Collegiate Times

Dr. Paul Farmer came to Virginia Tech Monday night to talk about his public health organization, Partners in Health.

PF: Oh sure, he's a friend of mine. We have a better relationship now than when he was writing the book, and we've become very good friends. He's very interested in the work we're doing with Partners in Health.

CT:  Any further advancement in Partners in Health or the Zamni Lasante clinic since the book?

PF: If I had to choose one thing it would be the expansion of our work in the public health sector all across Haiti. Of course since it was written we've become very involved in Africa as well.

CT:  What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

PF: I'm very happy to be a doctor, professor, scholar, but what I've been able to do with Partners in Health is the answer.

CT:  Why is that?

PF: Because it's not just Partners in Health itself - a lot of people in the field of public health and service have taken notice in what we've been able to do and become involved as well.

CT:  How active are you on college campuses?

PF: I actually teach undergrads at Harvard, and I would say for a medical school professor I'm very active. I visit other colleges all the time as well.

CT:  What are you hoping to bring about from your college visits?

PF: Making sure that you guys are my retirement plan. This next generation in college campuses now is going to make sure this work, which is very much needed, goes on and on.

CT:  What projects are you working on most avidly right now?

PF: Building a sound research and teaching architecture to compliment the service work I described last night. By doing so it will make sure that this work will continue. It's all about the long-term survival of this work; teaching and research can make sure the service gets better and goes on.

CT: Are you working on any projects with Virginia Tech or Tech students?

PF: Yes, I am. We're working on a bridge project with a grad student at Virginia Tech, and we're also working on a project with Engineers Without Borders Virginia Tech chapter. I'm sure we'll work more with them in the future as well.

CT:  Think you'll come back to Virginia Tech anytime soon?

PF: Yes, I do. It's a very special place. It's like I said last night, I'm a Hokie now. I have my Virginia Tech hat on as we speak.

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