Doctor of Health Science

Rowena Haluska

Doctor of Health Science – Clinical Leadership Track

Why did you choose Jefferson? 

I chose Jefferson, because of its long standing medical academic reputation and how it embraces diversity in the school. Also, the flexibility with classes in the doctorate program was a major consideration and TJU has overwhelmingly delivered.

Where are you from originally?  

Philadelphia.

What is the best part of your studies?

I enjoy the camaraderie of the other students in our program. Our cohort has been supportive of fellow students while also intellectually challenging each other to be our best.

What’s something people would be surprised to find out about you?

It would be that Jane Austen is my favorite author.

Tell us about a project you’re working on or award/honor you’ve recently received?

I help supported clinical trials that generated data a successful immune-oncology treatment.

Lori Jalkiewicz, LCSW (She/Her)

Doctor of Health Sciences

Why did you choose Jefferson?

I was looking for a program that allowed me to blend my various interests including teaching, clinical and research rather than constraining me to just one of them. The DHSc program fit perfectly.

Where are you from originally?

Born and raised in South Jersey, I have never strayed far!

What is the best part of your studies?

Meeting an incredible group of professionals with such varied interests yet such an investment in one another’s success. We’ve bonded quickly and appreciate the diversity that each of us brings to the program.

What’s something people would be surprised to find out about you? 

I don’t drink coffee!

Tell us about a project you’re working on or award/honor you’ve recently received?

I had the privilege of co-presenting at the 2019 Child Welfare League of America conference on pre- and post- adoption services. I am continuing research in this area to help identify effective methods of intervention that will help families succeed in their journey. 

Vanessa Johnson (She/Her)

Doctorate of Health Sciences – Clinical Track

Why did you choose Jefferson?

I decided to attend Jefferson Doctoral Health Sciences Program because of its innovative curriculum that offers academic and career development. Additionally, depending on your goals, you can choose to focus on clinical leadership or health professions teaching and learning. The education received through Jefferson University will set me apart from others and help me make an impact on the health care industry.

Where are you from originally?

Philadelphia.

What is the best part of your studies?

The best part of my studies is the working with my colleagues and instructors in the program. The instructors are supportive, responsive and work with you to reach your full potential to achieve your goals academically and professionally. My colleagues come from diverse professional and academic backgrounds that allow us to grow and learn from one another and contribute to the success of the program.

What’s something people would be surprised to find out about you?

Many people would be surprised that I can be shy at times. However, the courses and assignments are geared towards providing a safe platform in which students can express themselves freely and contribute equally. The program also allowed me to grow in the area of public speaking by providing an outline to presenting information in a clear and concise manner.

Tell us about a project you’re working on or award/honor you’ve recently received?

A research project in which I recently worked on was identifying the impact of mental health on public health care professionals and strategies to implement that would provide support. 

Cheryl King-Marino (She/Her)

DHSc in Clinical Leadership

Why did you choose Jefferson?

I have worked at Jefferson for 15 years and value the quality of its educational programs, its reputation as an academic institution and its demonstrated support to its students.

Where are you from originally?

I am originally from the Nicetown section of North Philadelphia; now residing in Doylestown, PA.

What is the best part of your studies?

Mastering challenging concepts and honing my communication skills.

What’s something people would be surprised to find out about you?

I am a four-time ironman triathlon finisher and competed in national and international triathlon competitions.

Tell us about a project you’re working on or award/honor you’ve recently received?

I am developing a communications skills training module for physicians and residents with the goal to improve patient satisfaction.

Christyn Mitchell (she/her)

Doctor of Health Science Program. Clinical Leadership Track

Why did you choose Jefferson?

I chose Jefferson because of the interprofessional framework and individualization of the Doctor of Health Science Program. As a clinician and current instructor, I see immense value in taking classes with and from health professionals from various fields. 

Where are you from originally?

Kalamazoo, MI.

What is the best part of your studies?

Getting to know my professors and cohort members and learning about their backgrounds. Our classes are so interesting because there are so many perspectives from different areas of healthcare. I also love that the concepts we learn in class are able to be directly applied to our research project or our everyday. Our instructors are intentional with the material and time so that we maximize our learning.  

What’s something people would be surprised to find out about you?

I have a twin brother, and we are the youngest of 9 children. We are all first-generation college students. My birthday is on Christmas Day, which apparently, according to National Geographic, is the least common birthday in the United States.  

Tell us about a project you’re working on or award/honor you’ve recently received?

This year I was accepted into the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Diverse Leaders Program. I was one of six chosen nationally to participate in the leadership program, whose goal is to help facilitate the growth, learning, and coaching of diverse leaders in the occupational therapy profession. 

Erica Molaro

Doctor of Health Science Program, Clinical Leadership Track

Why did you choose Jefferson?

I currently work at Jefferson as a physician assistant practicing outpatient addiction medicine for the psychiatry department.

Where are you from originally?

I grew up in the Poconos (northeast Pennsylvania), in Lake Wallenpaupack.

What is the best part of your studies?

It’s been an amazing experience collaborating with my classmates who all have such impressive and different backgrounds – I’m learning a ton!

What’s something people would be surprised to find out about you?

I’m an adventure seeker and love being active outdoors!

Tell us about a project you’re working on or award/honor you’ve recently received?

I’m looking forward to putting together a capstone project that can help improve guidelines of EKG monitoring for patients on methadone for opioid use disorder.

Joslyn Satterfield

Doctor of Health Science

Why did you choose Jefferson?

I initially chose Jefferson because it Is a community-involved healthcare institution with diverse learning programs and opportunities. After my mother’s sister passed, I decided to stay close to home, Jefferson is just across the bridge; I live in New Jersey. Glad I did; my elderly father is currently dealing with some health concerns.

Where are you from originally?

I am originally from Camden, New Jersey, but for the past 15 years, I have lived in Gloucester Township, New Jersey.

What is the best part of your studies?

The best part of the studies is conducting research that proves and/or refutes my hypotheses: all diseases have a biological beginning, and health begins by getting to the root cause. 

What’s something people would be surprised to find out about you?

People would be surprised to know that I trained for 13 years to become an opera coloratura. Yes, I can still reach the three-octave scale high notes.

Tell us about a project you’re working on or award/honor you’ve recently received?

My project involves establishing a health-related initiative for the elderly that improves well-being.

Brian Schwartz (He/His)

Doctoral of Health Science

Why did you choose Jefferson?

As an employee of Jefferson, I heard about the program internally. But the Jefferson name, its prestigious reputation, and hybrid format steered me to apply.

Where are you from originally?

South Jersey.

What is the best part of your studies?

The best part of my studies is the commitment, guidance, and support from the faculty. In addition, members of my cohort are truly engaged and work very well together.  This is an online program but between my faculty members and classmates I feel as though we have known each other forever.

What’s something people would be surprised to find out about you?

I am a lifelong student, who is always eager to learn. I had a bet with my family that I would never go back to school after receiving my nurse practitioner degree. I think they would be surprised…. but in a good way if I finally get published and have a bigger role in health care education.

Tell us about a project you’re working on or award/honor you’ve recently received?

At work I am currently involved in an approved IRB study evaluating the utilization of a device aimed to reduce post-operative bleeding in patients requiring open-heart surgery. The patient population specifically looks at those who are currently taking a direct thrombin inhibitor.