Impact Story: Alexander Naum

Mentorship at Every Stage of the Journey

I began my health law journey in high school after presenting a three-year study on mosquito control at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). While my project did not produce the best results, I advanced to ISEF because local and state-level judges were impressed by my passion and charisma. My experience at ISEF gave me an opportunity to attend the CDC’s Disease Detective Camp, where I interacted with health law attorneys for the first time. While studying public health at the University of South Florida and working under many attorneys in their political campaigns, I realized my talents and passion could be better served as an advocate instead of a researcher. My love for health advocacy blossomed through my studies at the American University College of Law and internship opportunities, including a summer internship with AHLA.

I am currently interning at the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, which exposed me to the public interest side of health law. I envision my future career serving the public interest in some form. My future career may involve representing classes of patients mistreated by a component of our healthcare system, lobbying for health equity or health justice initiatives, consulting hospitals and providers on corporate social responsibility, or serving the interests of patients through legal compliance.

The United States healthcare system has the potential to become a global superpower, and I hope to contribute to its success. Our healthcare system offers phenomenal healthcare innovation, especially in biotechnology, pharma, and specialized treatment. Building on these innovations and establishing a powerful healthcare system will take the work of many health attorneys and healthcare professionals engaging with patients, healthcare stakeholders, state and federal lawmakers, and our judicial system to ensure all involved receive the respect they deserve. As I look to the future, I hope to be among the health attorney changemakers that will produce equitable and lasting change.

From the beginning, AHLA has provided me with vital mentorship and advice to help me achieve my goals. I am grateful for the close connection AHLA has with my university, mainly Professor Asha Scielzo, who has been an inspirational mentor at every step of my educational journey. My internship experience with AHLA provided me the confidence to speak and network with practitioners, a skill I previously struggled with and look forward to cultivating further. My internship at AHLA was an affirming experience that helped me realize that I belong in this legal community.