Issue link: https://kusm-wichita.uberflip.com/i/1530178
In-depth and additional spotlights can be found using this QR code. MPH: The fertility doctor David Grainger, M.D., MPH, is a professor, chair of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and a longtime Wichita infertility specialist. He earned an MPH in 2000, a decade after completing his fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. He's since been involved in numerous clinical studies, including for uterine fibroids and endometriosis, and Wichita is a test site for many medical devices. "My MPH has been very helpful in dealing with industry with regards to study design and implementation," he says. "If an individual is contemplating medical research at any level, the MPH program is invaluable." Exposed to biostatistics during his fellowship, it initially sparked his interest in the MPH degree. Over time the focus of his appreciation shifted. "Today I believe that the most valuable classes were those related to social determinants of health," he says. "The MPH program encourages a 'bigger picture' approach to medicine. This type of learning is especially helpful in exposing and addressing our own unconscious bias. I believe I can communicate better with my patients as a result of my deeper understanding of socioeconomic barriers." MPH FEATURE 5 A better understanding of population health, epidemiology and biostatistics helps me — paradoxically — better care for patients. — David Grainger, M.D., MPH, professor Putting population health to work Whether studied in a medical school class, learned through a degree program, or put to work in a doctor's oce or public health agency, there's a core element to population health. It's the belief in stepping back — taking the view from the balcony — and looking at the lives of many to obtain information and lessons that, person by person, can improve health and lives. David Grainger, M.D., MPH, chair of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, is a fertility specialist, but the skills and perspective he gained through his MPH translate across many fields, locations and professions. Throughout this issue of Embark, look for stories of how he and others put their degrees and knowledge to use. evidence-based medicine is about. They can study the best approach for a patient rather than just going o a hunch and wishing for the best." The course has grown in popularity, with nearly 50 students across three years, numbers that ticked up after the Step 1 test, one of a three-step examination for licensure in the U.S., became pass/fail and future residency candidates sought to build skills and resumes, Ablah says. "It's been a good opportunity for students to demonstrate they are strong candidates for residency and can conduct their own studies."