Harini Padmanaban, MD, MPH, CHES ®

My personal and professional interests have been shaped by the places that I have lived in and the incredible people I have met along the way. During my time in medical school, I realized that I was far more intrigued by issues outside of the clinical encounter – the complex interplay of sociopolitical, environmental and behavioral factors that affect health and well-being. This inspired me to seek my Master of Public Health (MPH) at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. Learning inside and outside the classroom has challenged me to expand my thinking and to view health of individuals and communities in a more holistic manner. I am excited to combine my knowledge, skills and creative interests to find innovative ways to impact change at a community level.
i am guided by:
Authenticity - working towards being the truest version of myself, in all areas of my life.
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Growth - embracing opportunities to reflect & evolve.
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Curiosity - asking questions & learning for the sake of learning.
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Connection - building meaningful relationships.
my journey:
Aug 2018 - Mar 2020: Washington Heights, NY
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Started MPH program
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Had an epiphany - I love public health!
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Made some more amazing friends
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Completed an incredible practicum with the coolest mentors (see Project REACH)​
1992 - 2010: Francistown, Botswana
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Born to Indian immigrant parents
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Attended primary & secondary school
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Could be found curled up on an old armchair every Friday with my nose in a book, including:
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Enid Blyton​ books
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Nancy Drew Mysteries
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Agatha Christie novels
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the Harry Potter series
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Jan 2021 - Dec 2021: Macon, GA
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Got vaccinated
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Started an ORISE fellowship at the CDC, in the Division of Adolescent and School Health
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Got my drivers license
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Adopted Shadow, my 4-year old rescue
Jan 2017 - Jun 2017: Miami, FL
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Continued clinical rotations
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Expanded my friend-circle



Jan 2013 - Dec 2015: Grenada, West Indies
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Commenced medical school
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Lived right next to the ocean
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Didn't visit said ocean as often as I would have liked
Aug 2016 - Nov 2016: Watford, UK
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Started clinical rotations
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Became a better communicator
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Visited Warner Bros. studio in Leavesden where the Harry Potter movie series was filmed
Jan 2022 - present: Atlanta, GA
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Drove on the highway for the first time
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Joined the Board of Directors for the South Asian Public Health Association (SAPHA), as Co-Chair of the Communications Committee
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Joined the CDC Fellows Professional Development Collective, as Co-Chair of the Executive Committee
Aug 2010 - Dec 2012: Bowling Green, Ohio
- Left the nest & got my first taste of adulting
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Pursued undergraduate studies in Biology, at the Bowling Green State University
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Worked as mathematics tutor and supplemental instructor of genetics
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Joined the fencing club
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Was terrible at fencing
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Experienced snowfall for the first time
Jul 2017 - Jun 2018: Brooklyn, NY
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Conquered my fear of getting lost in the NYC subway
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Completed 4th year of medical school
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Made life-altering decision to join an MPH program
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Graduated from medical school





