Ethan Brackett

Master in Public Administration candidate
John F. Kennedy School of Government

Prior Education

University of Massachusetts Medical School, M.D.
Harvard College, A.B., magna cum laude

Professional Experience

Codman Square Health Center: Family Physician, Diabetes Collaborative Team Leader
Boston Medical Center: Family Medicine Resident, Resident Union Co-president
Cambridge Hospital Multidisciplinary AIDS Program: HIV/AIDS Counselor and Outreach Coordinator

Biography

As a high school-aged public health volunteer in rural Paraguay and Brazil, I witnessed the positive impact of prevention education, advocacy, and resource allocation in underserved populations. My experience seeded a long-held belief that sustainable change is possible when one engages the strengths of individuals and communities. I resolved to learn more about Latin American communities and hoped to serve immigrants in a future career. Today, as a community physician for urban immigrants, I have realized that dream, but still feel there is much work to be done. My patients’ narratives highlight the plights of minority, urban, underserved families and neighborhoods: poor nutrition, violence, poverty stress, unhealthy environments, and chronic illness, occurring at much higher rates than in wealthier districts.

Despite my training and experience, I feel ill-equipped to challenge or change the policies, economics, and corporate interests that hinder universal wellness. Armed with practical expertise from my degree and fellowship, a professional network of mentors and peers, and the continuing stories of my patients, I hope to sway health policy in favor of Massachusetts’ urban underserved.