Graduate Student Alumni Spotlight

Public Health

Student Name: Valerie Borum Smith, MD, MPH, FAAP

Program: Master of Public Health

Graduated: 2020

Employer: St. Paul Children's Services

Position: Community Centered Health Home Director

What attracted you to this field?

I've been involved in community health and health policy advocacy for years. I mostly "learned by doing," and as I entered the next phase of my career, I really wanted to have a foundational background in public health so that I could be more effective in my work. 

Why did you choose UT Tyler?

I've worked in the Tyler community for 15 years and wanted an MPH program that would allow me to develop relationships with faculty and colleagues in the area. I also wanted the opportunity for mentorship that could continue after my time in school.  

What do you like most about UT Tyler?

The faculty helped me tailor my degree plan to meet my needs.  I definitely felt like I was treated as an individual and they wanted me to have an experience that prepared me for leadership in community health.   

What are your career aspirations?

I want to continue to provide clinical pediatric care part-time while working with policy organizations to advance child health policy particularly for children in foster care.   

What is your work experience?

Since graduating, I continue to care for children at St. Paul Children's Services. I've also had the opportunity to work for the American Academy of Pediatrics this past year as the Child Welfare and Health Policy Fellow. This experience has deepened my interest in health policy and given me valuable experience working with diverse stakeholders on federal legislation.

Do you have any advice to pass along to other students interested in this program?

For clinicians like me, an MPH is a great tool for helping connect the dots of what you are seeing clinically to the systems and policies that are impacting our patients. I would encourage anyone in direct patient care to consider an MPH at UT Tyler to make them more effective at improving the healthcare system and community that impacts our patient's health. 

Find out more about our Master of Public Health