Health Policy and Management
School of Public Health

Baby boomers are aging, and families are smaller. Couple that with pay that lags behind even other low-paying service jobs and immigration crackdowns, and you find why HPM’s Amanda Kreider says one sector of the health care economy is staring down a crisis.

Kreider’s research was also recently featured on the Tradeoffs podcast and accompanying newsletter.

Raven Byars is a third-year MHA/MBA student who will join Bristol Myers Squibb after graduation. She says her work experience led her to Pitt, and what she’s learned here has refined the type of leader she wants to be.

As an undergrad, you majored in Spanish, Pan African Studies, and Latin American and Latino Studies. What inspired you to pursue public health and earn both your MHA and MBA?

I accidentally fell into health administration through work experience. After two years in Spain as an English teacher, I wanted a job that would allow me to continue using my Spanish language skills. That led to an entry-level patient registration role, where I learned how confusing our health insurance and healthcare systems are, which jump-started my interest in the field because I genuinely enjoyed advocating for patients and teaching them to navigate the system more effectively. I spent the following few years moving into different health administration roles. My most recent job before grad school was as the Administrative Coordinator to the COO of the Penn Medicine Dermatology Department, which gave me extensive exposure to health care leadership. My biggest takeaway was that the leaders I worked with had post-graduate degrees and business acumen that I had not yet acquired. I wanted to understand the depth and breadth of both the U.S. health system and business administration, which led me to pursue the dual degree.

Early in my health administration career, I often felt insecure about my lack of healthcare experience and seemingly incongruent educational background. Now, I know how foundational my undergraduate experience was for my current career goals. My majors in Spanish, Pan African Studies, and Latin American and Latino Studies taught me the historical, economic, political, and social factors that prevent people from accessing care and resources. They taught me to always lead with curiosity, to vigorously validate sources, to consider whose perspective might be missing, to challenge the status quo, and to take a comprehensive problem-solving approach. That knowledge drives my commitment to health equity, and it is a major reason I can contribute confidently to my work today.

What topics or areas are you most interested in?

When I came into the program, I really wanted to learn as much as I could about health insurance, since that was my first introduction to healthcare. Not only did I take a class on the topic, but I also completed an extended administrative residency at UPMC Health Plan under the invaluable mentorship of President of Medicare Products Angela Perri.

Health equity is a strong driving force for me, and my coursework encouraged me to learn how it plays out across multiple healthcare settings. In my Quality & Patient Safety class, I learned about the growing adoption of the Quintuple Aim and its important focus on Social Determinants of Health and inclusive health policy. I also developed a strong interest in the pharmaceutical industry, despite knowing very little about it when I started the program. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it is closely connected to my other interests of health insurance and health access. Additionally, it’s a field that offers me ample opportunities for mentorship, growth, leadership development, and fulfilling work.

What do you enjoy most about being a Pitt student?

Our program’s close ties with such impressive health industry leaders have made my time at Pitt an exceptional experience. I’ve had the opportunity to absorb wisdom from so many accomplished professionals who are eager to pour back into students. It has widely expanded my network and allowed me to consider new aspects of my career.

What are your goals for the future?

After graduation, I’m so excited to be joining Bristol Myers Squibb in its Commercial Leadership Development Program (CLDP). It is a three-year rotational program that allows me to tailor my interests in pharmaceutical commercialization. My goals in this program are to immerse myself in learning, take advantage of mentorship opportunities, and find areas that most interest me while contributing my unique perspective to the field.

What advice do you have for students thinking about pursuing the MHA/MBA program?

Treat this graduate program like one big job interview. Whether it’s classmates, guest speakers, professors, or coworkers, people are always watching to see what kind of student, colleague, and leader you are. Always do your best and be intentional with how you show up. You never know who you'll meet today who could open a door for you in the future. When that time comes, you want to have left an impression that inspires nothing but positive things said about you. Also, brush up on your Excel skills. It will make your academic and professional life so much easier!

Note: Answers edited for length and clarity

Haliyat Oshodi is no stranger to faculty and staff at Pitt Public Health. A second-year MPH student, she was among the first graduates of the school’s Bachelor of Science in Public Health program, where she also served as the commencement speaker for her class. Now, as her second graduation from Pitt Public Health draws closer, she is focused on the next evolution of her career dedicated to helping others.

You are among the first students to earn their bachelor's degree from Pitt Public Health’s BSPH program. How important was it to you to start and then continue your academic career here?

Being one of the first students to earn a bachelor’s degree from Pitt Public Health’s BSPH program was really important to me. From early on, I knew that if I wanted to succeed in an MPH program, I needed to be in a place with professors and staff who were supportive and truly invested in students. Pitt Public Health felt like that place right away. I got connected to the BSPH program even before it officially launched. Dr. [Ada] Youk reached out after I mentioned I was interested in public health, and that meant a lot. It made me feel like people here were paying attention to students and wanted to help us find our path.

On top of that, the support I received from faculty and staff during a difficult time in my life really stuck with me. It showed me that Pitt Public Health cares about students as people, not just academically. That experience honestly helped to solidify my decision to stay here for my MPH. Over time, Pitt Public Health became more than just where I went to school. It’s where I met some of my best friends, built really meaningful relationships with mentors, and grew into the public health professional I’m becoming. It’s been a place where I’ve felt supported both personally and professionally, and I don’t take that for granted.

What topics or areas are you most interested in?

I’m mainly interested in environmental justice, but I quickly realized that environmental health connects to so many parts of our lives and is a broad field. Through my research on Black reproductive justice, which also connects to my Master’s Essay, I found an area I’m deeply passionate about and would love to continue working on, as it’s such an important and timely topic. Overall, I’m interested in work that promotes health equity and justice for communities of color.

What do you enjoy most about being a Pitt student?

What I like most about being a Pitt student is finding organizations and communities where I truly feel I belong and can be myself. Coming to Pitt as a predominantly white institution (PWI), I was a little nervous at first. But pretty quickly, I found spaces where I felt comfortable and supported. During undergrad, I joined a Divine Nine organization, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. The Divine Nine are historically Black Greek-letter fraternities and sororities that are lifelong organizations focused on service, scholarship, leadership, and community. Being part of Sigma Gamma Rho allowed me to connect with other Black students, staff, and faculty, which really supported my academic and professional growth at Pitt. The Black Public Health Association is another organization that has helped me build a strong sense of community, specifically within Pitt Public Health.

What are your goals for the future?

My main goal is to build a career in policy where I can help advance equity in communities, and hopefully one day serve in a leadership role, like being a director of a Department of Health or something similar. After graduation, I want to gain real-world work experience and eventually return to school for a PhD or DrPH. I’ve also had some thoughts about going to law school, but we’ll see about that!

What advice do you have for students considering pursuing an MPH?

My biggest advice is to really find your group, whether that’s within your cohort or somewhere else on campus. The friends I’ve made in my cohort truly made my MPH experience special. Through any hardships I went through, they were always there for me. We also have monthly dinner parties and hangouts, which help us take a mental break from classes and schoolwork and enjoy each other’s company.

I also really recommend building relationships with your professors. There were many times professors gave me advice not just about my professional career, but about life in general, and I really appreciated that. One small thing I always do is sit in the front of the classroom. It helps you become a familiar face and shows that you’re engaged, which can go a long way.
Lastly, start your master’s essay early!

Note: Answers edited for length and clarity

Willis Towers Watson (WTW) is perhaps not the first place that comes to mind when practitioners think about applying theories learned in the classrooms of Pitt Public Health to improve people’s lives.

But as second-year MPH student Nishi Thawani explains, public health impact often happens in spaces we do not traditionally label as public health.

Graduate students interested in maternal and child health (MCH) can now add another credential to their resume. The University has approved a graduate certificate program in MCH.

As the program begins to grow, Theresa Chapple-McGruder, associate professor of health policy and management and director of the Center for Health Equity, says she views the work in standing it up as a worthwhile investment in the public health workforce.

“A well-trained workforce should lead to data-driven programs and policies that improve population health…Ultimately, the goal is to strengthen the systems that improve outcomes for women, children, and families.”

Early March may not seem like a busy time, but that was hardly the case in Houston, where HPM students arrived for the American College of Healthcare Executives’ Annual Congress.

A national cheerleading championship, the World Baseball Classic, and the world-famous Houston Rodeo set the stage for the biggest conference for current and future health care executives. Over four days, students attended sessions and networked with leaders and HPM alumni from across the country. The department hosted alums and students for its annual reception at the conference.

See more from the trip.

Pitt Day of Giving (PDoG) is the University’s biggest fundraiser of the year. A 24-hour event calling on alums, students, faculty, staff, friends and family to donate to an area of Pitt that means the most to them.

Each year, Pitt Public Health Dean Maureen Lichtveld issues a challenge to the seven departments and the BSPH program, offering a $1,000 bonus prize. This year, the department with the biggest percentage increase in the number of donors will be named the winner.

After the dust settled and the smoke cleared, HPM led all departments with 57 donors – a stunning 356% increase in donor numbers from last year, more than double the increase of the next closest department.

“This is truly incredible,” said HPM Professor and Chair Julie Donohue. “These gifts to the HPM general fund will be used to support student travel to conferences and case competitions, and professional development for staff and faculty.”

As a school, Pitt Public Health fared well in the University-wide challenges, ending the day in second place in both the “Raise the Bar” challenge, which measured the percent increase above 2025 donor totals and the “Level Up” challenge, which measured the units that met and surpassed a predetermined donor goal. The podium finish in both events entitles the school to a split of additional prize money.

Join HPM Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Health Equity, Theresa Chapple-McGruder, for a lecture looking at the role of governmental public health in the United States, highlighting the distinct yet complementary responsibilities of local, state, and federal agencies. It illustrates how the system is intentionally structured with overlapping functions and built-in redundancy to ensure continuity, resilience, and sustained protection of population health.

The lecture will be at 1:30 on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in 1155 Public Health. A virtual option is available. This event qualifies for Public Health Grand Rounds.

Register here.

Pennsylvania’s rural population is among the largest in the U.S., with nearly one out of every five residents living in a rural area. These communities face higher rates of chronic disease, maternal and infant health issues, mental and behavioral health challenges and age-related conditions needing specific solutions. 

The Commonwealth has introduced the Rural Health Transformation Plan (RHTP), aimed at delivering direct support to residents and reinforcing community anchors such as hospitals, clinics and schools.

A partner of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services in 2013, the Medicaid Research Center has been selected as an independent evaluator of the RHTP.

Read more about the project in the upcoming spring edition of the Pitt Public Health Magazine.

Allegheny Health Network CEO Mark Sevco (HPM ’91) was among the 20 Pitt leaders and alumni named to the Pittsburgh Power 100 list by the Pittsburgh Business Times.

According to the PBT, the list is not a ranking but a compilation of individuals selected by the publication’s editorial board, whose leadership, influence, and connections help shape Pittsburgh’s economic and civic landscape. Awardees are recognized for demonstrating strength, leadership, and a drive to succeed, and are often the people regional leaders turn to when navigating major challenges and emerging opportunities.

Sevco joined AHN as CEO in 2025 after serving as chief operating officer of Sutter Health, one of the largest health care systems in Northern California with 24 hospitals, 4,000 beds, eight medical foundations, home and hospice care services, ambulatory surgery centers, and other diversified businesses. Before Sutter, Sevco was with UPMC for nearly 30 years, rising to president of UPMC hospitals.

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