Graduation Year: 2018

Type of Work: Consultant with ThoughtWorks.

Did you work full time through the program?

I was working part time in a temporary role in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at Prentice Women’s Hospital to design and implement a mentorship program for patients diagnosed with gynecologic cancer. I also worked at Northwestern Medicine in a communications internship focused in two areas: local and national program competitive review, analysis and recommendation and secondly, website user experience, design and usability analysis and recommendation.

Professionally, what are you doing now?

Consultant with ThoughtWorks.

How has the program changed the way you view healthcare?
Prior to the MSHC program, I was naive in what I understood about the healthcare system and thought of healthcare to be a linear experience. I assumed if the healthcare system was fixed then it would help more people and reduce harm. I had approached this program with ideals and desire for more research in order to implement change. Having exposure to the resources Northwestern has, I quickly learned there is plenty of research and statistical evidence available to make a positive change in healthcare. I now see the necessity for technological advancements in healthcare to improve various forms of communication between all stakeholders.

Did you discover anything new or unexpected at Northwestern?

I think what I had hoped to take away from Northwestern definitely was true and even greater than I imagined, and that is the networking opportunities. I network almost daily now. Either face-to-face or digitally, but because of my confidence in the program, I am speaking boldly. I believe the training I received in this program has refined me and provided me with confidence and knowledge of how I can make a positive change in healthcare.