OHSU Community Research Hub - Bend, OR. The Community Research Hub is an extension office stemmed from the main hospital in Portland. The Bend office aims to create community partnerships, to engage community members and organizations in research, and to better understand the needs of the population. The Bend office serves all of Central Oregon (Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook Counties), but also travels to other counties when there is a project or research opportunity. During my internship, I felt that I was able to complete a high volume of projects in a short amount of time. I completed data work, data analysis and data interpretation in the form of reports with visuals. This role was heavily focused on local research and gave me the opportunity to work with a close-knit group of professionals. A few of my projects have been utilized for grant proposals, and a brochure I created will be mass printed for distribution across the OHSU health care system. I am thrilled to know that my hard work was recognized, and I will have published material to add to my portfolio. I would highly recommend this internship for public health professionals in the Central Oregon region!
I have always been fascinated with infectious diseases, and sought a career within the field of infectious disease prevention. I recently accepted a position with PacificSource Health Plans as a Clinical Programs Specialist. The role is health-care based, within the Pharmacy Services and Medicare department. It is a unique position that perfectly fits my skills and knowledge thus far in my career. In this role, I will have various data projects and the opportunity to assess medication adherence within PacificSource members. Within these adherence metrics, I will be able to look at vaccination rates and ways to overcome barriers that the members may face in receiving vaccinations. This aspect perfectly aligns with my career interests, as many infectious diseases have vaccinations that inhibit outbreaks of disease.
My favorite thing about being an OSU graduate student is the sense of school spirit. Last year, I was visiting Hawaii and wore a Beavers hat while hiking. I had at least three groups of people yell, “Go Beavs!” that day. Because of this, I feel that “Beaver Pride” is something that alums carry with them throughout their lifetime. Oregon State University carries a prestigious reputation, in which Beaver alums can be dam proud of their accomplishments.