning to CPD, leadership, health fairs, camps, exhibitions, and disaster management events.

Driven by a sense of social accountability, I believe that sharing knowledge and expertise is a vital contribution to building a healthier society. This commitment helps inspire and empower the next generation of public health professionals.

Q. In your view, what are the three essential qualities and skills women need to succeed and thrive in public health academia in Bangladesh, given the existing challenges and emerging opportunities?

Prof. Sharmeen Yasmeen:

• Stay conscience and never compromise to your self-respect.
• Become a lifetime learner to improve yourself toward infinity.
• Accepting challenge will make you more confident and bold.