In our Alumni Career Spotlight series, you will meet some of our alumni and learn about the important work they are doing to create a healthier nation and world.
Michaela Trame
Employer: Vital Incite
Current position: Population Health Strategist
Location: Carmel, IN
Degree(s): Indiana University, MHA, 2019
Why did you choose your major/program?
After getting my bachelor’s degree in exercise science, I knew I wanted to help people in healthcare; I just had no idea in what capacity. Once learning about the MHA program, I knew it was something that could help me take the next step in figuring out what I wanted to do. Even as a young professional, I knew I wanted to be a leader in the healthcare space and I felt that this program would give me the tools, knowledge, and skills to get there.
Briefly describe your career path.
After graduating with my MHA, I started as a project coordinator for KSM Consulting, now Resultant. During my time there I had an incredible experience working my way into project management roles and really utilized a lot of the skills I developed through the MHA program such as strategic outlook, relationship building, and goal setting. After a couple of years there, I realized that I needed to get back to my true passion, which is population health. That led me into my current role at Vital Incite.
Describe what an average day for you might be like.
I work with employers and benefit advisors to strategize data-driven solutions to improve their employees’ health. An average day would include me creating reports for my clients that take a look at the health of their population using aggregate data via medical and pharmacy claims as well as any other vendor data source such as a wellness program.
After creating this report and identifying trends, I pull out key points and opportunities to move forward and really make an impact on their population’s health. For example, perhaps a group has high ER utilization, low primary care engagement, and poor chronic condition management. Depending on the resources available to that particular client, I might recommend implementing an annual physical incentive or if there is one already in place, urge that they reconsider the current offering since it does not seem to be motivating the population to engage in care.
Overall, I work with my clients to identify these gaps and strategize the best way forward given the unique situations of each population.
What advice would you give your college self about pursuing your current career path or industry?
Don’t let career norms or typical career paths forge your way. Figure out what you are passionate about and how you can make an impact, then think about what that career might look like. There is no right way to make a difference.
What is a lesson learned at FSPH that you have been able to apply to your career?
Only 10 percent of our health is determined by genetics, everything else is determined by our behavior and environment. If we want to make an impact on the healthcare system, we must focus on the things we can change. I use this every day in my career as I work with employers to be proactive regarding their employees’ health.
What is the most significant thing that’s happened to you since graduating?
Giving birth to two wonderful, healthy babies!
What’s next for you?
I love where I am at in my career and I don’t think I will ever be a person that knows what is next. I do know that I always want to be challenged, I thrive on ambiguity, and I will inevitably follow my passions.
What is your favorite IUPUI/FSPH memory?
Competing in the UAB case competition under the guidance of Ann Johnston and Nir Menachemi. Traveling to Birmingham with my mentors and peers was an incredible personal and professional experience that I will never forget!
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