Shaliey Prasad, MD, has devoted his career to improving health for individuals, communities, and societies around the world. He takes a multipronged approach to his work, pairing a passion for caring for people during their most challenging times with a curiosity about the human condition.
Operating at the juncture of family medicine, public health, and health equity at the University of Minnesota, Prasad brings diverse clinical experience and expertise to his work in leadership, teaching, and research. He serves as executive director of the University of Minnesota Center for Global Health and Social Responsibility and vice chair of education for the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health.
Prasad leads the Center’s efforts to foster socially responsible global health activity through research, capacity building, and education. It unites clinicians and researchers beyond the U’s six health sciences schools, on initiatives at research hubs in East Africa, SouthEast Asia and in Latin America. It also prepares current and future health professionals to engage in work with global and local international populations.
“None of the problems we face in health and health care are in isolation anymore. In this globally connected world, what happens in one part of the world affects another one,” he says. “A lot of the problems are complex, and it’s wrong for us to look at it in our own isolated corner.”
One of the Center’s current efforts involves human migration and health. Faculty collaborate with the United Nations Migration Agency to bolster its ability to screen and assess U.S.-bound refugees—a fitting project for Minnesota because of its long history of welcoming immigrants, Prasad says. They also explore ethical challenges like how to develop research partners that benefit the host country and the inquiry.
Prasad started his medical career working with forest tribes in southern India, then spent years in rural Mississippi. Twelve years ago, he joined M Physician’s Broadway Family Medicine Clinic in Minneapolis as a physician. Now Prasad trains medical students and residents to provide excellent care whether they are practicing in underserved urban or rural areas.
Prasad thoroughly enjoys teaching and sharing knowledge with medical trainees, finding it particularly gratifying when he can help a struggling learner turn the corner. He also finds it rewarding to make a broader impact through teaching.