COVID-19 has increased awareness of public health, health inequities, and shortcomings of the US health system, but it may also negatively impact college students in terms of opportunities for personal and professional growth. Dr. José Ramón Fernández-Peña, APHA President and Northwestern's director of Health Professions Advising, talks with Stephanie Desmon about how the pandemic is affecting undergraduate students, an increasing interest in and appreciation of public health work, and how this "disaster time" may be forcing students to grow up faster while robbing them of vital experiences to develop some skills and pursue professional opportunities.
KEYWORDS: student life; college; health equity
Public Health On Call