Student Spotlight: Shannon Battle, MPH '25

Redefining the Role of a Physician: Shannon Battle’s Vision for Equitable Healthcare.

For Shannon Battle, public health has always been the lens through which she views healthcare. With years of experience as a Senior Epic Applications Analyst, she has worked behind the scenes to improve workflows that enhance patient outcomes. Yet, her aspirations have long extended beyond the technical realm. Shannon always planned to become a physician, but it became clear early on that she wanted to be the one who sees and serves the whole person while addressing systemic barriers.

That realization led her to Dartmouth. Drawn to the Online/Hybrid MPH program’s commitment to equity, innovation, and systems-level thinking, Shannon saw Dartmouth’s hybrid format as the perfect bridge between her current role in healthcare and her future in medicine. “I wanted to continue working while developing the public health expertise that would allow me to become the kind of doctor my patients truly need,” she says. The program’s emphasis on leadership and real-world impact resonated with her long-term goals.

Since enrolling, Shannon has deepened her understanding of public health principles, particularly in population health, health equity, and data-informed decision-making. Her Dartmouth education has solidified her commitment to becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, while also enriching the work she does now. “It’s helped me see beyond technical fixes and into systemic solutions,” she reflects.

What surprised her most about the Dartmouth experience is the strength of the community. Shannon has felt consistently supported by both faculty and peers. “Everyone brings something different to the table,” she says. “I’ve learned just as much from my classmates as I have from the coursework.”

Looking ahead, Shannon plans to integrate her clinical training with public health, technology, and policy to address disparities in maternal health and cancer care, especially within underserved communities. Her vision is to blend patient-centered medicine with systemic change, always keeping equity at the forefront.

To future students, Shannon offers a powerful piece of advice: “Don’t be afraid to bring your full self into this experience. Your background—whether it’s clinical, technical, or personal—has value. Use your time here to connect the dots between who you are and the kind of impact you want to make.”

When she’s on campus, Shannon makes a point to step outside the classroom. Whether it’s walking along the Connecticut River, enjoying coffee with classmates, or taking in the quiet beauty of Hanover, she cherishes those moments of reflection and connection. “They’ve been just as transformative as anything I’ve learned in a lecture,” she says.

Written by: Mia Soucy

POSTED 6/5/2025 AT 11:46 AM IN #studentspotlight #hybridmph #mph #2025 #onlinemph