The “Meet MGH Global Health Series” spotlights the passionate, diverse members of our global health team at home and abroad who believe everyone, everywhere has a right to good health.
Meet MGH Global Health: Kristen Giambusso
Kristen Giambusso, MPH
Today we introduce Kristen Giambusso, MPH!
Giambusso is the Deputy Director of Global Disaster Response and Humanitarian Action (GDRHA). She is a Boston University School of Public Health graduate with experience working overseas in Zimbabwe and Peru before joining CGH.
What does your day-to-day job look like?
Working in global health, especially in disaster response, no two days are the same. We are almost always in one of the phases of a response, whether it’s planning, preparation, ongoing response, or post-response. Quiet/non-deployment times are opportunities to work on reorganizing, improving processes, ongoing projects, strategic planning, etc.
What led you to work in global health?
My first job out of undergrad was as a Project Coordinator at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH). I wanted to explore a possible career in healthcare administration or clinical medicine. However, through the BWH job, I was exposed to interesting public health and international health-related work and felt very drawn to it. After a few years at BWH, I pursued my MPH in International Health, which opened my eyes to the many rewarding opportunities and fascinating complexities of working in the global health field.
What is something you love about your work at CGH?
I appreciate the culture of critically reflecting on our global health work to examine how we can uphold cultural humility while working in communities and populations outside of our own. Furthermore, there is such a variety and wealth of knowledge and experience in the CGH community. Having the opportunity to be constantly learning from others and the ever-evolving field in general feels like a real privilege.
What advice do you have for someone else thinking about working in global health?
Think about what kind of work you really love doing, how you can gain experience and knowledge in that area, and how you see yourself realistically impacting global health work. I would also advise patience—take time (if possible) to volunteer and network, take “imperfect” jobs that will build concrete skills to expand your knowledge of the field and your skillset, and be prepared to have some unexpected experiences along the way.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Bike rides, walks/hikes, live music, dinner parties, board games
Where is a place you enjoy spending time?
I lived in San Francisco for 6 years and will go back to the Bay Area for a visit any chance I get.
