In a recent Scholar Spotlight, @Shoshana Daly, a Laidlaw Scholar at @Tufts University, shared her research on the interaction Between Replication Protein A (RPA), alt-RPA, and the Human Shu Complex. In discussing her work, Shoshana expressed her admiration for Dr Paul Farmer, applauding his leadership in pioneering the idea of community health and the accompaniment model and his influential role in Global Health. 

This week, we reflect on Farmer's perspective on the importance of collaboration and connection in leadership: 

A Trailblazer in Global Health    

Dr Paul Farmer (1959-2022) had many notable roles, including being the Kolokotrones University Professor and chair of the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He was co-founder and chief strategist of Partners In Health, most well-known for pioneering new, community-based treatment strategies that distributed excellent health care in resource-poor environments. 

Farmer dedicated his life to enhancing and providing health care in the world's most underprivileged communities. He was an advocate for health equity and social justice across the world. He collaborated with local governments globally, initiating partnerships to help create hospitals, train medical staff, and set up community clinics in rural, poverty-stricken areas where residents would not have otherwise had any hope for health care. 

Leadership Grounded in Connection 

Farmer's words are drawn from his book 'To Repair the World', a compilation of his speeches. Here, Farmer encourages partnership as a way to continue in the seemingly insurmountable face of issues such as poverty, climate change, and multiple global issues. He was proud that "Partners" was core to the name of the organisation he co-founded with his closest friends. In his life, Farmer embodied this idea of 'partnership', with students, doctors, presidents and many more, which undoubtedly had a large influence on the impact he made in his lifetime. 

This emphasises the Laidlaw value of being #Good and the Oxford Character Project Leadership Virtue of  #Collaboration. Being good means to emphasise mutual respect, and honesty, making sure our efforts are grounded in justice and equity on a global scale. Collaboration means being cooperative, open-minded and interconnected, valuing mutual connection. 

A Call to Reflect

As Laidlaw Scholars, how do we embrace the spirit of partnership and collaboration in our leadership journeys? How has your teamwork impacted your research or LiA?