2009 Alice S. Hersh Scholarship Recipients: Annual Research Meeting

Brendan Saloner
Doctoral Candidate
Interfaculty Initiative in Health Policy
Harvard University

As a first-time attendee of the Academy Health Annual Research Meeting (ARM), I was really impressed by the numerous intellectual and professional opportunities afforded by the conference. During my three days in Chicago, I met with some of the leaders in the field of health services research, and attended some fantastic panels and poster sessions. The ARM is specially tailored to graduate students in public health, economics, and health policy, as there are in-depth presentations on statistical methods and some great conceptual overviews of the current policy issues. For example, in the course of one day at the ARM, I learned about Medicaid financing, analyzing counts data, and health disparities. With national health reform debates on the horizon, I found the panels on quality and payment reforms particularly enlightening. These discussions carried on during the poster sessions and the social events—including a very nice networking lunch and a reception. I can now take some of these ideas back with me and apply them to my own research on health disparities and mental health services policy.

I would recommend the ARM, and the Alice S. Hersh scholarship in particular, to all graduate students that are interested in sharing their own research, learning about some of the cutting-edge methods in the field, and networking for future career opportunities. I am excited to return to the meeting next year and to continue to build my professional network.

Heather Beil
Doctoral Student
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

I was able to attend the AcademyHealth Annual Research Meeting in June 2009 through funds provided by the Alice S. Hersh student scholarship. Attending the AcademyHealth Annual Research meeting was a wonderful learning experience that enhanced both my current research and future as a health services researcher.  The meeting afforded me the opportunity to network with peers and faculty, learn about current health services research and rejuvenate my interest in conducting relevant health policy research. 

The sessions were both informative and thought provoking.  There were several sessions on using research in the real world that gave me practical ideas on how to make my future research relevant to policy makers. Many of the panelists’ suggestions to move research into policy will be used for my dissertation research.  In addition, the policy sessions encouraged me that it is possible for research to make an immediate impact and to be used by policy makers. A session I attended on child health generated new ideas and made me aware of potential data sources for future research. Additionally, it was interesting and beneficial to learn about research going on outside of my main areas of interest and experience.  I was also exposed to methods during the sessions in mathematical modeling that will be useful in current and future research endeavors.

In addition, the Annual Research meeting provided an opportune time to network to discuss both my current research and future career plans.  I was able to make invaluable connections for my dissertation research with groups of researchers who were doing similar work. I met colleagues who informed me of resources that will both improve my dissertation methods and expedite the dissertation process.  I also had the opportunity to discuss other research I am conducting through presenting a poster.  The poster presentation allowed me to hone skills in presenting research and gather insights in turning the poster presentation into a journal publication.  In addition, I was able to discuss future career plans both with peers who were recent graduates and established faculty. 

Because the AcademyHealth meeting brings together health services researchers from across the country, it provided a unique opportunity to make connections, learn about others’ work and generate ideas for my future research and career.  I look forward to attending the meeting for years to come.