What Does a Public Health Policy and Planning Professional Do?

What Does a Public Health Policy and Planning Professional Do?

Did you know I have a Master of Public Health (MPH) with a focus on Policy and Planning? This degree, combined with over 25 years of experience in health and education—and now as the owner of How Healthcare Works—is the foundation of the work I do. My background and training allow me to design programs and strategies that make a real difference in people’s lives and in the systems that impact their health. But what does a public health policy expert and planner actually do? Let me share how it all comes together in my business.

BTFBM is represented as a sponsor in this photo. 

Public health policy and planning focus on the "big picture" of health. It’s about designing strategies, implementing programs, and influencing systems that impact entire populations. The work involves:

• Developing health policies to address systemic challenges and improve access to care.
• Creating strategic plans that ensure programs are effective and sustainable.
• Utilizing data and research to guide decisions and measure outcomes.
• Understanding laws and governmental processes to navigate how policies are created, implemented, and enforced.

As a public health policy and planning professional, my role is to bring these elements together to create healthier, more equitable communities.

My Work Experience and How It Informs My Business

Before starting How Healthcare Works, I held various roles that deepened my expertise in public health, including:

• Healthcare Administration: I completed a fellowship in healthcare administration, where I was trained as an executive leader. I managed healthcare systems and processes to ensure efficient delivery of services.
• Data Management and Quality Coordination: I worked as a senior data quality coordinator and clinical data coordinator, using data to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes.
• Education and Training: I’ve also served as an adjunct faculty member, teaching health and education topics to future leaders in the field.

This diverse background has equipped me with the skills to address complex health challenges from multiple angles. It’s also the driving force behind the programs I now offer through my business.

Bringing Public Health to Life Through How Healthcare Works

At How Healthcare Works, I use my training and experience to design programs and services that address real-world health challenges. Here are some examples of what I do:

• Group Walking Exercises: Encouraging physical activity as a cornerstone of health improvement.
• Lifestyle Coaching Services: Helping individuals overcome personal challenges and build healthier habits.
• Courses and Guides: Resources like “Dealing with Holiday Burnout” and “Bragging About You” provide practical tools for self-care, stress management, and personal growth.
• Business Strategy Consulting: Supporting organizations in creating healthier workplaces and improving employee well-being.

Core Public Health Knowledge

My MPH training also provided me with expertise in the core functions of public health, including:

• Epidemiology: Understanding disease patterns and health outcomes to address community needs.
• Health Education: Teaching and empowering people to make informed, healthier choices.
• Pathophysiology: Recognizing how diseases affect the body, which helps guide effective interventions.
• Biostatistics: Using data to measure the impact of programs and make informed decisions.
• Health Administration: Managing healthcare systems and processes to ensure efficiency and quality.
• Public Health Policy: An in-depth understanding of laws, government operations, and the role of policy in shaping health systems and outcomes.

Why It Matters

Public health is about more than just individual care—it’s about improving systems and strategies to benefit everyone. My work combines policy, planning, education, and administration to create meaningful, lasting change. Through How Healthcare Works, I’m dedicated to helping individuals and communities lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Let’s Connect

Curious about how public health impacts your life or want to learn more about what I do? I’d love to hear from you! Drop your questions or thoughts in the comments below or reach out—let’s start the conversation about building healthier communities together.

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