Alumni spotlight: Sydney Benton

Posted on March 25, 2024 by Andy Ware

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.

Student spotlight: Julianne Akard

Posted on March 25, 2024 by Andy Ware

Employer: Eskenazi Health
Current position: Public Affairs Coordinator
Location: Indianapolis
Degree(s): BA in chemistry, Indiana University, 2022; MHA/MPH in progress

Why did you choose your major/program?
I was interested in the health management & policy focus and IU Indianapolis has a strong program in that area in a city rich with opportunities in the health care field.

Briefly describe your career path.
In undergrad, I was introduced to the field of public health through more traditionally political policy internships. My first year of grad school, I was given the opportunity to work in the public affairs and communication department as an Eskenazi Scholar. This eventually became a full-time role.

Describe what an average day for you might be like.
Every day looks a little bit different. My service lines include social determinants of health, talent acquisition, pet therapy, family beginnings/NICU, and food & nutrition services. A typical day includes proofing creative projects like brochures and fliers, taking photographs for recruitment materials, writing advertising copy for print and digital ads, and supporting efforts to connect patients suffering from lack of financial resources or food to available resources. On extra special days, I get to produce a podcast and facilitate puppy socialization with staff.

What advice would you give your college self about pursuing your current career path or industry?
I would recommend exploring all of your interests. Even subjects that feel random and disconnected now will eventually provide you with a well-rounded and unique perspective that others will value.

What is a lesson learned at FSPH that you have been able to apply to your career?
All public health projects should start with listening to see what the community needs and wants. This is fundamental to the strategic vision for the social determinants of health team at Eskenazi Health.

What is the most significant thing that’s happened to you since graduating?
Having the opportunity to work as an Eskenazi Health Scholar has been the most significant thing to happen to me. The program gave me the opportunity to grow while early in my career and I’m extremely thankful for the introduction to an organization as special as Eskenazi Health.

What’s next for you?
I look forward to completing my MHA/MPH and continuing to work at Eskenazi Health. Eventually, I would like fo go to medical school to combine my interest in policy and my health administration experience with clinical work.

What is your favorite IUPUI/FSPH memory?
My favorite memory is cleaning up White River State Park as an orientation activity.

Nurturing excellence in long-term care through real-world experience

Posted on March 20, 2024 by Andy Ware

Hoosier Village hosted a group of Fairbanks School of Public Health students to discuss the impact and importance of long-term care.

By Kate Colpetzer

Long-term care refers to a range of services and support provided to individuals who have difficulty performing everyday activities due to a chronic illness, disability, or cognitive impairment. It is designed to help people who need assistance with tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, medication management, and mobility.

Long-term care services are often needed by older adults, but they can also be required by individuals of any age. The need for long-term care can arise from conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, or physical disabilities resulting from accidents or age-related immobility.

Located in Zionsville, Indiana, Hoosier Village is a retirement community for local Indianapolis residents. Focused on resident enrichment, independence, and support, Hoosier Village is an important piece of the long-term care puzzle in central Indiana.

Hayley Carr

Through Hoosier Village’s continued partnership with the Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, many alumni and interns have the opportunity to gain real-world experience at Hoosier Village, which guide their journey into the field of long-term care.

Alumna Hayley Carr worked at Hoosier Village for nearly five years, which greatly impacted her career as a long-term care leader.

“Care in senior living or long-term care communities is person-centered. Care delivery is focused on the whole person and individualized for overall best resident experience,” Carr said. “Long-term care communities provide 24-hour care that is really hard to get at home or in another setting.”

As part of the Health Services Management capstone program, Fairbanks School of Public Health senior Olivia Lashley serves as a life enrichment intern at Hoosier Village. In this role, Lashley gets to assist the activities director with decorating the facility for special events, developing the monthly activities calendar, and developing care plans and progress notes. She also has the unique opportunity of interacting with residents and providing them with positive connections throughout their day.

Olivia Lashley

“My internship has provided me with new perspectives and opportunities of long-term care,” Lashley said. “Part of my job there is to assist the residents with getting to and from activities, ensuring the activities are best suited for their well-being, and engaging with the residents during those times.

“Being part of some of their care plans has given me more insight of what the resident truly needs to meet their everyday needs, given that the facility is a place they can call home. Having been there for the last three months, I realized that it takes a village of individuals who are committed to genuinely care for residents.”

The field of senior living and long-term care is an important one to IU Indianapolis. Vision Centre, whose mission is to bridge relationships between universities and providers, and build robust, sustainable academic leadership programs that promote and support the field of aging services, will be hosting its 6th Annual Symposium titled, “Filling the Balloon with Air: Elevating Connections and Progress” on campus this summer.

“We are excited to partner with Indiana University Indianapolis to host our first symposium on a university campus that will attract faculty and university leaders, progressive senior care and service organizations and partners, experts from across the country and students,” said Vision Centre president and CEO, Douglas Olson.

Douglas Olson

“This unique event held on June 24-25 brings these stakeholders together to engage in conversation, learn from each other and form relationships. We trust these are all important ingredients to our collaborative success to attract and retain the exceptional leadership talent required to lead organizations entrusted to provide care and services for our aging family members, parents, grandparents, and friends.”

Senior living and long-term care are some of the fastest growing parts of the U.S. health care system. The BS in Health Services Management and Master’s in Health Administration programs at the IU Fairbanks School of Public Health are partnering with local long-term care and senior living organizations, like Hoosier Village and important industry thought leaders such as Vision Centre, to make IU Indianapolis a hub in developing a future workforce of leaders dedicated to this important population.

Through leaders like Douglas Olson and Hayley Carr, to new and emerging faces like Olivia Lashley, the Fairbanks School of Public Health is establishing an environment of well-connected and informed champions of public health that are shaping the long-term care field for a better tomorrow.

About the author: Kate Colpetzer is a senior in the Health Services Management program at IUI. She currently serves as the marketing intern in the Marketing and Communications Department at FSPH. In this department, she also serves as the senior student ambassador. Kate is also involved in various campus organizations such as the FSPH Undergraduate Student Association (president), the Honors Arts and Culture Society (president), and the Francophone Student Association (reservationist). Kate is expected to graduate May 2024.

JEDI newsletter – February 2024

Posted on February 29, 2024 by Andy Ware

justice, equity, diversity and inclusion graphic

Welcome

Hello everyone 😊 – in our February 2024 edition of the JEDI @ IUPUI Newsletter, we extend our warmest greetings to the dynamic collective that propels our organization forward. JEDI serves as Indiana University’s DrPH program liaison for justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion. This newsletter becomes a portal to explore the rich history of JEDI @ IUPUI, discover upcoming events, delve into member spotlights and more.

Together, we’ll embark on a journey grounded in JEDI’s values and motto i.e. “…. Every Hand Counts.” Stay engaged, stay inspired and stay tuned for the latest updates from our JEDI @ IUPUI family!

Warm regards,
Franklin ILOGHO
Communications Director – JEDI @ IUPUI

History

Formed in the spring 2021 semester, JEDI emerged as a collective initiative by DrPH students to address academic, professional, personal, and community challenges. Founded in March 2021, JEDI serves as an advisory bridge connecting students, faculty, and staff, with a commitment to promoting justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in higher education.

Previous accomplishments

4/7/2022 – JEDI leads discussion series, “Leadership Application of Equity Principles – Global Perspectives” for 2022 National Public Health Week
1/21/2022 – JEDI presents at the IUPUI Faculty Assembly
12/31/2021 –Interview with JEDI member, Keith Barnett, by December 26er
11/6/2021 – JEDI principles incorporated into DrPH Global Health Leadership coursework
11/6/2021 – JEDI-related content added to DrPH new student application, mission statement, handbook, and DrPH website
10/21/2021 – JEDI co-founder Ericka Thomas presents her work and reflections at Emory University Rollins School of Public Health – Our Voices: Diversity in Environmental Sciences Seminar Series
8/2021- JEDI mission statement created

Current accomplishments

Created formal charter which depicts the purpose, organizational structure, and goals of JEDI
Voted in first formal leadership team post-charter. Positions of office include president, vice president (intentionally left vacant for new cohort to fill), secretary, and communications director.
Developed a 3-year strategic plan
Advocated and assisted international students of Cohort 5 with better understanding of student visa requirements and creating an internal structure that avoids duplicative filing of new visas and incurring unnecessary fees
Continues to explore ways in which to improve equity for international students of the DrPH program
JEDI representation at the past two APHA 2022 and 2023 conferences. With members also presenting abstracts.

Black History Month

In February’s chill, we honor Black History Month, a beacon of resilience. From its roots in Carter G. Woodson’s vision to today’s strides, we confront injustices with courage. Today, we stand amidst achievements and reckon with persistent injustices, mindful that progress is both a marathon and a relay. As Maya Angelou once mused, “History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.” In the future, unity promises to nurture equality’s blossoms, fostering a landscape where understanding and solidarity reign.

Embark on a journey of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Join us in fostering empowerment, understanding, and celebration. Uncover more within!

“Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly”- MLK Jr.

For more questions about JEDI @ IUPUI, please contact:

JEDI Student Group – jedi@iupui.edu
Tanya – namino@iu.edu
Jessica – jesshaf@iu.edu
Franklin – foilogho@iu.edu

MHA Student Association fall recap

Posted on January 24, 2024 by Andy Ware

See what the MHA Student Association was up to during the fall 2023 semester.

Social

Cohort dinner at Yardhouse – 9/13
Escape Room social event – 10/20
Pins Mechanical Company (duckpin bowling) – 11/30

Professional Development

LinkedIn workshop with Kris Schuster – 10/27
Résumé workshop with Executive Women in Healthcare – 11/17

Alumni Engagement

Monthly alumni Zoom interviews

Jeff Byrum – 9/28
Ellie Young – 10/19

What else is new with MHASA

Monthly newsletter providing students with:

Alumni Interviews
Internship spotlights
Volunteering opportunities
Promotion of professional organization (iHEN, EWHC, NALHE, NAHSE) events

We’re now on LinkedIn! The goal of this account is to represent the MHA program and foster connections between current students with alumni and industry professionals.

From childhood aspirations to global health leadership: The inspiring journey of Latasha Allen

Posted on December 15, 2023 by Andy Ware

By Vanessa Aguirre

By the time she was 14 years old, Latasha Allen knew she wanted to be an epidemiologist. She was fascinated by how diseases spread from person to person, and this kick-started her desire to learn more about the field of epidemiology through formal education.

Allen would go on to receive her bachelor’s degree from the Buffalo School of Arts and Sciences. She originally chose biology pre-med as a major but then switched her major to anthropology and a minor in medical sociology. Next she obtained a Master of Science in Public Health from the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and later a Master of Emergency and Disaster Management from the Georgetown University School of Continuing Services.

“I chose public health because it was the path to follow to achieve my career goal of becoming an epidemiologist, and I have worked as an epidemiologist during my entire federal public health career so far,” Allen said.

Allen is currently employed as an environmental health officer on active duty with the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, which is based within the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). More specifically, she works for the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition within the Coordinated Outbreak Response and Evaluation Network, known as FDA CORE.

While she continues her career with the FDA, Allen is currently pursuing a DrPH in Global Health Leadership from the Fairbanks School of Public Health.

Allen chose the DrPH because after many years working in the field, she was interested in a more applied doctoral program. She does, however, enjoy research and the DrPH allows space to accomplish both applied and practical fieldwork and public health research. The program has allowed her to develop her interest in humanitarian response, disaster epidemiology, and emergency disaster management.

“Although our classes were virtual, they were truly engaging,” Allen said. “My fellow cohort-mates really made for an enjoyable learning experience. There were also a good number of professors with a wealth of knowledge and experience to share, which made the course discussions very engaging.”

Allen recently found out that she was accepted into the William Averette Anderson Fund Doctoral Fellowship Program, which serves to expand the number of historically underrepresented professionals in the fields of hazard and disaster research and practice so that the diversity of the hazard and disaster fields is reflective of American society. The Bill Anderson Fund (BAF) is a nonprofit and charitable organization, mitigating disasters through fellowship, mentorship, and research for minority communities.

“William (Bill) Averette Anderson was a renowned researcher, scholar and educator who spent his career studying and striving to mitigate the causes and consequences of hazard risks, particularly on marginalized groups who suffer from disasters,” Allen said.

Allen will be involved in a lot of activities throughout her fellowship, specifically focusing on the three pillars of the program: training, mentorship, and peer support.

In November, the BAF fellows traveled to UC Irvine in California for a workshop, participating in a session on disaster research and different initiatives and projects focused on wildfires, flood risk, communication skills, and other topics mainly focusing on the region and what was going on around California.

“Some other activities that I will be involved with as a fellow include attendance and participation at the Annual Natural Hazards Workshop in Broomfield, Colorado, where we also host our annual Disaster Dash, which is a $5,000 fundraiser to support the Bill Anderson Fund’s mission to expand the number of professionals from historically underrepresented groups in the fields of hazards and disaster research and practice,” Allen said.

“Fellows also host sessions to present their research and there are great networking opportunities.”

Allen hopes to learn about various opportunities in the field of disaster research. She also seeks to gain more insight into what is being done in the academic sector through academic research. She wants to see what is being done by her fellow cohorts and what academia is doing.

And overall, she looks forward to the opportunity to learn and expand her knowledge from an academic and research mindset and gain a community of peer supporters.

After graduation, Allen’s plan is to remain a commissaire corps officer, as she has made a commitment and wants to teach at the university level. She has a passion for giving back and sharing what she has learned with students, which is one of her short-term goals.

As for her long-term goal, she wants to retire from the commission core and develop her own humanitarian foundation focused on children affected by natural disasters and man-made disasters.

“If the opportunity presents itself to work for a global organization like the UN or WHO, I want to be able to develop policies and guidelines for global health responses.”

Vanessa Aguirre, graduating December 2023, is a student at the Fairbanks School of Public Health studying health services management along with a minor in wellness coaching.

Alumni career spotlight: Desmond Rader

Posted on November 10, 2023 by Andy Ware

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.

Desmond Rader

Employer: IU Health
Current position: Strategic sourcing contract specialist, supply chain
Location: Plainfield, IN
Degree(s): BA, Political Science, 2021; MHA, 2023

Why did you choose your major/program?
My undergraduate degree was to prepare for law school, which I ended up not wanting to further pursue. I chose the MHA to work as an administrator in a health system as I felt it was an area I could make a positive impact with my legal and leadership background.

Briefly describe your career path.
I originally intended on a career in law, which I pursed through my political science BA and position as a paralegal in the Army Reserve. After volunteering with a medial philanthropy club, I made the switch to healthcare, which started at Methodist Hospital in guest relations. My next two positions were internships at Riley Hospital on the strategy team and after graduation I began my current position within supply chain.

Describe what an average day for you might be like.
I primarily work with portfolio managers to keep them on track with their contracts that provide the hospitals with the supplies they need, along with supporting in contracts where needed. I own a few initiatives such as the tracking and allocation of rebates tied to contracts or adding new suppliers to our network. I work with our portfolio managers to create amendments to contracts along with supporting in negotiations with said contracts. Lastly, I meet with clinical teams to make sure that supplies are both cost effective and of good quality for patient use.

What advice would you give your college self about pursuing your current career path or industry?
Your career path isn’t always the clearest, but each step along the way is going to be filled with learning that will greatly aid in helping you find what you enjoy.

What is a lesson learned at FSPH that you have been able to apply to your career?
Understanding the countless positions that go into running a healthcare facility have greatly helped me in working on strategic initiatives that touch all of these areas.

What is the most significant thing that’s happened to you since graduating?
The team that I am working on greatly pushes for building its employees. That coupled with IU Health’s young professional group have helped me make a far clearer path for my future.

What’s next for you?
My next step is focused around building experience in my current role to become a portfolio manager who negotiates and builds contracts with hospital vendors.

My long-term goal is to work in administration or strategy, potentially within supply chain for a hospital system that will likely also be in a different state due to wanting to move.

What is your favorite IUPUI/FSPH memory?
Participating in the NAHSE case competition was the most challenging yet rewarding part of my MHA experience. Although it was a tough month, the amount we learned from the beginning strategic steps to the end of operationalizing our plan and presenting it was immensely helpful for applying all that we had been learning.

Alumni career spotlight: Erin Demo

Posted on October 26, 2023 by Andy Ware

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.

Erin Demo

Employer: MITRE
Current position: Intermediate Healthcare Analyst
Location: Washington, DC
Degree(s): BSPH from Fairbanks, 2020; MPH from George Washington University, 2022

Why did you choose your major/program?
I chose BSPH because of the opportunities in Indianapolis. I chose GW because of the opportunities in DC. Both choices were equally as important!

Do you have any research interests?
Precision medicine in regards to working to achieve health equity.

Briefly describe your career path.
I always knew I wanted to work in healthcare in a non-clinical capacity. Where else to go but IUPUI for Fairbanks?! While in Indianapolis, I worked at Fairbanks SPH as a TA and intern. I also had experiences at the School of Medicine and ISDH.

Since I studied community health, I spent my days learning about how policies have negatively impacted communities and have the great potential to work to achieve health equity. With the same thought process as I did when I applied to undergrad at Fairbanks, I didn’t know of a better place to study health policy than our nation’s capital!

I was hired by my current company as an intern in between my first and second year of my MPH, largely due to the experiences I was able to gain while in Indianapolis. I am currently working as a healthcare analyst for a federally funded research and development center. After working in health policy for 18 months, I’ve transitioned back to my community health roots and work as a contractor for a research project with NIH. I am very thankful for my time at Fairbanks and owe a large portion of my career to the school.

Describe what an average day for you might be like.
I worked with federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) that are enrollment sites for an NIH research program working to achieve health equity. I work with them on a performance management level, monitoring and evaluating their performance regarding their enrollment and retention targets. I work with them to brainstorm how to best engage with their communities and navigate challenges regarding their goals.

What advice would you give your college self about pursuing your current career path or industry?
It is all going to work out. I had no business creating a 5- or 10-year plan when I was 18. Life gets crazy and that’s okay. We’ve got to roll with the punches.

What is a lesson learned at FSPH that you have been able to apply to your career?
Everything I learned about career readiness. I still use the résumé backbone that I worked on with FSPH Career Services. Working with Amelia Hurt truly helped me navigate interviews and how to “pitch” myself to companies and even grad schools.

What is the most significant thing that’s happened to you since graduating?
Moving to DC was a whirlwind (not to mention living here throughout 2020 and the remainder of the pandemic), but it’s an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything.

What’s next for you?
I’ve been working on intern recruitment for my department at MITRE, so I will be continuing on channeling my inner OTEAM-leader there. On a more serious note, I plan to stay at MITRE long term and will hopefully return back to stakeholder-informed policy work.

What is your favorite IUPUI/FSPH memory?
My favorite memory would be making lifelong friends through my public health classes. Being surrounded by like-minded folks during the trying time that was 2017-2020 was crucial for my well-being. I’m so happy I was able to go through college with such great peers and professors.

Speaking of great professors, I work with the same research project as Fairbanks professor alum Dr. Sula Hood! I witnessed her give an excellent presentation on HBCUs involvement in the research program and working to achieve health equity. It was such a cool moment to relive memories of her class and everything I learned from her.

MHA alumni gaining valuable experience in fellowships

Posted on October 23, 2023 by Andy Ware

We are excited to highlight the great work of our Master of Health Administration alumni who are currently serving in administrative fellowships. Alycia Felix (Franciscan Health), Kendall Ranges (IU Health) and Japjit Tutt (Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center) share their fellowship experiences.

How did the MHA program prepare you for your fellowship?

Alycia Felix

Alycia Felix: I genuinely feel that the program adequately equipped me to contribute to the work that I have done. The program focus of value-based healthcare has been instrumental and made me an asset to the team where historically these seasoned leaders have operated under the fee-for-service model.

Kendall Ranges: The MHA program had all the opportunities for me to practice my leadership skills and understand what values I hold dear that helped set me apart as an early careerist and in my recruitment phase for fellowships postgrad. From personal mentoring through the faculty, case competition experiences, and in coursework deliverables, I truly think the framework to enable success for me all started here in preparation for the fellowship.

Japjit Tutt: The Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health best prepared me for my fellowship by offering courses rich in principles that have now contributed to my professional career as a young emerging health care leader. Alongside support from faculty/peers, the program has a robust student board that offers various professional development opportunities. The program also encourages students to seek out real-world, hands-on experience and connects students with organizations across the state/national level.

Describe your fellowship, your responsibilities, and what you have accomplished so far.

AF: My program is unique due to its one-year duration vs. the traditional two-year format. My co-fellow is also based in a different location, which has been great to offer a diverse perspective of the overall organization. I have full autonomy to choose what my projects and rotations are, which has been beneficial to supporting my goals of the program.

Since starting in June, I have successfully completed a revenue-generating initiative within one of our clinics. Currently, I am engaged in several projects. I am leading efforts on a hospice project, working on redesigning our primary care model within our internal collaboratives, and contributing to the operationalization of our new cancer center, which is slated to open its doors in the first quarter of 2024.

Kendall Ranges

KR: In my fellowship with IU Health, I oversee a lot of projects; about 7-8 in varying responsibilities as a project manager in learning how to achieve results, make deliverables, and balance my portfolio of projects as an executive skillset. Generally, the IU fellowship gives you the opportunity to explore whatever your heart desires in healthcare quite honestly and you can have anyone of your choosing as a mentor to help coach you for any skill you either want to strengthen or have more knowledge towards.

JT: The Cincinnati Children’s Administrative Fellowship is a one-year project-based experience offering the opportunity to develop an understanding of the administration and operations of a leading pediatric and academic medical center. Fellows have the opportunity to lead and participate in real-time strategic, operational, and financial projects across the organization, while also building relationships with team members and leaders throughout Cincinnati Children’s.

I have chosen projects based off of my interests and have been assigned a preceptor to whom I ultimately report up to. I have also been paired with an executive sponsor, who is typically on the leadership team at CCHMC. I have spent the first three months of my fellowship meeting with leadership across the organization, participating in professional development opportunities, and leading five different projects.

Is there a specific program you’ve been involved in during your fellowship that you’d like to highlight?

AF: I have stayed engaged with iHEN, EWHC, and NALHE, which has been vital during the initial phases of my fellowship. Being able to have time to continue to invest in these programs as they do for me, was a negotiation I proposed during my interview process. It has been pivotal to have mentors both inside and outside of my organization to lean into as I made the school to career transition. I am beyond thankful for my mentors and their support.

I also just started Leadership Lafayette. This is an eight-month leadership program in the local area that allows me to learn the community of the patients we serve and what resources are available to them. Franciscan leadership encouraged me to participate in this program to get more involved within the community since I am not from the area.

KR: Not a particular program but for example the types of projects I am working on is a strategy paper on obesity with weight loss management drugs, their impacts for our bariatrics and other social impacts, a new metric coming to our system promise dashboard all leaders will be carrying out next year for patient quality and safety, and a new leadership concept we are piloting with CEO Dennis Murphy and all system leaders to standardize approaches in some areas of operations.

Japjit Tutt

JT: I joined the Volunteer Ambassador’s program at Cincinnati Children’s, which helps our faculty and staff find opportunities to give back to Greater Cincinnati. CCHMC encourages a philanthropic worldview through enriching and challenging experiences for colleagues and neighbors. I have also joined the Asian Cultural and Professional Employee Resource Group.

What have you learned that will prepare you for your next step?

AF: Although I have typically followed this philosophy, I think it has been emphasized in my fellowship experience – I say yes to as many opportunities as I can. I want to maximize my exposure to various areas of the organization. This helps me to not only understand the organization’s MVVs but also to intentionally build relationships within the organization and departmental subject matter experts.

KR: I have a long way to go to explore what I have to offer with my current skills in healthcare, but I think in preparation and largely due to what got me here today I should always strive to understand a process as best I can and be okay with not knowing everything and being coachable. With leadership specifically and in preparation for my next projects and my second year of the fellowship I am working on skills ranging from making effective decisions and measuring them, how to build effective teams, and nonverbals to name a few areas where I see opportunity for further development.

JT: I have learned the importance of making valuable connections. Many of the fellows from previous cohorts have landed positions at CCHMC through the connections they have made with leaders across the organization.

Anything else you’d like to mention?

AF: If you’re considering a fellowship, I couldn’t advocate for it enough! Always feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about Franciscan’s program or want to know more.

KR: I want to thank those who are reading this who were my support system for not only making a difference in my career but also my personal life. My gratitude cannot be expressed enough for my Fairbanks family and the pivotal parts they played in my career elevation (Gary Brummitt, Thomas Duszynski, Antionette “Auntie” Epps, Nir Menachemi). Truly this list could be massive, but I appreciate each of you for your mentorship!

Alumni career spotlight: Emily Dunham

Posted on October 12, 2023 by Andy Ware

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.

Emily Dunham

Employer: IU School of Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine
Current position: Project Manager
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Degree(s): MPH, IUPUI, 2015

Why did you choose your major/program?
I wanted to be able to help in my community. The MPH program promised to educate me in ways of doing so in a strategic and meaningful way.

Do you have any research interests?
No specific research interests, but my concentrations at work involve communications, outreach, diversity, equity, and inclusion, project planning, and people managing.

Briefly describe your career path.
I started out as an evaluator with the State Department of Health where I managed a large CDC funded grant. I then moved onto a special projects coordinator with the WIC department where I managed federal stipulations and education projects.

I have been with the IU School of Medicine department of emergency medicine over the past five years helping out with a range of projects from communication through the pandemic, assisting with patient experience, and helping develop their strategic plan.

Describe what an average day for you might be like.
An average day involves checking on the status of, and facilitating the progress of the various projects I am helping to manage. I will either review my current project plans to assess where we are and what needs to come next, or I will be in the works of developing a new project plan. Either way, I am meeting with my team and stakeholder to brainstorm, troubleshoot any issues, or celebrate any successes that may occur.

What advice would you give your college self about pursuing your current career path or industry?
I was surprised and yet not surprised that my MPH degree led easily into project management. With my concentration, we were taught to assess and thoughtfully create different community initiatives, and projects are just initiatives with a different name. Don’t be deterred by thinking you need another certification (PMP for example) before you look into a job like this. If you are organized and passionate about helping and getting something done, you’ll be great.

What is a lesson learned at FSPH that you have been able to apply to your career?
Developing great relationships with your stakeholders are key.

What is the most significant thing that’s happened to you since graduating?
1) The pandemic. The emergency department was slammed and I was in charge of creating a way to streamline vital communication to our providers. It was a great, if not stressful learning opportunity.

2) I had my son a year after I had my daughter and the transition into motherhood and juggling work/life balance has been significant.

What’s next for you?
I’m hoping to continue melding my experience of project management and knack of managing people well.

What is your favorite IUPUI/FSPH memory?
I went to Guatemala for one of my classes and the experience was amazing!