Larry Brilliant
"The seeds of excellence, of magic, of success, of joy are in you. Think of the next act you do as a way to fertilize and water those seeds."
Career Roadmap
Larry's work combines: Medicine, Science, and Learning / Being Challenged
See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.
Take Roadmap Quiz
Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Undergraduate
University of Michigan
Doctorate
Medicine
Wayne State University School of Medicine
Graduate Degree
Epidemiology
University of Michigan
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
While road tripping from London to Kathmandu, my wife and I found a monastery that we lived in for several years.
2.
My teacher in the monastery told me that it was my duty and destiny to work for the World Health Organization and help eradicate smallpox.
3.
I eventually got hired by the World Health Organization as a typist.
4.
After a few months as a typist, I got the opportunity to go out into the field as a field epidemiologist.
5.
I stayed for 10 years and was able to see smallpox eradicated.
6.
When I came back to the United States, I earned a Master of Public Health degree in epidemiology from the University of Michigan and then became a professor for the university.
7.
I’ve since built my career aiding in refugee camps, working on pandemics, and writing books about public health and epidemiology.
8.
I also co-founded Seva Foundation, an international nonprofit health organization that helps give eyesight back to blind people.
