After earning the Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA) degree from the Department of Health Policy and Management (class of 2006), John was accepted into the CDC Public Health Informatics Fellowship. John pursued this Fellowship because of a fundamental interest for ascertaining the value of information science and information technology in health. After completing the two year Fellowship, he was offered a unique opportunity—a "joint" appointment—in both the Office of the Chief Science Officer (OSCO) and the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO). This dual position represents the intersection of public health with information technology and science, essentially the profession of Public Health informatics. In 2009, he was featured as a Rising Star in Federal information technology for his work and accomplishments during his first year in the Federal government.
John notes that the MHSA degree was the gateway into a public health career in the Federal government. This aspect of his education provided preparation for policy development and financial planning in public health. There is no substitute for the combination of classroom learning and actual experience and both are integral for landing a rewarding professional position as well as ongoing development. He says that if you are attracted to some of the coolest "toys," expansive resources, and toughest problems, come to public health.
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The University of Kansas Medical Center