Employer: Eskenazi Health
Current position: Quality Improvement Specialist
Location: Indianapolis
Degree(s): MHA, MPH 2023
Why did you choose your major/program?
I decided during my undergraduate years at Butler University that being a healthcare provider was not the path for me, but I knew I still wanted to impact the health of individuals and communities. As I was graduating during the time of a public health emergency (COVID-19), it really opened my eyes to what public health is and how important it is to have leaders in healthcare that have this additional perspective.
Briefly describe your career path.
During my first year at FSPH, I was chosen for the Eskenazi Health Scholars program. This program allowed me to intern with multiple teams within the organization over the next two years. As I finished my internship, I accepted the opportunity to join the ambulatory quality team!
Describe what an average day for you might be like.
I work with various groups, both internal and external, to review performance data, set goals, and implement evidence-based strategies to improve the quality of care patients receive. Our team’s goal is to provide support to the clinics as they strive to provide positive patient outcomes, so visiting clinics is always on my calendar. When I’m not working in these collaborative efforts, I’m usually assessing trends in the data looking for areas of improvement.
What advice would you give your college self about pursuing your current career path or industry?
There is a wide range of occupations that fall under the “healthcare administrator” and “public health” categories. At the beginning of my educational career, I assumed my only options were to run a hospital or work for a health department. I would advise any student to explore and shadow anyone who has a job that interests them because it can be very eye-opening.
What is a lesson learned at FSPH that you have been able to apply to your career?
Something I learned while at FSPH was the need to be innovative in the field of healthcare. In many class projects, we were given scenarios that seemed hypothetical as a student but really helped me to understand the concept of thinking innovatively to overcome real barriers such as time, budget, or staffing.
What is the most significant thing that’s happened to you since graduating?
I planned a vacation to Portugal!
What’s next for you?
I will be in Indy for a while. Eskenazi Health has been an awesome place to work so far, and I love this city!
What is your favorite IUPUI/FSPH memory?
I have so many fond memories from social events put on by the MHA Student Association.
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