An alumna explains how a Master of Public Health helped her obtain her dream job.
Lisa P. Stevens, MD, MPH
NAME: Lisa P. Stevens ’10, MD, MPH
DEGREE: Master of Public Health (MPH)
JOB BEFORE MY DEGREE: Medical director of the preoperative care unit at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center in Richmond, Va.
JOB AFTER MY DEGREE: Serving the homeless as the medical director of The Daily Planet healthcare clinic in Richmond
HOW MY DEGREE HELPS ME MAKE A LARGER IMPACT: Walden taught me to look at things holistically and know that everything affects health. If I see someone who’s diabetic, for instance, I ask about the person’s diet or mood. I may involve the shelter or therapist in their treatment. As a result, I’ve enhanced integrative care and outreach programs within our center.
BIGGEST BENEFIT OF EARNING A DEGREE AT WALDEN: The first time I worked with the homeless, I knew it was what I wanted to do. Even though I earned my medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, I still needed additional education to be a public health worker. When I completed my MPH, I was able to obtain my dream job.
How did earning your degree change your career? Share your story at [email protected].