CPH 36 — From First-Gen to Trailblazer: A Conversation with Dr. Maram Museitif

In this episode, Dr. Maram Museitif shares what it means to be a first-generation college graduate, a Palestinian American public health doctor, and the "empathy princess" in systems that weren't built for her. She talks about fighting for the chance to go to college, becoming the first doctor in her family, and then watching her sister, niece, and cousins follow—turning one act of courage into generational change. She also speaks honestly about being a visibly Palestinian, hijab-wearing woman in predominantly white spaces—about being misjudged before she even speaks, even being asked if she speaks English, and still choosing to lead with empathy, evidence, and conviction. And she shares a bold vision rooted in hope: rebuilding trust in public health, expanding access to care, and creating a future where the next generation doesn't have to fight as hard as she has. Meet Dr. Maram Museitif Dr. Maram Museitif is a public health doctor, cancer researcher, and strategic leader with over a decade of experience in health policy, cancer prevention, survivorship, healthcare delivery and health systems innovation. She is a Postdoctoral Associate at the University of Florida College of Medicine, where her research focuses on HPV cancer prevention and implementation science in rural counties.   Beyond research, Dr. Museitif has dedicated her career to reducing health disparities and strengthening community health systems. She serves on the Central Health Board of Managers in Austin, Texas, shaping care for the safety-net population and improving access. She previously chaired her community's School Health Advisory Council, where she advanced health and safety initiatives for students. She has also served as a City of Austin Human Rights Commissioner, reflecting her deep belief in civic duty and public service.   Her career spans local, statewide, national, and international roles, including work with Yale University, UT Southwestern, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Texas Department of State Health Services, and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. Her leadership and service have been recognized with honors such as the Top Healthcare Leader Award from the National Healthcare Diversity Council, the Ascendant Award from Leadership Austin, and the Jessie A. Yoas Memorial Advocacy Award from the Texas Public Health Association.   A first-generation Palestinian American, Dr. Museitif leads with empathy and courage, shaped by her personal journey and professional path. With a deep breadth of experience spanning research, policy, governance, and community service, her mission extends beyond cancer prevention to bridging public health and health care, advancing health equity, and building systems that ensure every community and person has the opportunity to thrive.   Listen To This Episode of The Courageous Public Health Podcast Conversation Highlights Becoming the First Doctor in Her Family — Dr. Museitif shares the courage it took to fight for her education, return to the U.S. on her own terms, and become the first in her family to earn a doctorate—setting off a wave of generational change. Holding Space as a Palestinian, Hijab-Wearing Public Health Leader — She speaks honestly about being misjudged, underestimated, or asked if she even speaks English—and why she still chooses to lead with empathy, presence, and unwavering integrity. When "No" Becomes a Redirection — Dr. Museitif reflects on rejection in academia and public health, and how each setback strengthened her commitment to equity, evidence, and serving communities who are too often ignored. Empathy as a Professional Superpower — From "empathy princess" to systems influencer, she explains how authentic connection, listening, and humanity drive every part of her work—from clinical research to school health leadership. A Vision Rooted in Trust and Access — Looking ahead, she names her hope for a future where evidence is trusted, public health is understood, and health care is finally treated as a human right—not a privilege. "I am the empathy princess… and that is really one of the most cherished titles that I can have." — Dr. Maram Museitif   Stay In Touch   With Dr. Maram Museitif:   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maram-museitif-drph-mph-cph-7b4b8b13/ Email: [email protected]    With Dr. Kristi McClamroch:   Email - [email protected] LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch/ Website: www.CourageousPublicHealth.com   Subscribe to Weekly Courageous Public Health Podcast Updates - http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6   **Remember to Like the Episode, Subscribe, and Leave a Review!**   Public Health Consulting To Support You   At Courageous Public Health, we are turning up the volume on courage among public health professionals.    We support public health organizations through workshop design and facilitation, and speaking engagements. Interested in working with us? Reach out on email, LinkedIn, or our website!

There are no comments yet.

Please log in to write the first comment.