December 15, 2022 | Erin Bluvas, bluvase@sc.edu
When Asma Alzahrani was working as a dental hygienist in Saudi Arabia, she was surprised by how little her patients knew about preventive health practices and self-care, as well as the long-term impacts (e.g., risk of chronic diseases) of poor oral care. A 2007 graduate of applied medical sciences (King Saud University), her two years as a clinician strengthened her resolve to improve public health awareness, and particularly oral health, in order to improve health outcomes of at-risk populations.
“Throughout my career, I have avidly worked to promote a culture of patient-centered care that places an emphasis on health promotion and behavior change,” Alzahrani says. “My goal has been to bring awareness as I seek to make a difference in patients’ lives.”
To learn more about public health issues and policies, Alzahrani enrolled in an M.S. in Healthcare Administration program at the University of New Haven. There, she became interested in health services research and developed leadership, management and strategic planning skills. Alzahrani put those skills to work as a patient experience development specialist back in Saudi Arabia, but she knew she needed more training.
Throughout my career, I have avidly worked to promote a culture of patient-centered care that places an emphasis on health promotion and behavior change.
-Asma Alzahrani, Ph.D. in Health Services Policy and Management, '22
“The need for a Ph.D. was imperative for me to conduct research and provide evidence to review or develop policies that can improve outcomes,” she says of her decision to join the health services policy and management (HSPM) program at USC. “I chose the Arnold School because it has shown a focus on diversity, innovation and leadership, which is directly in line with my own ambitions. The curriculum is one that I believe in, taught by inspirational faculty who are leaders in their field, which to me is indicative of a superlative academic experience.”
During her program, Alzahrani served as a teaching assistant for public health undergraduate courses and supported HSPM faculty as a graduate research assistant. Working with former HSPM professor/chair Mahmud Khan, Alzahrani learned technical skills (e.g., research methods, data analysis) needed to succeed as an independent researcher. While working on her dissertation, the International Student Excellence Scholar and Public Health Fellow was advised by HSPM doctoral program director Sudha Xirasagar.
“Dr. Xirasagar played an important role in both my personal and professional growth during my Ph.D. journey,” Alzahrani says. “She seemed to understand our individual learning styles and was looking to enhance the learning experiences for every one of us. Dr. Xirasagar was one of the people who shaped the direction of my life. She was a great mentor to me, and I appreciate all she taught me about work and research.”
I believe that at the Arnold School, I was equipped with sound and equity-promoting knowledge that will aid in realizing my ultimate goal: promoting positive change in my country on health-related issues.
-Asma Alzahrani, Ph.D. in Health Services Policy and Management, '22
In addition to the academic/research skills Alzahrani gained during her time at USC, she also benefited from living abroad. These experiences have helped her become a multifaceted individual and one who appreciates other cultures and backgrounds.
“I have developed the ability to seek out opportunities to gain new perspectives and ideas from other cultures and groups,” she says. “I believe that at the Arnold School, I was equipped with sound and equity-promoting knowledge that will aid in realizing my ultimate goal: promoting positive change in my country on health-related issues.”
The December graduate plans to focus her future work on dental and oral public health and related policies. Specifically, Alzahrani plans to apply her knowledge and experiences to improve care and encourage others in Saudi Arabia to accurately track, monitor and address the most pressing public health issues.
“My goal is to help formulate solutions that will contribute to the larger public health picture, increase patient awareness and improve health behavior and outcomes,” she says. “I understand that research is just the beginning, and I strongly feel this program has helped me lay the foundation for a future in public health leadership and policy development.”