Dr Emma Johnston off to Harvard for Postdoctoral Pursuits

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In a remarkable journey that has taken her from the corridors of clinical practice and academic exploration in South Africa to the prestigious halls of Harvard University in the United States, Dr Emma Johnston’s dedication and accomplishments shine as an inspiring testament to her unwavering commitment to mental health care and social betterment.

After successfully completing her PhD in Behavioural Medicine at UKZN in 2020, she has soared to international acclaim, earning the coveted Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program (HSAFP) Award. This distinguished honour will see her embarking on a transformative postdoctoral journey at the esteemed Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston during the 2023/24 academic year.

The genesis of Johnston’s journey is rooted in her ground-breaking doctoral thesis, titled Multiculturalism, Globalisation and Developing Relevant Clinical Psychology Services in South Africa. Her pioneering work has not only contributed significantly to the field but has also garnered global recognition. With this rich foundation, she now steps onto the global stage to further her knowledge and skills under the banner of Harvard.

A focal point of her postdoctoral pursuit is the Master of Public Health (MPH) coursework in Health and Social Behaviour. As she immerses herself in this comprehensive programme, Johnston is poised to expand her expertise in mental health care, within the broader context of critical societal issues. Her studies encompass profound themes such as poverty, inequity, multiculturalism, and globalisation, aligning perfectly with her dedication to fostering a more holistic, inclusive and compassionate approach to mental health care.

Johnston’s aspirations are deeply rooted in the soil of her homeland, South Africa. Armed with the advanced knowledge and skills she’s set to acquire, she aims to bolster local mental health services, particularly within the public mental health sector. Her extensive engagement in this sector for over two decades, as part of the Joint Health Establishment between UKZN’s Discipline of Behavioural Medicine and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health at Town Hill Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, serves as a testament to her dedication and experience in the realm of clinical psychology services.

A key facet of Johnston’s journey lies in her commitment to training mental health professionals, including intern clinical psychologists. Her profound influence within the sector and her vision to enhance its effectiveness are poised to create a ripple effect that resonates through South Africa and beyond.

Johnston’s academic pursuits will be enhanced through her exposure to the MPH coursework, where she delves into the intricacies of inequities and social disparities in health services. Guided by luminaries in the field, these teachings promise to enrich her understanding of complex societal dynamics, further equipping her to tackle mental health challenges with the latest evidence-based approaches.

A beacon of inspiration and transformation, Johnston’s story is a testament to the power of individual dedication in fostering broader societal change. The Discipline of Behavioural Medicine and the UKZN community wish her well.

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photograph: Supplied