Interview with Dr. Diane van Staden, PhD
Listen Here:
Highlights from this episode:
- How her background growing up in apartheid south africa shaped her perspective on health equity.
- How Education served as a tool for empowerment and overcoming marginalization.
- Her process of learning to navigate leadership roles and find her voice in global health discussions.
- Why it’s important local communities own the solutions to their health issues and why training models must be adapted to local context.
- Her transition from clinical optometry to public health to scale her impact
Episode 222 of Public Health Careers
Dr. Diane van Staden, PhD is Adjunct Professor: Faculty of Health and Social Development at The University of British Columbia.
And is Primary care Network Manager at Shuswap North Okanagan Division of Family Practice.
She is a well rounded health care leader with over 15+ years of experience in optometry education, program planning, and strategic contributions to sustainably addressing local and global eye health challenges.
She conferred a Bachelor of Optometry from University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa which she held various roles, including Optometrist, Academic Development Coordinator at the University of Durban-Westville, Project Development Officer, and Senior Optometrist at the Free State Provincial Department of Health.
She then received a Master of Public Administration from University Of the Free State during which she started as a Global Programs Officer at the International Centre for Eyecare Education, later advancing to Sub-regional Programs Manager for Southern Africa.
Dr. Van Staden completed a PhD in Optometry from Technological University Dublin and subsequently served as an Academic Leader for Optometry and Teaching and Learning at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. She also earned a Certificate in Health Communication from Stanford University School of Medicine.
Links from show
7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Life Beyond Clinical Practice Podcast
Connect with Guest
Dr. Diane van Staden, PhD on LinkedIn:
