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.

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.

Officially Halfway Done!!!

Eboni

Hi Everyone!

My name is Eboni Thompson and I am SPH’s newest blogger! I hail from Baton Rouge, Louisiana (yes, people from the South do come to Michigan) , and I am now a 2nd year student in the best department within the School of Public Health…HMP! I have throughly enjoyed my 1st year in SPH and this has been a great learning experience, both in and out of the classroom, from my Econ struggles, to exploring Ann Arbor & what it has to offer, to even voicing my opinions and concerns after taking a Diversity course. Below, are a few things I have learned over the past year. I hope it helps! Prospective students, my next post will be for you. Remember, if you aren’t growing, you aren’t truly learning.

1st Year Advice:

• Find a great group of friends: Trust me, this program will be so much more enjoyable if you have a great group of friends. I have had some of the best laughs with my friends during our study sessions. Maybe because we’re all delusional at some point, but nevertheless, we enjoy ourselves. This program isn’t just about learning academically. It’s about teamwork, networking, and growing as a healthcare professional. Outside of your close friends, get to know other students in and out of your program. You never know who you’ll need to reach out to one day…or who will become a CEO & you’ll want to say your friend is CEO of thus and so company.
• Professors are your friend (professionally of course): Utilize office hours. If you don’t understand something, ask! Waiting until the end of semester is too late to salvage a grade. Learn who your professors are, what their research is, allow them to get to know you. After all, you may one day need a letter of recommendation and they are more apt to write one for you if they know who you are. Along with that, they are people too! They are very knowledgeable and great resources to have. There are numerous staff and faculty members that ask how I am doing both academically and personally. It’s a great gesture, especially with my family being 16 hours away.
• Become involved: Everyone at the University of Michigan is smart, if they weren’t, they wouldn’t be here. Not everyone is a leader. Take the time to get involved, speak your mind, make a difference, and so much more. Join a student organization such as Public Health Student Assembly (PHSA) or Public Health Students of African Descent (PHSAD). Volunteer in the Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Detroit communities. Your help is both needed and appreciated.
• Last but not least…ENJOY Ann Arbor: Ann Arbor is a great college town. It’s very beautiful in the fall. Take time to go for a run, smell the flowers, etc. Main Street is a great deal of fun. For most people, this is the last time you’ll be able to simply be a student. Embrace it. Have fun. Go explore!!!

As for me, I am in New Orleans, Louisiana interning with Ochsner Health System. I can’t believe I’m already halfway done with my 11-week internship. Seems as if I just started. I am spending my summer working, learning, writing personal statements for my fellowship applications, and making sure I spend as much time with my family and friends as I possibly can. School will start before I know it!

Graduation!

Tasha

I am officially a Master of Public Health and my journey at the University of Michigan School of Public Health has come to a close. I just wanted to share with you all the video from my graduation day that I made for my family, friends, and 6,000 YouTube Subscribers!

Why I chose the University of Michigan School of Public Health?

Tasha

2 years ago, I sent off my application, completed my in person interview, and was accepted into the program of Health Management and Policy here at SPH. But, I still had a decision to make and some of you reading this blog post may be in the same situation. I thought I would share with you why I chose the University of Michigan School of Public Health for my Master’s Degree.

1. Faculty. The faculty at the school are at the top of their fields and produce ground breaking research with students alongside. Not only are they great in the field, but they are stellar in the classroom and attentive to student needs.
2. Facilities. The buildings are aesthetically pleasing, the laboratories are cutting edge, and the space promotes collaboration, teamwork, and cross-program communication. I have seen my day of outdated-rustic classrooms, and I am so pleased to have arrived.
3. Program. The top ranked programs here offer a comprehensive curriculum and interesting electives. I have always found the course selection to take me into subject areas that I had never thought of before like “Managing People” and “Sticky Communication”.
4. University. The University at large reminds me a lot of my undergraduate institution, but bigger. I love to watch the football games, hang out in the downtown area, and be amongst the high spirited undergraduate students.
5. Location. I have lived in the south my entire life and it was time for a change. I wanted to explore states that did not border Georgia for once. I wanted to experience real snow, the Great Lakes, and the Mid West culture. I must say, “Not bad.”

As I approach graduation, I can say that these reasons still hold true. I am so grateful that I received the opportunity to attend the School of Public Health and cannot wait to see how I apply the knowledge and skills I have learned here. If you are in the decision making phase, I hope this helps you in your process. If you are a current student or alum, this will probably cause you to reflect on your life since accepting admission to the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Leave a comment with your reason for saying Yes.