Romana Ranchadiya was working as a doctor at a children’s hospital when she saw she could make a bigger impact by pivoting to a field that could create health at a far greater scale than any physician, clinic, or hospital: community health.
To shape tomorrow, she knew she had to start today – a decision that led her to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
That move changed her life. “Icahn Mount Sinai’s strong focus on research and innovation really stood out to me, and being here has given me the chance to learn from amazing faculty and be part of meaningful projects,” she says.
Xueping Sharon Goh, an international student from Singapore, agrees. At the school that serves as the sole academic partner for the Mount Sinai Health System, globally acclaimed for excellence in research, patient care, and education across a range of specialties, she deepened her passion for maternal and child health, community health, and tackling social and environmental drivers of health. “The programme has given me the confidence and tools to pursue meaningful change in global health,” she says.
Their stories highlight how Icahn Mount Sinai’s MPH programme empowers students from all backgrounds to address pressing health challenges. Here, it’s all about shaping healthier communities worldwide.
Bringing better health to all is at the heart of all public health programmes at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Source: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Located in the heart of New York City, the Icahn Mount Sinai is an international leader in biomedical education, public health, basic and clinical research, and patient care. It is connected to eight hospital campuses, giving students access to a vast network of clinical environments. With more than 7,000 faculty members, 1,200 students, and 2,500 residents and fellows, it consistently ranks among the top academic medical centres and schools in the US.
This scale provides international students with many in-depth, immersive opportunities. They learn from world-class faculty as well as leading experts across medicine, basic science, policy & management and public health. It’s a culture that promotes curiosity, challenges established practices, and encourages bold thinking about how to solve some of today’s most pressing health challenges. The chance to contribute to innovative projects is often what makes an education here life-changing, as Ranchadiya says.
Curricula reflect this. To turn theory into action, the MPH leverages real-world data from one of the region’s largest health systems in a research ecosystem that works with AI… which is being used to help emergency departments predict admissions more effectively, and studies ways to promote public health, such as reducing exposure to “forever chemicals” As just some examples. This unique ecosystem provides broad opportunities for students to acquire practical experience working with real world data and communities across the globe to complete the required 150 hours of practice based experiences and a capstone project.
And to transform students into leaders, modules merge multiple disciplines and embed emerging trends. These keep students in pace with the latest in the field and grasp the full potential of public health’s impact. Paired with a student body where almost half are from outside the US and insights from the school’s international collaborations, the MPH gives a big-picture view of the field broadening both career trajectories and geographic horizons.
Alongside the MPH, Icahn Mount Sinai offers a range of specialised master’s programmes just as innovative and high-impact. The MS in Epidemiology allows students to work directly with internationally recognised researchers, covering subjects from infectious diseases and chronic conditions to environmental health and social determinants of health. The MS in Clinical Research (MSCR) is tailored for those who want to lead or collaborate in clinical studies. It equips students to become principal investigators and serves as a pathway to careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or advanced study in medicine and science.
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai’s public health programmes embrace the complexity of modern challenges of the field in a large-scale, data-rich training ground. Source: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
For those drawn to data, the MS in Biostatistics focuses on applying mathematics, statistics, and computing to address healthcare challenges. It prepares students for doctoral study in biostatistics, data science, or epidemiology as well. Another option is the Master of Health Administration, where students learn to lead systemic change in health care settings. Many faculty members in this programme are senior leaders in the Mount Sinai Health System, giving students the chance to learn directly from those shaping healthcare today.
Faculty expertise is a defining strength of Icahn Mount Sinai. Professors bring knowledge in areas such as infectious disease, chronic disease prevention, global health systems, and health outcomes research. Their work regularly receives international recognition. Miriam Merad, MD, PhD, for example, was awarded the 2025 Sjöberg Prize for her pioneering research on the innate immune system and its role in cancer therapies. Her discoveries are opening the door to new treatment possibilities and better outcomes for patients worldwide.
Practical experience with professors of her calibre complements classroom learning. Internships, practicum placements, and research projects take place throughout New York City. It’s a great way to apply knowledge, gain hands-on skills, and build professional networks in one of the most dynamic hubs for healthcare innovation.
Career services and development provide more support. An integral part of an education here, the school runs workshops, on-campus recruitment, alumni events, and individual counselling sessions to help graduates transition successfully into the workforce.
For international students, building a career in a new country brings unique challenges, but Icahn Mount Sinai provides excellent support. The International Personnel Office helps with visa applications, compliance, and documentation, making the adjustment process smoother.
Ranchadiya values this assistance deeply. “The programme has helped me grow both academically and personally, and I’ve felt very supported as an international student adjusting to a new country,” she says.
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