Policy and Advocacy Director

Katie Cowie

pad@studentsforglobalhealth.org

Hi I’m Katie, a 4th year medic at St George’s and I am Policy & Advocacy Director for 2021-22. I first became interested in global health after doing medical placement in Tanzania, where I was exposed to the harsh realities of a LMIC health system, especially the effect of HIV on children. Since then I have attended global health conferences regularly and getting involved in WHO simulations.  Last year I restarted the SfGH St George’s branch after a 3 year hiatus where we ran events looking at gender, leadership and the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, I am super excited to work on our coordinated theme of Race and Health  and I am looking forward to involving our branches in advocating for equality in their universities and across the NHS. Other projects I am thrilled about starting include implementing our political strategy across our organisation with a focus on creating relationships with our local MPs and government, as well as working with the Antimicrobial Resistance national working group and training up future advocates, creating change across a wide variety of issues.

Bylaw mandated responsibilities:

  1. Creating, developing and using Students for Global Health policy – ensuring the network has a strong position on global health issues.
  2. Ensuring Students for Global Health is represented in decision making at local, national (with the National Director) and international level (with the Director of International Affairs).
  3. Coordinate the national Advocacy Team who will organise actions, events and grassroots training.
  4. Encourage international activism – work with the Director of International Affairs to promote advocacy with our international partners, which could include the chance to attend the IFMSA meeting(s) and organise the UK delegation’s advocacy work.
  5. Ensure that there are opportunities for workshops and training on relevant topics.