A two-time Trojan, Ani Misirian became interested in global health after completing a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Armenia. During her year abroad, she volunteered in different health-related nonprofit organizations and witnessed firsthand how various economic and sociocultural issues contribute to health disparities. The tireless work of the professionals she shadowed throughout her time in Armenia inspired Misirian to dedicate her professional life to improving health.

Upon her return to the United States, Misirian matriculated in the Keck School of Medicine of USC’s Master of Science in Global Medicine program. In this program, she deepened her understanding of current issues and disparities in global health while studying different initiatives undertaken to combat such issues on both the local and international scales.

Misirian has expressed that the most rewarding experience in the program was having the opportunity to work with Legacy LA, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization dedicated to youth development, through an elective grant-writing course taught by Global Medicine faculty Monica Gomez, MPP, part-time lecturer for the Department for Medical Education. Misirian worked with a team of two peers to draft grant documents for a youth workforce development program. She is particularly grateful to have learned from her classmates in the program and professionals in the nonprofit world while using this educational opportunity to be of service to the community.

Eager to pursue a career in service, Misirian will begin her studies as a medical student in the Keck School next fall. She hopes eventually to return to Armenia, where her interest in global health was inspired, to contribute to improving health in the country.