Cape Breton grad eyes Canadian public health career

Usha Dhakal stepped off a university graduation stage with a diploma and a drive to tackle social factors shaping public health.

Usha, a member of the East Cape Breton Community Health Board since 2024, graduated from Cape Breton University with credentials in healthcare management.

In her native Nepal, she spent nearly five years in public health programs focused on health education, promotion and prevention. These experiences inspired her to continue pursuing a career in the health sector. 

As an international student, she is now further committed to working in the public health system in Canada and is seeking opportunities.

“I'm passionate about continuing my work,” she says. “I’m especially interested in working within sociodemographic health sectors and school-based health programs. That’s the direction I hope to take my career here in Canada, although I’m staying open to how things unfold.”

As a member of the East Cape Breton Community Health Board, she’s pleased to be serving her community and appreciated the chance to learn more about what boards do. She encourages more people to get involved with community health boards where they live. She heard about hers from senior university leadership.

“I wanted to find ways to contribute to the community and learn more about Canada’s healthcare and public health systems,” Usha says. “I reached out to the dean of public health who also serves as the chairperson of the East Cape Breton Community Health Board and shared my interest in volunteering and connecting with sociodemographic health initiatives. She was very encouraging and said my experience could be valuable to their work and that I would gain meaningful insights into how public health operates in Canada.”

In the South Asian nation where she spent her childhood, she joined an American-based health organization, which proved transformative, she says, as the experience gave her a deeper understanding and shaped her perspective on the impact public health can have on communities.

“Growing up in Nepal, which is a developing nation, I witnessed first-hand how difficult it was for people to access proper health services. Many lacked awareness, and essential care was often out of reach,” Usha notes. “That reality inspired me to pursue a career in public health.”

Community health boards work to improve sociodemographic conditions of the community, which ultimately contribute to better public health, she says. “I think that’s a brilliant way to make a meaningful impact.”

The community health board talks about “real problems”, such as student concerns, food insecurity, and program funding.

“Our team would meet and discuss how to prioritize sectors and decide who we could support through the wellness fund. There were many requests and we had to think carefully about advocacy and impact,” Usha points out. “I was also able to share my own perspective as a student and as someone new to Canada. I brought forward issues I’ve seen and I realized how the board can truly help address them.”

She wants to remain on the board and call Cape Breton home.

“I care deeply about it and I want to keep contributing to its health and well-being.”

Photo of Usha Dhakal, originally of Nepal, who lives in Cape Breton and is a member of the East Cape Breton Community Health Board.