From student to visiting scientist: Closing Circles
By Maria D. Navarro, SM ’91, MPH ’92
I first arrived in Boston over 30 years ago, in the summer of 1989, to begin my stay as a visiting scientist at what were then the Departments of Maternal and Child Health and of Health and Social Behavior, at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH).
I came with my husband, who had also been admitted to the School. We had married just three months earlier, full of hope and energy, driven by the dream of creating a better world through education and public health.
We had just graduated as medical doctors in Spain and were beginning our PhD studies. We were very young and arrived here eager to learn from this great university. We spent four years at HSPH, earned several degrees, and collaborated on many projects. Our experience was extraordinary—not only on a professional level, but also because we became part of this academic family, this vibrant community.
But it wasn’t until years later, once we had returned back to Spain, that we truly understood the profound impact Harvard had on us. As young doctors specializing in public health, we had the opportunity to work in universities, in public administrations, and in hospitals and community health centers in our country. Our work was defined by a scientific rigor, a strong methodology, and a constant drive to improve the health of our communities.
Then, Albert was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer. That experience had a tremendous impact on our lives. At the time, we were building our family: we had a two-year-old son and another baby on the way. We were 39 years old.
Once again, our time at Harvard gave us a way to frame that painful experience in a meaningful way—to turn it into something that could help others. Albert began a personal journey advocating for patients’ rights. He wrote books, gave many lectures, and supported patient organizations.
Together, we founded the Spanish Patient Forum (which continues to this day), joined the board of the European Patients’ Forum, and created the University of Patients, where the patient and family empowerment movement in Spain was born. And we worked to defend patients’ rights and participation in the health decision-making process, which encouraged other organizations across the country to join.
Albert passed away 12 years ago, at the age of 51. Our sons were 12 and 15. My journey without him has been very difficult. But I’ve been fortunate to have dear family and friends who have helped me to keep working for the ideals we learned at Harvard.
Although I have remained in contact with several of the HSPH professors and colleagues over the years, it wasn’t until a few months ago that I felt a deep need to return to the place that had shaped us so profoundly, both professionally and personally. To the place Albert and I loved so much and that had meant so much in our lives.
Currently, about to be 65, I felt I had to come back one last time—to visit beloved colleagues and mentors, to say goodbye and to give thanks. To walk again through the classrooms, the spaces, the familiar halls. To feel part of this community once more. I felt the need to begin closing circles.
I was incredibly fortunate to be accepted again as a visiting scientist, now in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences. I had the chance to return to my roots. I came for three months to deepen my study of health literacy and patient education (especially for children, adolescents, and their families), as well as the role that the health literacy of professionals and organizations plays in improving community health.
And unexpectedly, I found myself immersed in the painful and unjust situation my beloved university is currently facing. Here—where I first learned the meaning of freedom of expression, tolerance for differing opinions, respect for those who are different from me, the beauty of pluralism, the power of internationalism—I cannot understand or accept what is happening to so many colleagues, students, faculty members… What it is happening to their work, their research, and their personal and professional goals. This situation makes me feel a deep sadness.
But once again, Harvard has taught me something. My life circle with this institution is not yet complete.
My small voice must now join, more than ever, with those of so many others—to speak up with respect, but firmly, in defense of our ideals. The ideals that have always defined us. The ideals that continue to inspire others who came here around the world. The ideals of those who dream of coming to this extraordinary institution. The ideals on which the future depends.
Your fellow alumni, like Maria, want to know what you’ve been up to. Share your story or notes
