Literature Review Editor Spotlight: Marlee Sacksner

Marlee Sacksner, a senior at the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health, is majoring in Community and Global Health with a minor in Gender and Health. She hopes to pursue a career in hospital administration, focusing on ethics, patient advocacy, and improving healthcare accessibility after completing the Master’s program in Management at the Ross School of Business.

A Journey into Public Health

Marlee’s interest in public health began early, thanks to a family connection – her cousin was part of U-M’s first public health undergraduate cohort. It grew even more after taking PUBHLTH 200, where she got to see what public health is really all about. However, her passion truly took shape when she started working with organizations focused on health equity. A pivotal moment for her was joining the Prison Birth Project, where she contributed to research committees, developed educational podcasts, and helped write reports on maternal health in prison. Witnessing the challenges incarcerated individuals face in accessing quality maternal care deepened her commitment to advocating for equitable healthcare for all communities.

Finding a Home in UJPH

When Marlee joined the Undergraduate Journal of Public Health (UJPH) as a sophomore, she thought it would be a way to test if public health was the right path for her. What she didn’t anticipate was how much the experience would influence her future. The editorial board wasn’t just a place to improve her writing – it became a close-knit community. Her peers helped her with applications, professional growth, and networking. Now, as an editor, she’s focused on creating “that same supportive atmosphere for others” while highlighting important public health issues.

Leadership and Advocacy

Marlee's dedication to public health goes beyond her role in UJPH. As Vice President of the Public Health Student Assembly, she connects students with the administration, making sure their concerns are heard and addressed. She also helps organize meetings and manages over 40 student organizations within the School of Public Health, creating a sense of connection across undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs.

She also plays a key role in recruiting future public health students as an Undergraduate Admissions Ambassador. Whether she’s speaking on panels or giving advice to applicants, she enjoys helping students learn about the opportunities in public health and guiding them toward a field that has been so important to her.

The Power of Public Health Writing

For Marlee, public health writing is about more than just relaying information – it’s about making complex issues “accessible and relevant.” She emphasizes the importance of using language that appeals to a variety of audiences, whether that means breaking down technical terms or framing issues in ways people can relate to. She believes public health writing should elevate voices that are often unheard and challenge biases in media coverage. 

Addressing Maternal Health Disparities

Marlee believes that maternal health disparities are a critical public health issue that often goes overlooked. While trends in childbirth are evolving – such as a growing focus on midwives and doulas, and making hospital births feel more home-like – many conversations around these changes fail to acknowledge the historical contributions of Black communities in these practices. Marlee emphasizes the importance of using inclusive language to honor these communities' pioneering roles in midwifery and doula care. She argues that to truly improve maternal health outcomes, the healthcare system must rebuild trust with marginalized communities, ensure diverse leadership, and create supportive birthing environments that meet the needs of all individuals.

Advice for Aspiring Public Health Writers

For those looking to enter public health writing, Marlee’s advice is simple: "be clear, be thorough, and be inclusive." Defining key terms, using credible sources, and ensuring accessibility are all critical. She encourages writers to go beyond just reporting facts – public health writing should inspire action.

Looking Ahead

Marlee looks forward to bringing her passion for public health into hospital administration, where she hopes to make healthcare more accessible, ethical, and patient-centered. She’s driven by a commitment to health equity and a desire to create lasting change – whether by amplifying underrepresented voices, advocating for marginalized communities, or building supportive environments within healthcare systems.