Louis Commins
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
Lao Tzu
It is this ancient Chinese proverb that resonates most with me as my internship with the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) comes to an end and I look to my future career in public health.
Having completed nearly three-quarters of my Master of Public Health, I have been exposed to a wide array of public health theory and topics – from health equity, to epidemiology, to health policy, to health economics.
Despite my broad educational foundation, seeing the real world of public health through this internship has opened my eyes to perspectives and realities I had yet to encounter. This has ignited a burning desire within me to make a change.
The challenge now exists to determine where and how.
Early on in my internship, I learnt that the current level of government investment in prevention is less than 2% of all health spending.
Having a particular interest in health economics, my studies have taught me that investing in prevention leads to significant social and economic benefits by reducing reliance on clinical interventions.
The 2023-2024 Health and Aged Care Budget highlights that every $1 spent on prevention saves $14.30 on other healthcare costs and that reducing risk factors like obesity, smoking, and drinking alcohol can prevent up to 38% of disease burden.
However, it seems that the current parliamentary system is structured such that short-term wins are prioritised, with governments focusing on securing their next three years in office and often neglecting the bigger picture of community health.
This early realisation introduced me to the bureaucracy of public health.
The many meetings I attended over the last six weeks, and the conversations I shared at the recent Screening Conference, made me acutely aware of the challenges which face the public health sector. Whether it is industry coercion, a lack of funding, or political barriers, the more I looked around the more I questioned my ability to make a real impact.
Nevertheless, I remain hopeful.
A meeting I attended for Common Cause during my final week made me realise that instead of focusing on the problem, it is best to focus on the solution. The strength of public health lies in the collective resolve of all individuals in this field.
While it is disturbing to see firsthand the barriers preventing the implementation of projects promoting health, equity and inclusion, on the other hand, it is uplifting to work alongside those advocating tirelessly and often volunteering their time to effect meaningful change in our society.
From those in battles with gambling companies stealing our money and wellbeing, to those lobbying against the laws that trap youth in a never-ending cycle of imprisonment. From the academics leading the charge against lung cancer, to their not-so-distant colleagues steering their ships against liver afflictions.
From those valiantly toiling against the industries taking advantage of our society to those supporting the most vulnerable members of our communities – public health professionals come in many forms, all united by our commitment to the overall betterment of society.
I now recognise the importance of the little wins. Despite the challenges, it is the unwavering perseverance of everyone working together across public health’s many sectors that drives lasting change.
As my studies and internship draw to a close, I look to my future in public health and can’t help but feel a little overwhelmed. With such a vast sector, where do I go? Where should I focus my attention? What is the best way to help the most?
I wish I had an answer and hopefully soon I will. But for now, I find solace in what I have learnt from my amazing internship at PHAA.
This Association and their partnering organisations are full of selfless, hardworking people who have inspired me and shown me what is possible.
I come away from these six weeks knowing that no cause is an island and every individual effort in the field of public health contributes to the greater goal of shaping a healthier, more equitable society.
I am very grateful to the team at PHAA for giving me the opportunity to discover the real world of public health.
This internship taught me so much, allowed me to meet many knowledgeable and talented people, and ultimately, gave me the chance to take the first step on my journey of a thousand miles.
Louis Commins is a Master of Public Health student at Deakin University and recently completed a policy internship at PHAA.
Image: Louis Commins at Screening 2025
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