Azzam Althomali, M.P.H. '22, Has Devoted His Career to the Safety of Others

But these realizations weren’t immediate; they came through years of dedication and practice. From a young age, Althomali had a deep curiosity for the world around him. “I often wondered how things were formed, how substances interacted with one another, and how one material could transform into another,” he said.

This interest led him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in chemistry at Taif University in Saudi Arabia. Althomali’s undergraduate studies ignited his interest in public health. "I became increasingly interested in how environmental factors and chemical exposures affect human health. Environmental health provided a natural bridge between my scientific background and my desire to improve community health,” he said.

With a desire to continue learning, Althomali received a scholarship from the Saudi Ministry of Health to pursue graduate studies in public health. Then he moved to the United States and enrolled at New York Medical College's (NYMC) School of Health Science and Practice, obtaining a Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in environmental health, as well as an advanced certificate in industrial hygiene. He chose NYMC for the vast opportunities to gain practical skills and engage with faculty and students from diverse backgrounds, who helped him understand that public health challenges are multifaceted.

But Althomali wanted to further broaden his chance to make an impact. He earned a certification as a public health specialist through the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties and began to pursue his Doctor of Public Health (Dr.P.H.) degree at NYMC. “My goal has never been limited to understanding public health challenges. I also want to contribute to practical solutions that can improve health systems and communities,” Althomali said.

As a doctoral candidate, Althomali has found interest in researching the impact of a city environment on community health. His doctoral dissertation is focused on how public policy, environmental health, and government decisions influence the health of a larger community. “Through this work, I hope to provide insights that can support decision-makers and organizations in developing healthier and more sustainable communities,” Althomali said.

There’s another element to Althomali’s professional interests. As an undergraduate, Althomali realized that he enjoyed “not only learning science but also sharing it with others,” so he earned a Higher Diploma in Education from Umm Al-Qura University. After he receives his Dr.P.H., Althomali wants to help educate future public health professionals in addition to continuing his research on creating healthier communities.

After he graduates, Althomali is keeping his options open about whether to remain in the United States or return to Saudi Arabia. For now, his priority is to find the best opportunity to practice all that he has learned.

“Ultimately, I aspire to combine teaching, research, and community service to make a meaningful and lasting contribution to public health,” Althomali said.