Martina Walling

Dual Degree: Master of Public Health (MPH) at University of Memphis School of Public Health and Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) at University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy

My name is Martina Walling. I am in the MPH program with a generalist concentration, and I will be graduating in May of 2024. In addition to the MPH program, I am also a full-time pharmacy student at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. While a dual degree can be especially challenging, I think that MPH and PharmD programs are aligning more now than ever before.

My largest focus in public health is related to substance use disorders in the Memphis community and beyond. I am intimately involved with a local harm reduction non-profit organization, A Betor Way. My involvement with A Betor Way has allowed me to implement my public health knowledge while advocating for change and forming meaningful connections in the community. I would highly encourage anyone in the Memphis area with an interest in public health to check out the work A Betor Way is doing.

I have been personally impacted by substance use disorders in many facets of my life, so I am thankful to have the opportunity to use my education to make a difference in this area. An MPH/PharmD dual degree has provided me with the confidence and knowledge to initiate conversations regarding substance use disorders in the healthcare setting. The School of Public Health has empowered me to continue using my voice for positive change. My experience in this program has been wonderful, I am very grateful.