Why did you choose to join this program and what excites you most about it?
Table of Contents
- Why did you choose to join this program and what excites you most about it?
- How do you see this program helping you reach your career goals? What do you hope to do when you complete the degree?
- Why is a concentration in Health Services Research and Implementation Science needed/important to you?
- Are there any personal associations you might have with modern day health challenges; any inciting incident(s) that made you want to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health?
I chose the Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health program with a concentration in Health Services Research and Implementation Science because I’m deeply committed to advancing pediatric health services. My goal is to learn evidence-based strategies for designing and implementing programs that make a measurable impact on children’s health outcomes. After spending the past decade working at Rady Children’s Health and living in San Diego, I’ve developed a strong connection to UC San Diego and have long admired its contributions to public health. Joining the inaugural cohort is especially exciting, and I look forward to collaborating with inspiring peers and faculty, while expanding my skill set in an innovative academic and research environment.
How do you see this program helping you reach your career goals? What do you hope to do when you complete the degree?
This program will provide me with invaluable access to a diverse network of experts and cutting-edge methodologies in health services research and implementation science. I’m eager to deepen my understanding through hands-on learning and collaborative exploration with my cohort, which will strengthen my ability to design and evaluate impactful interventions. Upon completing this degree, I plan to continue advancing pediatric health outcomes here in Southern California and expanding nationally, or globally, with a particular focus on improving vaccine adherence and access for children. I see this program as a launchpad for driving meaningful, evidence-based change in pediatric public health.
Why is a concentration in Health Services Research and Implementation Science needed/important to you?
This concentration aligns directly with my experience and long-term goals. While working at Rady Children’s Health during the pandemic, I saw firsthand that scientific innovation, including vaccine development, is only part of the solution. Equally important is ensuring access, fostering understanding, and rebuilding trust in health systems. The concentration offers the tools to address these types of challenges head-on. As social drivers of health continue to reshape our care delivery, I believe it’s essential to understand how health services operate and how they can be improved to promote equity and better outcomes for generations to come.
Are there any personal associations you might have with modern day health challenges; any inciting incident(s) that made you want to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health?
Growing up in a rural town with limited access to care, I stayed healthy thanks to my single mother’s determination and support from programs like the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children and Medicaid. That experience shaped my belief in the power of public health systems. Today, with rising discussion around childhood vaccines and health decisions, it’s more important than ever to ensure families have access to accurate information and equitable care. These challenges, and my personal journey, are what drive me to pursue this degree.
