MSQM:HA students "meet" in Durham without leaving home

I came into the health care industry from my industrial engineering undergraduate program without much knowledge of health care’s complexities and nuances. I also never had the chance to take business courses as an undergraduate. When applying to graduate programs, we had a baby on the way, so I needed a program that had the flexibility to allow me to balance family and school without putting my career on hold. I was drawn to the MSQM: HA program’s blend of business fundamentals, health care institutions, and analysis of health care data, plus the flexible program format. I thought it was unique that the students in the program come from so many branches of the health care industry.
I'm a Senior Health Economist at RTI Health Solutions, a non-profit research organization located in Research Triangle Park, NC. I collaborate with pharmaceutical and government clients to develop economic tools that assess the effectiveness, value, and affordability of health interventions, primarily for infectious diseases and immunization.
I will likely stay in my current sector of the health care industry, health economics and outcomes research, but plan to enhance my leadership role and embrace broader and more challenging issues. I hope to use the analytic tools from the program to better interpret health care data and use it to improve decision-making and population health.
I’ve really enjoyed David Ridley’s courses. He has a great talent for engaging with the class in a virtual setting and encouraging conversation. He’s helped improve my understanding of the challenges facing the health care industry and how market-based solutions can help. I already feel like I have a better understanding of the many perspectives and forces acting within the industry.