Travels
Dr Tejaswi Balasundaram
Public Health Consultant
Bengaluru
Summary
Innovative Researcher adept at developing probing questions, designing studies and skilled in conceptualization, design and implementation of impactful public health interventions for vulnerable communities. Experienced at identifying and using new challenges and resources. Works effectively and collaboratively with teams and individuals. Passionate about contributing towards improved community health outcomes.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Language
Work History
Project Head, Community Health Programmes
Village Ways Charitable Trust
Bengaluru
2019.05 - Current
- Working towards promoting access to quality and comprehensive health care in remote Himalayan villages of Uttarakhand.
- Developed and initiated projects, managed costs, and monitored performance.
- Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
- Identified plans and resources required to meet project goals and objectives.
- Achieved project deadlines by coordinating with contractors to manage performance.
- Monitored project performance to identify areas of improvement and make adjustments.
- Provided detailed technical and operational direction in project challenges, consistently meeting deliverables according to deadlines.
PME Officer
WaterAid India
Bengaluru
2016.01 - 2019.03
- Worked as a Research Project Lead for a behavior change intervention for WaterAid India in partnership with EAWAG, a Swiss-based Water and Research Institute, towards improved WASH behaviors.
- Census, Baseline and End line – worked closely with EAWAG Study Lead and WaterAid’s Principal Investigator in development and finalization of robust tools to measure behavior change, supported data collection agency in training of field team, survey implementation, quality monitoring and completion of impact assessments in randomized control trials undertaken in various parts of South India.
- Interventions – involved in conception of the intervention design, materials and protocols, supported implementation partner in training of interpersonal communicators, rollout and successful delivery of the behavior change intervention.
- Undertook key role in Programme Monitoring and Evaluation of WASH projects including Menstrual Hygiene Management interventions among – marginalized communities for the region of South India – across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Telangana states.
- Managed various WASH, health and Nutrition-related projects with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, H&M, GAP, UNICEF and WHO across South India.
- Managed WaterAid’s leading Partner Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement and carried out implementation research projects in Raichur and Bengaluru.
- Carried out independent research assignments for WaterAid India in the district of Raichur regarding awareness on link between WASH and nutrition among the rural dwellers of Raichur, level of chemical contamination of water throughout the district of Raichur, WASH awareness and practices prevalent among pregnant and newly delivered mothers with particular focus on how the women managed postpartum bleeding.
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Research Project Lead
Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement
Bengaluru
2015.01 - 2015.12
- Undertook research projects for WASH, community health and nutrition for the tribals and vulnerable population in marginalized areas of Mysore, Bengaluru and Raichur in Karnataka respectively
- Developed and implemented project plans and budgets to ensure successful execution.
- Facilitated workshops to collect project requirements and user feedback.
- Maintained open communication by presenting regular updates on project status to key stakeholders.
- .
- Analyzed project performance data to identify areas of improvement.
Research Consultant
Public Health Foundation of India
2014.01 - 2014.12
- Completed three months of Internship in Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), Bangalore wherein the research project was on the screening practices for gestational diabetes in pregnant women in urban public health facilities
- In continuation of the three-month internship as a Research Associate for assessment of Nutrition Programmes across Karnataka State in collaboration with Ashoka Innovators
Summer Trainee
Karnataka Health Promotion Trust
Bengaluru
2013.01 - 2013.03
- Completed two months of Summer Training at Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT) Bangalore in two Projects entitled: ➢ A Study on the assessment of the change in perspectives of the VHSNC members towards monitoring of community health outcomes post-training and intervention ➢ Assessing the effect of duration of exposure to mother and child health (MNCH) mentoring on Referral Systems in two districts of North Karnataka.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Completed paperwork, recognizing discrepancies and promptly addressing for resolution.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
Education
Post-Graduate Diploma in Public Health - Health Management (Public Health)
IHMR
Bengaluru 2012.04 - 2014.05
Bachelor of Dental Surgery - RGUHS
JSS DC And Hospital
Mysore 2005.04 - 2010.05
Skills
Volunteering
undefinedAccomplishments
- Published an article on Sustainable Menstruation in Health World Economic Times – June 2022
- Published an article titled “Capturing toilet use in the minds” in the journal - Down to Earth. • Published a research paper entitled ‘"Assessment of screening practices for gestational hyperglycaemia in public health facilities: a descriptive study in Bangalore, India" in the Journal of Public Health Research.
- Published a research study entitled “Knowledge V/S Practice – An alarming gap in the way of preventing WASH-related morbidities among school children: A descriptive study, Bangalore, India” in the International Journal of Multidiscipline Research and Innovation.
- Also authored and presented two research papers in the National conference organised in IHMR Bangalore: ‘Awareness, Needs and Willingness to Pay for Health Insurance among Construction Workers in Bangalore City’ and ‘Awareness and Practices of Birth Spacing in Urban Slums in Bangalore City’
Interests
Reading
Dance
Gardening
Painting
Volunteering
Volunteered in various NGOs working in public health facilities, animal welfare centres, government-run schools, monasteries and for various mobile health projects in marginalized areas (Mysore, Chamarajanagar, Raichur, Bengaluru districts) in addition to extensive volunteering in the Himalayan regions of Dharamshala, Saryu valley in Kumaon region, Spiti Valley and Ladakh
Timeline
Project Head, Community Health Programmes
Village Ways Charitable Trust
2019.05 - Current
PME Officer
WaterAid India
2016.01 - 2019.03
Research Project Lead
Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement
2015.01 - 2015.12
Research Consultant
Public Health Foundation of India
2014.01 - 2014.12
Summer Trainee
Karnataka Health Promotion Trust
2013.01 - 2013.03
Post-Graduate Diploma in Public Health - Health Management (Public Health)
IHMR
2012.04 - 2014.05
Bachelor of Dental Surgery - RGUHS
JSS DC And Hospital
2005.04 - 2010.05
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