Kaitlyn Paltzat
MSc in Global Health
University of Geneva (Rotary Club of Lausanne and District 5360), 2022-2024
Kaitlyn is passionate about the many biological, social and political factors that influence health worldwide. She is particularly interested in newborn, child, and maternal health, with a special interest in how changing global landscapes can impact this essential demographic. She will pursue a Master of Science in Global Health at the University of Geneva and intends to intern at one of several NGOs located within Geneva during her studies there.
Before this, Kaitlyn received her Bachelor of Health Sciences degree from the University of Calgary, majoring in Biomedicine (Honours, First Class). Her passion for global health was sparked when she was selected to participate in the first-ever Cumming School of Medicine Uganda Global Health Field School in 2019. There, she worked directly with rural community members and local stakeholders to identify health concerns and develop solutions.
Since then, Kaitlyn has continued to work within global health efforts through the RISE program in Calgary, which aims to provide health education to refugee and immigrant youth in Calgary with the intention of creating strong health advocates directly within at-risk communities. Over the past few years, Kaitlyn has developed her community research skills through a qualitative study assessing patient experiences among seniors in Alberta. She has just recently completed the study and will be presenting at the International Diabetes Conference this year in Lisbon.