Putting Wellness PHirst: Luis Cordero on Aging, Epidemiology, and Person-Centered Care

Rutgers School of Public Health Wellness PHirst Ambassador Luis Cordero shares how his passion for population aging, clinical outcomes, and community-centered care shapes his work and studies

At the Rutgers School of Public Health, the Office for Student Experiences, Public Health Practice, and Alumni Affairs advances the school’s commitment to cultivating a culture of health and well-being through its various initiatives, including the Wellness PHirst program. Designed to integrate wellness practices into every aspect of the school community – among students, faculty, and staff – the program promotes the Dimensions of Wellness: cultural, social-emotional, occupational, intellectual, creative, environmental, physical, spiritual, and financial.

As part of this effort, the Wellness PHirst Ambassadors play an essential role in bringing these dimensions to life. These student leaders mentor their peers, promote wellness resources, and co-facilitate programs and initiatives that enhance engagement, connection, and belonging across the Rutgers School of Public Health community.

Among them is Luis Cordero, a Master of Public Health (MPH) student in Population Aging with a Certificate in Clinical Epidemiology. Here, he shares his public health journey, the importance of student wellness, and what drives him both inside and outside the classroom.

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Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.

Hi everyone, my name is Luis Cordero. Originally from Chicago, I completed my undergraduate studies in North Carolina, where I first began to see how the environments we grow up in shape our lifelong well-being. My passion for public health grew as I observed how access to resources varied drastically between urban cities and suburban areas. This journey eventually took a global turn during my time as a Watson Fellow; I spent a year traveling across ten countries, visiting various nursing homes and older adults. This immersive experience opened my eyes to the diverse realities of aging and sparked a deep interest in improving clinical outcomes.

During my time at the School of Public Health, I’ve been fortunate to co-author publications with Dr. Peck and team from RWJMS and recently with Drs. Dys and White from PSU, where I was the first author! My work with Dr. Peck investigated how patient-level factors, such as symptom interpretation and social networks, influence whether gallstone patients receive emergency or non-emergency surgery. With Dr. Dys, I analyzed how residents in various care settings experience (or lose) their sense of personhood and autonomy. 

My goal is to bridge the gap between these clinical outcomes and the personal stories, ultimately reimagining long-term care settings as vibrant community centers. (You can see more of my journey at watson.ljcordero.com).

As a student of both aging and epidemiology, I often see how the social and emotional needs of a population can be overlooked in favor of purely clinical data. This role allows me to advocate for a more holistic, person-centered approach to public health that prioritizes mental and social vitality alongside physical health.

Luis Cordero

Master of Public Health Student  and Wellness PHirst Ambassador

Why did you choose to become a Wellness PHirst Ambassador?

I chose to become a Wellness PHirst Ambassador because I believe that "wellness" is not a one-size-fits-all concept, especially as we navigate different stages of life. As a student of both aging and epidemiology, I often see how the social and emotional needs of a population can be overlooked in favor of purely clinical data. This role allows me to advocate for a more holistic, person-centered approach to public health that prioritizes mental and social vitality alongside physical health. It connects perfectly with my experience living within various care communities, where I learned that health is just as much about human connection as it is about medicine. 

By serving as an ambassador, I hope to foster a supportive environment within SPH that reflects these values of inclusive, lifelong wellness and helps others navigate the support they need.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your academic and professional life?

You can usually find me exploring the vibrant neighborhoods of Chicago. I am a firm believer in the "city as a classroom" and love discovering new local restaurants or hidden spots along the lakefront. Having traveled to ten countries during my fellowship, I developed a deep passion for photography and capturing the stories of the people I meet along the way. 

I also enjoy staying active and finding ways to bring the same sense of global community I found abroad back to my hometown. A fun fact about me: I went skydiving in Argentina!