This summer, Loren Ballard traveled overseas for the first time, joining students and professors on a study tour called “The Biomedicine and Social Determinants of Infectious Diseases in the U.S., Western, and Eastern Europe.” The trip explored how biomedicine and social science have historically intersected to shape healthcare systems, access, and outcomes. Loren visited the Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary, gaining new perspectives on health, history, and society.
A native of Kingfisher, Oklahoma, Loren graduated from Kingfisher High School in 2020. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Substance Abuse Studies from the University of Central Oklahoma and is now pursuing a Master’s in Addictions Counseling at UCO. This trip allowed her to connect academic study with real-world experience abroad.
The journey began in Prague, where centuries-old cobblestone streets lead through a city rich with history. Loren’s group explored how societies have responded to disease, especially during plagues and crises. Visits to the Jewish Quarter and Prague Castle brought history to life, while a Plague Doctor themed walking tour made the struggles of the past feel vividly present. These experiences reinforced for Loren the close ties between public health history and trauma informed care.
In Vienna, the focus shifted to global mental and public health. A visit to the United Nations headquarters sparked discussions about access to care and international collaboration. At the Freud Museum, Loren explored the cultural roots of modern psychology. A tour of Schönbrunn Palace revealed how history and class continue to shape health outcomes. Vienna challenged her to consider how theory and practice connect across cultures and systems.
Budapest offered fresh insights. At the Semmelweis Museum, Loren learned about the Hungarian physician who promoted antiseptic procedures long before they were widely accepted. This served as a reminder that progress depends on persistence and cultural readiness. Later, she took in sweeping views from Fisherman’s Bastion and explored the Central Market with a local chef who explained the connection between food culture, wellness, and identity.
One of the most impactful experiences was visiting the Hospital in the Rock, an emergency medical center used during World War Two. The preserved tunnels and artifacts told stories of sacrifice and resilience, deepening Loren’s appreciation for healthcare workers’ dedication in crisis. On the final day, the group visited the Shoes on the Danube memorial, honoring Holocaust victims. The quiet reflection there brought the trip’s lessons full circle, grounding them in compassion and remembrance.
Lighter moments, such as street food, gelato, laughter, and long walks, balanced the heavier experiences, reminding Loren of the essential role that connection and community play in healing.
This journey was more than academic. It deepened Loren’s understanding of how history, policy, and culture shape health and healing worldwide. It expanded her empathy and gave her valuable tools she plans to use in counseling, prevention, and public health education.
For Loren Ballard, this first international experience was transformative, a turning point that will shape her career and life for years to come.
