Name: Rana Abdel-Rahman
Graduation Year: 2021
Additional or Previous Degrees: BA in Psychology and Public Health
Briefly describe your current role as a public health practitioner: I recently started a clinical research position in the Pediatric Newborn Department at the Mass General Brigham Hospital. Our lab investigates a variety of things regarding lactation, maternal metabolism, and baby’s nutrition. My study is specifically focused on the risk factors for infant low blood sugar and how low blood sugar may be linked to later child development.
Why did you choose GW's Milken Institute School of Public Health for your public health education? Location – the DMV provides an especially compelling community to engage with that is both ethnically and racially diverse – and the amazing faculty within the MCH department.
What skills from your public health degree do you apply in your work today? Exposure to statistical/data collection software and IRB procedures have helped tremendously in post MPH life.
Tell us about your CE experience: Under the supervision of Dr. Olga Price and the Center for Health and Health Care in Schools, I analyzed the District’s expansion of school-based behavioral health services in DC Public and Public Charter Schools.
Tell us about your Practicum experience: I interned with the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA), an organization focused on national policy around MMH care with a specific focus on federal policy and health equity.
What advice would you give to the next generation of public health practitioners? Don’t be afraid of lateral career moves if they bring you closer to your dream.