Convocation Spotlight: Sarah Demedeiros, MSc in health policy research
11 June 2025
Sarah Demedeiros’ desire to pursue a master’s in public health was driven by her exposure to the broader social and systemic determinants of health and disease throughout her undergraduate studies in biological sciences and nutrition. She learned that many health disparities and inequities are shaped by factors far beyond the health system and clinical care. “These inequities are deeply tied to the social and built environments people live in, the policies that govern them, and the resources they can (or can’t) access,” she says.
This knowledge shifted her focus away from a strictly biomedical view of health and disease toward advancing health and social equity through public health policy and interventions aimed at prevention and community well-being.
Here she shares what meant most to her during her studies, her plans for the future and advice for other potential graduate students in this program.
What drew you to this program?
Recognizing that short-term, reactive responses have only perpetuated gaps and inequities within our health system, I became deeply interested in collaborating with patients, caregivers, researchers, clinicians and decision-makers to meaningfully co-create sustainable, systems-level solutions that are reflective of diverse health and social needs.
What are you most proud of from your time in the program?
I had the honour of working alongside elders and knowledge keepers from Treaties 6, 7 and 8, as well as the Métis Nation of ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥, to support culturally responsive approaches for preserving and sharing Elder knowledge within health research. This project arose from the ongoing challenges of displacement and misuse of Indigenous knowledge in academic settings, highlighting the urgent need for knowledge-translation strategies that respect cultural protocols, promote autonomy and data sovereignty, and align health research with the priorities of Indigenous communities.
While I’m proud of many aspects of this work, what stands out most is the trust, love and friendships I’ve built with each elder, along with the wisdom and teachings they generously entrusted to me.
How did you stay motivated during your studies?
Being involved in the School of Public Health Students' Association and forming genuine friendships with my classmates helped keep me grounded and motivated, even during the most challenging and stressful of times. Whether I was studying for exams, pushing through thesis writing or attending national conferences, I always had peers who made the process feel more manageable and supported. Celebrating both the small and big milestones reminded me that progress isn’t always linear; what feels like a step back is often just a step in a different direction — one that can lead to new ideas, growth and connections.
What was your go-to spot on campus?
ACE Coffee near the U of A Hospital was my go-to spot to meet up with friends or dedicate some focused time to creative writing. They also have amazing doughnuts!
What activities did you do outside of your studies?
I was actively involved in research beyond my thesis, which allowed me to expand my skill set and apply the knowledge I gained in my coursework. As a research assistant in the Collaborative Applied Research for Equity in Health Policy and Systems (CARE) Research Lab, I collaborated closely with health providers, system leaders and community champions to advance initiatives related to health system performance, policy development, and community engagement. This role allowed me to apply key theories, frameworks and methodologies central to my field while expanding both my personal and professional networks.
What advice would you give to a student considering a public health program?
Public health matters now more than ever. Populations today are facing complex and intersecting challenges — from climate change and health system strain to structural inequities — that require nuanced, context-specific and interdisciplinary approaches. If you're considering this field, my advice is to recognize that public health is fundamentally about creating the conditions for people and communities to thrive. That often means engaging in systems-level work, contributing to healthier public policy, and collaborating across sectors. If you're drawn to research that is collaborative, applied, and grounded in real-world impact — bringing together patients, caregivers, providers, organizational leaders and policymakers — then public health could be the right path for you.
What comes next for you?
This fall, I will begin my PhD at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health. My research will build on my work in health policy and systems, focusing on advancing the mobilization of knowledge generated through collaboration to improve health outcomes and strengthen health systems.