EnHS: Education and Training Program in Occupational Health Services and Policy

Nathan Barleen

What was your educational and relevant work experience prior to enrolling in the OHSRP program?

I had finished my undergraduate degree in Community Health Education and had begun work on a doctoral degree in Health Services Research and Policy before enrolling in the OHSRP program. I worked as an intern at The Utah Diabetes Prevention and Control Program. There I worked on coalition building efforts and the assessment of health plans’ care for diabetic enrollees.

What made you interested in the field of occupational health services research and policy?

My interest in occupational health services research and policy stems primarily from my interest in insurance theory. Many of the principle problems of health insurance theory seem not to have been adequately addressed as they pertain to workers’ compensation insurance. The structure of workers’ compensation insurance is important because it may influence not only the care available to workers injured on the job, but also the incentives of both employers and employees to improve workplace safety.

What made you choose the University of Minnesota?

When I was looking at graduate schools my advisor and mentors heavily encouraged me to choose the University of Minnesota. The reputation of the University, and specifically of the School of Public Health, was very important in my decision.

What type of job would you like to find upon completion of the program?

Upon completion of the program I would like to find an academic position that would allow me to pursue my research interests, but research positions in government may also be of interest to me.

What would you say to a student considering the program?

I would tell students interested in the program that there are a myriad of opportunities for them so study what interests them here at the University of Minnesota. The faculty of the OHSRP program is extremely supportive of students. (1/07)

Mira Grice, M.S.

What was your educational background?

My undergraduate degree was in biology, pre-med, with an emphasis in ecology. I was looking for a way to apply these interests when I discovered the Environmentall Health program at the University of Minnesota. I applied, and approximately two years later, earned the Masters' of Science in the general program.

What made you interested in the field of occupational health services research and policy?

I saw the chance to be involved in and add to the knowledge base, which will hopefully better inform policy-makers in their decision-making regarding occupational health services. I also saw the chance to meaningfully contribute to and make a positive impact on public health. In my mind, the combination of health services research and occupational health make perfect sense. Having the opportunity to train within each area will enable me to reach across disciplines and be more effective in future research efforts.

What made you choose the University of Minnesota?

While working on my masters' degree, I came to know a few of the faculty in the EnHS program. I saw how interested they were in helping me and other students succeed and how they extended themselves to make that happen. I realized that if I remained at the University, I would have their support, as well as the opportunity to gain more research experience. The availability of funding to help cover educational expenses made the decision a no-brainer.

What would you say to a student considering the program?

If you're interested in workplace health and safety and access to health care for workers; if you would like to be a part of groundbreaking research; if you are interested in really having the chance to make an impact on policies in this area, then this program is one that you should seriously consider. I believe that this multidisciplinary approach provides students with the ability to work competently in either the private or public sector and that there is a need for professionals in this new field. (1/07)

Liz Habermann, M.P.H.

What was your educational and relevant work experience prior to enrolling in the OHSRP program?

I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a B.S. in biology and a certificate in environmental studies. I began the M.P.H. program in Public Health Administration and Policy here at the University of Minnesota prior to enrolling in the Ph.D. OHSRP program and completed it this past summer.

What made you interested in the field of occupational health services research and policy?

I think that there is great opportunity for research on the effects of work on health and of health on work. Workers spend a great deal of their time at their job, and I think it’s necessary to research how a person’s workforce participation affects his or her access to health care and health outcomes.

What made you choose the University of Minnesota?

I chose the University of Minnesota’s OHSRP program while I was enrolled here as an M.P.H. student. I originally chose the University of Minnesota because it has an excellent School of Public Health. I have found that the professors truly enjoy working with students, and they allow me to explore my interests while keeping me focused. Additionally, I really like living in the Twin Cities.

What type of job would you like to find upon completion of the program?

I think one strength of this program is that it prepares trainees for many types of jobs. Upon completion of the program, I will likely apply for assistant professor positions as well as positions in governmental agencies.

What would you say to a student considering the program?

This program is an excellent place for anyone interested in the effects of work on health or of health status on workforce involvement. The multidisciplinary approach allows a student to work with faculty in two departments and gives the student a unique skill set that will make him or her competitive in the job market. I highly recommend the OHSRP program here at the U. (1/07)

Tamara Schult, M.S.

What was your educational and relevant work experience prior to enrolling in the OHSRP program?

Prior to enrolling in the OHSRP program, I received my master’s degree in public health in epidemiology in 2001 from the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health. While working on my master’s degree, I was employed as a research assistant at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center (MVAMC) in the Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research (CCDOR). I continued to work there part-time after receiving my degree. In addition to my work at the MVAMC, I was employed part-time as an epidemiologist in the Minnesota Cancer Surveillance System (MCSS), which is part of the state health department, for approximately a year before taking a full-time position within CCDOR.

What made you interested in the field of occupational health services research and policy?

The Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research at the MVAMC is a health services research center. My interest in health services research and policy was a result of my work within that center. And because I had received my master’s degree in epidemiology, the occupational health component of the dual OHSRP program was a natural fit for me because some of the courses I had already taken as part of my master’s degree work overlapped with what was required for the occupational health component of the OHSRP program. The OHSRP program allowed me to combine my growing interest in health services research and policy with another area of study in which I had some familiarity.

What made you choose the University of Minnesota?

I chose the University of Minnesota because I was already familiar with the School of Public Health and had a great experience with the School while working on my master’s degree. I was excited about the opportunity to work with two different divisions of the school for the OHSRP program that I had not worked with in my previous degree program.

What type of job would you like to find upon completion of the program?

I will likely continue to work in an applied research setting, such as the center I work in at the MVAMC, after completing the program. I feel my particular experiences in the fields of epidemiology, occupational health, and health services research and policy have given me a very broad knowledge base and are very applicable to many avenues of research that I may choose to pursue in the future.

What would you say to a student considering the program?

The OHSRP program provides a great opportunity for interdisciplinary study. Both of the divisions I’ve had an opportunity to work with as part of the program, Environmental Health Sciences and Health Policy and Management have provided wonderful support. (1/07)

Tamara Schult CV