Irwin Law, Monitoring and Evaluation of Tuberculosis (TB) at the World Health Organisation (WHO)

Today I provide technical support for countries who are planning and undertaking national TB prevalence surveys, and related TB surveillance issues. I review protocols, analyse datasets, graphically design publications, write scientific papers, develop evidence-based guidance, develop communications materials, undertake monitoring visits, organise workshops, and help countries as much as possible to ensure a high quality TB survey.

To get there I started working in infectious disease surveillance in Laos. This opportunity arose from connections with the master degree at ANU.

The main things I learnt from undertaking the MAE were skills of self-reliance, problem-solving, effective communication and multi-tasking.

I think there is a lot of pressure for students to figure out what they really want to do even before they start their course. It really is okay not to know what you will do or where you will be in five to ten years from now. Don’t be afraid to take the road less travelled.