MPH, Public Health Policy and Management
"MEZCOPH feels like a community that values all its members. During my undergrad, I was part of two or three colleges and never felt as though I was recognized individually. At MEZCOPH I feel as though I am part of a community, but I am also recognized as an individual."
-
Email:
rebeccamalham@email.arizona.edu
Hometown:Chicago --> Phoenix
Prior Degree(s):BS in Health Science Physiology Honor Spanish Minor Honors Health and Human Values Minor University of Arizona
Before entering the program:Prior to beginning my MPH program, I was completing my BS at the U of A. During that time I worked as a Resident Assistant with Housing and Residential Life and an Events Assistant with University of Arizona Health Sciences.
Why did you choose public health?Sophomore year of undergrad I had a class called Social Medicine taught by Victor Braitberg, who was my professor in previous classes. Our first topic was how your ZIP code has more influence on your health than your genetic code. I was blown away by this idea, but I began to understand it piece by piece. This was my first introduction to public health and also the reason I decided to pursue a Master's in it.
Why did you choose MEZCOPH?MEZCOPH has a great reputation both on and off-campus. Once I was speaking to a doctor about where I was applying for graduate school and when I mentioned MEZCOPH, they said, "They're top ten, but I'm sure you are, too". U of A had been my home for the last four years and I did not have any problem extending my stay, especially when people outside of the university bubble recognize the school's excellence.
Public health interests:Disease Management, Disease Prevention, Environmental Health, Global Health, Health Disparities, Health of Women, Children and Families, Nutrition & Diet, Obesity, Planning and Evaluation, Public Health and Emergency Preparedness, Public Health Policy
Internship:My internship is in partnership with Arizona Trauma Association (AzTA). I will be focusing on Trauma Center Certifications, Recertifications, and Levels in Arizona.
Interests/hobbies outside of school:Yoga, Travel, Languages, Music, Streaming, and Cooking.
Tip for future students:Be open-minded not just for others, but for yourself. You can learn a lot about yourself through the program. Learn to be okay with things not going according to plan. There are many people in MEZCOPH that can help you navigate situations.
