During the COVID-19 pandemic, a group of specialists were thrust into the limelight for the important role that they played in the global health crisis - public health specialists. Though usually less visible compared to other medical professionals, public health specialists have always been unsung heroes in the wider picture of population health, using their knowledge and research to understand disease trends, study the socioeconomic determinants of health, or influence policy decisions. In the first episode of a new series aimed at uncovering potential healthcare careers for young graduates, we speak to Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha, Deputy Director (Non-Communicable Diseases), Ministry of Health Malaysia, about how to become a public health specialist, why he encourages this career choice, and what it means to serve in the Ministry of Health.