MPH Public Health Practice
"I would recommend MEZCOPH to others because of the diversity present at the campus and the opportunities present. With a campus both in Phoenix and Tucson, there is a vast amount of options, not only in classes but also for internships. I have been able to stay close to my family while keeping my activities in Tucson thanks to the Phoenix Campus."
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Email:
valdezm07@email.arizona.edu
Hometown:Born in Mexicali Baja California, Mexico / Lived in Yuma, Arizona most of my life
Prior Degree(s):University of Arizona – Family Studies and Human Development
Before entering the program:Clinical Researcher and Applied Behavior Analyst
Why did you choose public health?I chose public health because, while I want to be a physician, I want to do more than treat patients, I want to have an impact not only on individual patients, but in the overall population by being involved in policy and educating patients.
Why did you choose MEZCOPH?I chose MEZCOPH because of the location. Arizona is a very diverse state where there is a great opportunity to apply public health. Whether this be with mobile units, policy involvement, education etc, Arizona has great opportunities to make the lives of patients better. Alongside that, culturally I connect with Arizona. I was born in Mexico, and Spanish is my first language. Living in a state where this diversity is still present make me feel culturally connected.
Public health interests:Policy Law, Education both for patients and healthcare professionals and merging healthcare with public health
Internship:Evaluation of medically underserved population at FQHCs (Wesley Health Center and Golden Gate Community Center) to provide a general assessment of this population and determine if government programs are fulfilling the patients’ needs via a needs assessment.
Interests/hobbies outside of school:Spending time with my family, writing, cross-fit, running, reading and drinking coffee
Tip for future students:Have faith in yourself, celebrate every victory no matter how small and make time for you. Grad school is hard, not only academically but socially. The ambiance is very different from the ambiance in undergrad, there is more competition, more things to lose, and more things to do. Remember to give yourself time for you to avoid burnout and celebrate all your victories so it can remind you that you can.