NYMC > School of Health Sciences and Practice (SHSP) > SHSP Alumni Profiles > Molly McAleer

Molly McAleer, M.P.H. ’17

Molly McAleerMolly McAleer, M.P.H. ’17
Behavioral Sciences & Health Promotion

School of Health Sciences and Practice

What made you choose New York Medical College?

I chose New York Medical College (NYMC) because of its opportunities in the field of public health that I found most pertinent to my own interests. After receiving a Bachelor of Science in Public Health at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, I wanted to dive deeper into my studies of the field by focusing specifically on behavioral sciences and health promotion. The Certificate in Global Health was also a major draw for me because of my experience in healthcare settings internationally. My desire to learn more about the health of populations across the world including health disparities, risk factors, increasing access and advocacy initiatives fueled my desire to pursue this certificate along with my Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degree.

What is your fondest memory of New York Medical College?

My fondest memory at NYMC was the capstone course I completed during my last semester in the program. Through this course, I was able to gain great practical experience through working with a local community-based organization alongside my fellow classmates. Our class collaborated extensively throughout our project, which stimulated a sense of camaraderie and a team-based approach. We were led by Penny Liberatos, M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D., assistant professor and director, M.P.H. Studies, Behavioral Sciences and Health Promotion, who was an exceptional professor, mentor and wealth of knowledge. I learned so many helpful skills throughout the course and was proud to hear that our project had won first place at the New York State Public Health Association conference.

What is your current professional role/position and some highlights of your career track?

I currently work for a nonprofit organization in the field of public health, which works closely with various Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in New York City. Through this experience, I have been able to see how a federal public health program, which aims to stretch scarce resources among FQHCs, has generated revenue and impacted the health of local communities.

Based on your experiences, what advice would you give to future students and/or future alumni of New York Medical College?

I would advise future students and/or alumni of NYMC to find their niche in a field that interests them and to pursue it fully and passionately. The opportunities that lie in the field of health sciences are some of the most fulfilling, rewarding and crucial positions in this day and aim to promote overall public health--students should be proud to devote their lives and careers to such humanitarian efforts.

When you're not working, where are you most likely to be found/what are you most likely to be doing?

When I'm not working, I can be found spending time with the people I love, being outdoors, traveling, staying active and volunteering my free time towards initiatives I care about.