"Colorful Foliage" by Ducat

Welcome to my efolio!  For the past five years I have worked with Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in the Bay Area to prevent HIV infection and tobacco use.  These experiences were grounded in direct service and program planning support.  My decision to return to graduate school was prompted by my desire to enhance my skills in public health to address the systemic causes of health issues impacting underserved populations, particularly communities of color. 

Throughout my journey in graduate school I devoted my time towards addressing health issues at the policy level.  Through my courses in Needs Assessment, Program Planning, and Evaluation I addressed dental health disparities among communities of color through the lens of policy development.  In my summer internship I researched the issues of medication errors and developed policy recommendations to inform decision makers in Sacramento.  For my culiminating experience, I explored the best practices surrounding internet based advocacy for addressing health policy.

Health issues can be addressed at multiple levels, I have chosen policy as my route to positive social change.

You can contact me at ryangson@hotmail.com.