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.

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.

Starting it Off Right

Danielle

  I’m Danielle Taubman and I’m amazed to say that I’m a second year HBHE student this year.  Even though I’m from Michigan and even though I went to the University of Michigan as an undergraduate, I can remember the nervousness and anxieties I had before beginning at the School of Public Health last year.  Of course, starting any new school, program, or job is a challenge.  Although it was an adjustment, like my peers, I adjusted.  I met the challenges presented to me in my first year of grad school and learned a great deal about how I interact with others, handle barriers, and find solutions both in a professional and personal setting.

I had a difficult time choosing which MPH program to attend. In the end, I was attracted to the interdisciplinary curriculum,  first-class professors, and attention to a global perspective on health that we have at the U of M. And since making my decision to go to U of M SPH, I have certainly appreciated those aspects of the school.  By going to the U of M, you can really do anything (within reason) that you want to do. One girl will plan a freeze mob, a few students will speak at a symposium, someone will intern at the CDC, and I created a student group for Jewish students at SPH.

This year I want to continue to meet new people (I can never meet enough!), get more hands-on experiences, have more conversations with professors and professionals in the field, and be there for the first years as last year’s second years were there for me.  I’m looking forward to starting and finishing this final year off right and am quite interested to see how the story goes.

“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.

PHAST Biloxi Trip Recap! Better late than never!

Michelle

So over the past two weeks, I have been fortunate to sit down with three lovely ladies to talk about their experiences on the trip to Biloxi, Mississippi, with the Public Health Action Support Team (PHAST) during Fall Break this past semester! Just another example of how you can put the knowledge you’re learning in the classroom into practice!

The PHAST group left for Biloxi on Thursday, October 13^th and came back to Ann Arbor Sunday, October 16^th. While in Mississippi, the team worked with the University of Mississippi and the nonprofit Visions of Hope. Here is the snippet about their trip:

“Students from the University of Mississippi and the University of Michigan partnered with Visions of Hope to qualitatively assess changes in the East Biloxi, Mississippi community. We inquired about change that has occurred over the past five years, notably since Hurricane Katrina devastated the area in 2005, with specific topics of interests including population shift, health care, education, employment, and housing. Students qualitatively interviewed residents of East Biloxi who were willing to participate. The results of the interviews will be used to develop a quantitative survey regarding change in the community that will be administered in the spring of 2012 in both Biloxi and the delta region of Mississippi. The final results of the quantitative survey will be shared with local agencies and service providers so that they may better address their clients’ needs.”

Here are a few of the highlights from the conversations I had with Alena Perez, Allison Yee, and Hillary Craddock:

Alena, 1^st year, HBHE:

M: The trip was during winter break?  How did that work for the students?

Alena: The trip was before winter break, during fall break.  Time management was key.  It was definitely manageable because it was a short trip and allowed for 3 days remaining of fall break to study.

M: Tell me about the people you met.

Alena: Everyone we partnered with was great, friendly, and easy to get along with.  I did not hear of anyone specifically having or encountering any negative people or situations within the community.  Of course not everyone agreed to interview, but many were open and very receptive.  It was overall a wonderful experience and I am curious how the project will proceed with the May trip.

Allison, 1^st year, EHS:

M: The trip was during Winter break? How did that work for the students?

Allison: I had just come out of undergrad – it was fine to keep going. While it would have been nice to have taken the break, the experience was worth it.

M: Did you get any downtime on the trip?

Allison: The group went out to dinner one night and it was fun. There’s not too much to do in Biloxi, the casinos are the major form of entertainment.

 Hillary, 1^st year, EPID:

M: Tell me about the people you met.

Hillary: We met a lot of people who were working to improve the community, both through Visions of Hope and out in the field. The people at VoH were dedicated to meeting the needs of the community, and they were eager to brainstorm with us on potential new programming. We heard many stories from people who helped recover after Katrina or were helping to clean up after the oil spill.

M: Did you get any downtime?

Hillary: We got some downtime in the evenings, and we were able to experience tasty local seafood and BBQ.

PHAST in Biloxi, MS

Thank you Allison, Alena, Hillary, and Dana!

And Happy Finals / Holiday Season Y’all!

SPH Annual Poster Session / Speed Dating Last Friday!

Michelle

So I have never actually been speed dating, but I believe this past Friday’s SPH Poster Session was a similar experience. It’s chaotic with lots of new faces, lots to talk about, and little time to convey everything you want to! Maybe you’re even seeing people you sort of know or recognize…waving at others from across a crowded room…and sipping on water any chance you get, in hopes not to lose your voice while blathering on about yourself..

Anyways, here are some modified speed dating tips to prepare you for your poster session next year, first-years:

1. Prepare a Profile. (My version: Maybe just prepare?).
Basically, work on your internship elevator speech! I’m not sure if I prepared enough beforehand since my conversations went off into so many different directions (might be due to having two posters) but it’s a good idea to just have some points about your internship that you want to get across when speaking to the first-years or others who come visit. Keep it short and sweet, about 1 or 2 minutes long, and highlight the positive aspects of your internship.

2. Have Questions Ready.
Have a set of questions ready to ask each person who comes up to the poster for after you give your elevator speech. You want to ask about their interests and see how they can align with what you have done in your internships – or outside of the internships too. You can ask about their current classes or if they have a work study position. Find a way to make it more of a conversation instead of a presentation.

3. Have Confidence.
Yes, it really stinks talking about yourself for two hours straight, but remember that you could have a lot to give the newbies and try your best to stay positive…

4. Be Positive.
When the poster session begins, you may think there is no one there will come to talk to you. Thinking this way before the session even starts is a recipe for disaster. Keep your mind open and smile. Though you want to be positive in the way you speak about your internships, you should be honest about the barriers/problems you encountered in your experience.

5. Don’t be a flaw finder. (My version: Just because someone’s interests don’t match yours initially doesn’t mean that you should have them move on to the next poster! Find some common ground!)
This goes hand-in-hand with being positive and having questions ready above. But also important to remember is that you’re not just there to talk to the first-year students, but also professors, fellow students from other departments, professionals, and more. I actually had a long conversation with a freshman student who had been told I was working at the Center for Managing Chronic Disease and we talked about her pursuing public health for the rest of undergrad and maybe graduate school.

6. Avoid bringing personal baggage to the table. (My version: Don’t get to negative aspects of the internship right away, but do be honest about them).
Like mentioned above, it is your responsibility to be honest if there were negative aspects to the experience that someone who is interested in following in your footsteps should be aware of.

7. Be engaging.
I’m keeping some of what the Millionnaire Matchmaker said initially for this tip–  “Patti Says: ‘The conversation should become a ping-pong match…Respond to questions with positive energy and enthusiasm, and stay on neutral subjects…Witty banter is very important. Ask interesting questions, be a good listener as well as an active participant.’”
Say hi to everyone who walks by, even if they do NOT look interested initially. You can change their minds! I also tried to have an interactive component to my presentation with the ribbons’ colors and cancer awareness..

8. Go easy on the booze. (My version: While going easy on the booze should be pretty obvious …. Have a nonalcoholic beverage on hand).
Luckily, Kau’i was the poster next to me and went to get water for us, essentially coming the rescue when we were both dying of thirst!

9. If you’re interested, show some interest! (My version: If you and an individual are truly finding your interests align, put a little more effort in to make their experience a little better).
I ended up having some wonderful conversations and gave information to first-years about certain professors’ research, particular classes, and job/volunteer opportunities.

10. Mind your manners. (My version: Look nice, act professional, and engage with your peers and others).

Thank you to everyone I got to speak with on Friday – it was so much fun, even if you were just at my posters to snag some candy.

From left: Reva Berman, Bethany Buschmann, Leah Gacioch, and I at the 2011 SPH Poster Session for HBHE

Also if we didn’t get a chance to talk, or you have any additional questions for me about my summer internships at the Center for Managing Chronic Disease or the Cancer Support Community, please feel free to contact me! Thanks!

Tips modified based on two very credible sources:
http://www.ehow.com/way_5230035_speed-dating-tips.html
http://www.bravotv.com/the-millionaire-matchmaker/speed-dating/tips

My First Slice of Grad School Pie!

Claudia

Hey! I’m Claudia, a first year student in Health Behavior Health Education (HBHE). After a 6 year school hiatus, I come all the way from California to Michigan to pursue my Master Degree in Public Health. I will be blogging about my experience at the School of Public Health (SPH) and hope that my perspective gives you a genuine glimpse of what life at SPH is like.

It’s the start of the 4th week of classes and things are finally starting to fall into place. The first three weeks have been all about figuring out what works. What classes to take? Should I take notes on a laptop, ipad, or just a good old-fashioned paper notebook? It’s also been about figuring out the best way to manage my time and fit in classes, work, socializing with new friends, and all the reading and assignments that I am are required to do. Plus, the University of Michigan has plenty of student activities that you can start participating in right away!

My schedule is starting to fill up as I take advantage of these opportunities. There are so many public health-related organizations and events open to students  -that  it’s hard to choose!

This weekend was the 2011 Ann Arbor AIDS Walk and the School of Public Health was the top fundraising team (for the second year in a row), raising over $4,000. All the money raised goes exclusively to HARC (HIV/AIDS Resource Center) – which is the ONLY AIDS service organization serving many of the surrounding Michigan counties. I was thrilled to be a part of the SPH team and see the enthusiasm that my peers showed throughout the event.

Just for Fun – A Piece of Grad School Pie!

I decided to make a pie chart using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) of how I spend my time during a given week based on the first 3 weeks of school.

Results:

26.05% Sleeping

25.15%  Reading

7.19%     Thinking about  doing homework or readings

10.18%  Class (17 units)

5.99%    Working

7.49%    Dealing with moving issues – buying furniture & kitchen supplies; finding a shower curtain to match the bright pink

                  tiles in the bathroom.

8.38%    Freaking out! The moments while reading a research article that make you say – “Ah! I’m really in grad school!”

2.99%    Learning SPSS – Spending time in lab is inevitable!

6.59%    Other – Most likely made up of being on facebook, catching up with friends and family, eating, and showering when

                  possible.

* I know the percentages add up to 100.01 and I don’t know why. I guess I still have more SPSS learning to do!

Now that you’ve seen mine, what does your grad school pie look like?