Mohamed Zebda and Leslie Rafanan are both MPH graduates of SPH - Class of 2009 where they first became friends. They were in the same classes and learned about the importance of health promotion, disease prevention, and the social determinants of health. The goal for both individuals was to become physicians. They both knew the mastering of public health concepts would only make them stronger and more well-rounded physicians. In addition to taking classes at SPH, both took part in research. After graduating from SPH, Zebda and Rafanan were accepted into different medical schools but remained in touch. Several years later, to their surprise, Zebda and Rafanan entered residency programs at the same institution, Texas Tech University Health Science Center in El Paso. Dr. Zebda was matched into the pediatrics program while Dr. Rafanan was matched into the obstetrics and gynecology program. Drs. Zebda and Rafanan, proud graduates of Texas A&M SPH, again worked together as colleagues to perfect their crafts as physicians and to also promote preventive health practices. Moreover, having a background in public health allowed both physicians to profoundly understand the impact of social factors on the patient population they served. The two colleagues worked closely together in the hospital. In fact, Dr. Rafanan delivered the newborns of her patients and within minutes of delivery, Dr. Rafanan handed the newborns to Dr. Zebda for a pediatric newborn assessment. The first time Dr. Rafanan transitioned care of a newborn to Dr. Zebda was truly a full-circle moment for both physicians! The two physicians have come a long way since graduating from SPH and both are thankful for the great public health education they obtained. The solid foundation in public health helped to shape the physicians they are today.
