Complete First Year of Studies, Check.

Andy

I thought I would sneak a short message in before all the “commencement blogs” are uploaded. Who cares about graduation anyway? Some of us have a whole other year left. This blog focuses on what’s important, the accomplishments of the Class of 2014 (Joking, congratulations to all the graduates!)

A few days ago, I hosted an end-of-the-year soiree before all departing to our respective summer internships. Good weather. Good drinks. Better friends. It is always a pleasure to get together and share in the festivities of fun-employment, at least for a day. As always, I was struck by the professional and intellectual diversity of our HMP cohort. The University’s resources are great, the faculty is outstanding, and football is a religion. However, when prospective students asked me, “What is the single greatest thing about Michigan?” I told them about my friends. Yesterday was only a reminder.

As I reflect on the past year, it seems surreal that year one has come to a close (grades pending). I look forward to hearing about all the incredible practicum experiences upon return. From Geneva to Los Angeles to right here in Ann Arbor, I am 110% confident that everyone will be a massive success and realize how valuable they truly are to the field of healthcare management and policy. I’ve always said, the sooner my friends become CEOs, the sooner they can hire me. I wish them all the best in their future summer endeavors.

For the few HMP Class of 2015 students who read this blog, here is some advice for next year: Hang out with us! Ask us for help. Internship opportunities, check. Best places to eat, check. Cheap places to “hydrate”, double check. We went through the process and are more than willing to assist. Just remember we are upperclassmen, hence cooler, smarter, and more accomplished than any of you…

Andy Mychkovsky is a first year HMP student at the School of Public Health.

Words of Rembrance by Clarence B. Jones on MLK Jr. Day

Andy

“Silence in the face of violence, is evil itself.” Just an example of one famous quote paraphrased by Clarence B. Jones, who spoke at the University of Michigan this past Monday. It was an honor to hear Jones speak on the day of remembrance for his friend and ally of the Civil Rights Movement, Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. During that historic time period, Jones was considered one of the closest political and influential confidantes of Dr. King. Serving as adviser, lawyer, draft speech writer, and friend, few knew him better.

In a brilliant and authentic display of oration, Jones proclaimed, “Except for Abraham Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863, Martin Luther King Jr. in 12 years and 4 months from 1956 to 1968, did more to achieve political, economic, and social justice in America than any other event or person in the previous 400 years.” It seems almost inconceivable, that during a time of racial oppression, lack of social media or internet, and limited popular support, that one man could amass such a following that would change the course of history in this great nation.

Listening to first-person testimonials about the week leading up to the famous “I Have A Dream” speech, opposition to the Vietnam War, and the “Letter from Birmingham Jail”, would have seemed to be enough. However, Jones also weaved a story of anti-violence together, calling to arms action against inaction. He implored the audience to realize the world of violence has many faces, and lies beneath society’s eyes like molten lava. It does not have to be fatal to affect communities. The need for a fierce urgency to make investments toward improving the quality of life, a non-violent future. In the words of Dr. King, “The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence you may murder the hater, but you do not murder hate.”

Lastly, Jones reflected on his feelings when President Barack Obama was first elected as President of the United States in 2008. After succumbing to a rush of emotion, tears filled his eyes. Not for the electoral results, but tears for all those people who made that election possible. Without the collective work of the Civil Rights Movement and sacrifices of millions, we would have never seen such history made. I cannot emphasize enough the goosebumps that appeared on the audience’s skin when listening to the methodical, yet emotional reaction delved so rich in the history of the Civil Rights Movement. To think he stood side by side with arguably the most influential person from American history regarding civil rights was awe inspiring.

When asked, “Who today is most like Martin Luther King Jr?” Jones answered with a rhetorical question, “Who today is most like Shakespeare, like Leonardo Da Vinci, like Michelangelo? No one.”

Andy Mychkovsky is a first year HMP student at the School of Public Health.

Happy Retirement Pat O’Kray, You Earned It!!!

Andy

“Happy Retirement to You, Happy Retirement to You, Happy Retirement Dear Pat, Happy Retirement to You!”

Today faculty, students, and staff met in the GLC Leadership Room to celebrate the illustrious career of Pat O’Kray.  Having served 15 years at the School of Public Health, she has amassed the greatest amount of knowledge and most importantly, respect, from the entire department.

These past few months, Pat has served as a confidant, resource, and friend to me and my many classmates. Without her guidance, I know with absolute certainty, my transition to graduate school life would have much more difficult. From internships, to class scheduling, to responding to a barrage of random emails, she is one word, wonderful.

Pat O’Kray did not work for the University of Michigan Health Management and Policy department, she embodied it. On behalf of the entire HMP 2014 class, we will miss you.

Andy Mychkovsky is a first year HMP student at the School of Public Health.

Guide to being an effective graduate student

Andy

How to be an effective graduate student:

1. Be social, even if it pushes the boundaries of your comfort zone. Your peers not only represent the future of healthcare, but also your next two years. Draw on various personalities and backgrounds to enhance your overall experience.
2. Don’t take graduate school too seriously. Nobody gets out alive.
3. Despite what others say, I strongly suggest you work during school. Not only will it provide some income, but more importantly allow you to apply the knowledge gained. This will not only refine your own skills, but also reinforce your reasons for pursuing a degree in public health.
4. Please don’t research to just get published. Research, then use it to solve real problems. My single greatest critique of academia is the exorbitant amount of research that is never applied or implemented to solve a practical solution in the world.
5. Never underestimate your professional background. Literally everything is relevant in public health.
6. Your classmates will make or break your graduate school experience. I’m biased, but I think my friends are the single greatest reason I’m enjoying my experience here at Michigan.
7. Professors are people too. Talk to them.
8. If you were accepted into this program, you are smart. However, so is everyone else. Never underestimate anyone.
9.  DO NOT spend all your time at the School of Public Health. Attend football games, play intramural sports, take classes at the policy school, attend lectures across campus and actively seek out other students from various disciplines.
10. Don’t forget to vote! (Let’s move Forward…)

Andy Mychkovsky is a first year HMP student at the School of Public Health.

Driving? Turn the Phone Off!

Andy

Driving is debatably the biggest public safety and public health issue of our nation. It is the leading cause of death among Americans ages 1 to 34, and the leading cause of long-term disability for all (McMillin, 2010). Statistically speaking, it is the single most dangerous activity most of us will do today. Skydiving or flying are insurmountably much safer activities, despite what our society believes. So why as a nation do we allow any mobile phone use in the car by the driver, something that drastically increases the probability of an automobile accident to persist?

As noted in the NYTimes article, “AT&T Chief Speaks Out on Texting at the Wheel”, research has shown that texting while driving increases ones risk of a crash beyond that of even an impaired driver with a 0.8 blood alcohol level (Richtel, 2012). A large majority of the population believes the BAC legal limit driving law to be a necessary piece of legislation. It only seems obvious to ban something more dangerous than something that is already banned.

Now some of you will say, texting is regulated in some states. This is obvious, however I’m wondering if we need a ban of total mobile phone use by the driver in the car. Plain and simple, mobile phones distract a driver in numerous ways. Manual manipulation of the phone such as texting or dialing significantly detracts from the time spent viewing the road. Unless you were blessed with the ability to use your two eyes independently, this presents a huge problem. In addition, there exist many distracting effects of the phone conversation through emotion or cognitive reasoning. Studies have shown that splitting cognition between two events greatly reduces the efficiency of any single activity. This is evidence to support the ban of total mobile phone use in the car, since the duration of a typical phone conversation can be up to two orders of magnitude greater than the time required to dial or answer the phone (Strayer, 2003).

Someone dies in a highway crash every 13 minutes (American Osteopathic Association). We must pass legislation that bans mobile phone and other electronic devices use while driving. Is even one life worth a text or phone call? What if that life was yours or your loved ones? The phone call can wait, especially if it’s your last.

Andy Mychkovsky is a first year HMP student at the School of Public Health.

Grad School Orientation Recap

Andy

Disclaimer: This blog post is about a week old. However I felt it was still important to offer some insight into what all incoming HMP students encountered during our 4-day orientation week. Please excuse the tardiness (due to studying…) and enjoy:

Day 1:

Orientation breakfast starts at 7:15am and I have only one thought, “Why so early?” After deciding to walk, Sophia (HMP student) and I end up arriving just in time to inhale a bagel and sit down for opening statements. Despite the morning, majority of students excited to begin. A few introductions from SPH staff later and we’re off to algebra testing. One scantron sheet later and official events are over. Lunch with some fellow classmates at Ashley’s and day 1 is in the books.

Day 2:

All departments in the School of Public Health have Tuesday off. Well except HMP because we’re more hardcore (sarcasm). We start with a scavenger hunt that moonlighted as a self-guided campus tour and icebreaker in one. Not sure how team, “We’re not running” did, but our faculty led discussion on Atul Gawande’s book, “Better” leaves us no time to rest. On a side note, I would recommend it to anyone interested in healthcare.

Nighttime activities include a student, faculty and alumni social event. I am always impressed by the level of success achieved by Michigan alumni, but even more refreshed by their willingness to offer a helping hand to the next generation.

Day 3:

Everything today revolves around the Practice Plunge. A group field trip with other incoming students from the public health, focused on interdisciplinary learning and communication. The anti-silo or anti-HMP only hangs out with other HMP student’s effect. My bus is off to visit Wayne County Public Health Department.  Upon arrival, we are guided into a room of public health professionals to hear a day in the life. The intricacies of the public health department with respect to disease control, immunization and emergency preparedness are informative, with the most entertaining discussion revolving around food safety inspection. Just don’t expect to look at a restaurant the same ever again.

Day 4:

The University of Michigan School of Public Health administration starts the day with a rousing collection of speeches tailored to excite and motivate the incoming class. I specifically remember a point when each respective department must cheer when called. I think it’s pretty obvious the Health Management and Policy crew wins (I really hope you’re not taking me literally). With spirits soaring high, we break for lunch, followed by a brief informational session on career services and a meeting with my academic advisor.

Next blog post will either be about classes or the HMP social life. Also, I know some of you have questions, feel free to comment and I will respond best I can.

Andy Mychkovsky is a first year HMP student at the School of Public Health.

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”

Andy

Date: August 14, 2012

Location: Bar Louie

Reason: Happy Hour

Yesterday several of us from the incoming Public Health class met together for $1 burgers, cheap refreshments and fine conversation after work. It was viewed as an opportunity to get to know each other before the madness of orientation week, “what you want to do with your life” speeches and business card holders.

It took a little time to warm up the conversation, but eventually it felt just like talking to old friends. What have you been doing lately and what do you wish to conquer next? Each one brought a range of experience and background, all incredibly impressive and unique. Most importantly to me at least, all with an overarching purpose to better the lives of others through the healthcare industry. I think that’s what makes this experience so exciting, the ability to connect with such students. Professionals who feel the need to work for something greater than just profit margin.

Standing from left to right: Me, Cydni S., Joe E., Mary S., Jackie R., Deborah R., Chandrashekar S., Swathi V.

Shout out to Deborah for being the only non-HMP student to attend (HBHE in da house). I can only hope in the future representation increases. If you have a spouse/partner/roommate that wants to come, bring them too! When I asked the second years what helped them most during the school year they said, “Hands down, your classmates.” Let’s toast to a good two years and beyond for everyone. Cheers.

Andy Mychkovsky is a first year HMP student at the School of Public Health.

A Fresh Perspective

Andy

Hello Everyone -

My name is Andy Mychkovsky and I am an incoming HMP student. When asked to blog I accepted, mainly to repay the graces from last year’s posters. Now I understand this won’t help anyone if everything is sugarcoated, so I will make this as candid as possible. Debate is encouraged, as long as it’s carried out in a respectful manner. Also, if you find something interesting or relevant that you would like elaborated, I will do my best to respond promptly.

Work Experience

Following graduation from Grand Valley State University, I fortuitously landed a position with the Ann Arbor based consulting firm, Blue Cottage Consulting. Our goal is to transform healthcare one project at a time. We primarily do visioning, strategy, operations and facility planning in healthcare systems across North America. If interested, I have added a link to our website here. There is honestly too much to describe this time around, but would be willing to speak further if demand exists.

Why Michigan?

Frankly, I chose the University of Michigan because I believed it would attract the highest level of talent. My goal was to surround myself with the most passionate, talented, intelligent and innovative colleagues imaginable for this degree.

2012-2013 Expectations

Here are my expectations for the upcoming year:

1. I expect to learn more and work harder this year than I have in any previous calendar year.
2. I expect to know each one of my classmates on a level far deeper than just name, Alma Mater, profession and career interests.
3. I expect Michigan football to have a winning season.
4. I expect the professors to challenge students to think “outside the box” in class discussion through use of Socratic Method or well positioned questions.
5. I expect professors to never just read straight from a PowerPoint unless absolutely necessary (within reason).
6. I expect professors to incorporate specific work/industry experience into their teachings.
7. I expect alumni/current students to be open (within reason) to informational interviews, friendly meet-and-greets, etc.
8. I expect to snag a highly competitive summer internship, whatever that may be.
9. I expect to have a great year.

“High achievement always takes place in the framework of high expectation.” – Charles Kettering.

With only a month left before school starts, I wish everyone a fantastic August. I look forward to seeing what the rest of the year has to offer, Go Blue!

Andy Mychkovsky is a first year HMP student at the School of Public Health.