MPH 3: Analyze quantitative and qualitative data using biostatistics, informatics, computer-based programming and software, as appropriate 

The current practicum setting allows me to learn and deliver the report using biostatistics and epidemiology concepts. I am evaluating the re-admission rate of patients with diabetes from 2017 to 2020 by assessing their length of stay and demographics. Under the guidance of Dr. Galadima, I will be using statistical tools to analyze the data and report it to the Sentara General Hospital of Virginia Beach’s higher authority.

Biostatistics class provides exactly what I need to access the data. Statistical projects on the SAS studio helped learn the effective and scientific way to analyze the data. The class also taught me how to interpret the results and it will significantly help me with my results.

MPH 6: Discuss the means by which structural bias, social inequities and racism undermine health and create challenges to achieving health equity at organizational, community and societal levels

I hope to achieve this competency by analyzing the patient’s demographics with diabetes, such as age and race. Expected results will show the challenges or barriers each community of people faces. Once I have the scenario, I can recommend a different approach to the organization through a public health lens.

In Dr. Shanghan’s class on Social Disparities and Justice, we learned about social equity and equality. Similar content was taught by Dr. Durgampudi in his social and behavioral class. IPE activity with dental hygiene students helped to gain knowledge on structural bias and social inequalities. I was assigned to a topic, “Immigration and dental hygiene,” which included the US health system and barrier migrants face to receive health care.

MPH 13: Propose strategies to identify stakeholders and build coalitions and partnerships for influencing public health outcomes

One of the objective of my current practicum is to identify barriers from physicians in keeping up with trends in current medication and technological advances. This will allow me to recommend on inviting other vendors who offers different drug than Metformin to manage the diabetes. Biological system is unique to each individual but hospitals targets only one or two drug to treat and expects the same results.

GEH 3: Recommend approaches for recognizing, preventing, controlling and remediating environmental health hazards 

I hope to achieve this competency through my practicum project. Doctors are using the same metformin and Januvia to treat high blood glucose levels for years, and still, diabetes is a global concern. I will provide suggestions on opening doors for a new vendor with a new drug to manage diabetes.

In Dr. Blando’s class environmental and occupational risk, we learned in a project how to evaluate the factory site that makes Methyl Isocyanate (MIC). MIC is a hazardous compound and can react with air. It is crucial to recognize the hazard associated with the chemicals. Risk management helps to assess the hazards, preventing and controlling them.

GEH 5: Develop strategies for effectively communicating environmental health risk information     

For my practicum, I have created a brochure to invite patients with diabetes to the DSME program. The booklet will effectively communicate on behalf of the program and will answer their fundamental question. The brochure is pending approval, but it will be added to the patient’s discharge packet once it is approved.

ILE class project gives us that opportunity to create an effective way of communication. We are assigned to the ODU COVID care team and expected to assist the department with COVID positive students. To reduce the infection, effective communication between the teams and department is crucial. To make the process easier, we will be creating a standard operating procedure for the departments where it can be used as training material and keeps them on the same page. It reduces communication errors and increases productivity.