Touching Lives…through Research

Meet Matt Kretovics, MPH
The Ohio State University
Health Behavior/Health Promotion, Global Health
Clinical Research Coordinator, General Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
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As an undergrad, Matt already knew that he wanted to change lives. He pursued a study of nutrition and community health because he wanted to spend his career working hands-on with people, improving their health. During one particular undergrad course addressing problems of malnutrition, his passionate professor inspired him to want to not only help other people, but to learn how to actually do it. Matt’s dream of a Master’s of public health was born.

Between undergrad and grad school, Matt spent time in Valencia, Venezuela as a member of Campus Crusade for Christ. He worked as a staff member for the program and his experiences working in the field cemented his desire to pursue a Master’s in public health. He studied at The Ohio State University and finished his degree with an emphasis in health behavior/health promotion and global health.

Clinical Research
Fast forward two years. Matt is now working as the Clinical Research Coordinator at the OSU Wexner Medical Center. He initially got his job as a graduate student and was able to stay on after he finished his master’s program. Matt works with a team of twelve general internists, helping them turn broad research questions into tangible research plans. Together they have made discoveries that are changing the way healthcare is happening at OSU and throughout the country.

Matt appreciates that he gets to work with top-notch clinicians. He gains from their way of thinking while they in turn glean from Matt’s perspective and public health training. Together these researchers have published three articles and are pursuing several more. They presented at the 2015 APHA Conference on behavior change for food pantry patrons, research that Matt started as a graduate student. Matt has expanded the research program within internal medicine and feels proud that he’s been able to make that contribution.

While Matt initially dreamed of using his MPH in the field, he’s realized that you don’t always have to be on the ground to make an impact. He finds great satisfaction that his research is improving the care of individuals in need.

Staying Connected
Matt has found his membership with the American Public Health Association to be invaluable for staying connected and informed. He has also been able to continue his public health education through trainings and seminars offered at OSU. He says that one of the advantages of working in academia is that he is surrounded with opportunities to stay up-to-date.

Advice for MPH Grads
Matt’s advice for MPH grads is to be proactive about pursuing opportunities that come along and taking hold of them when they do. He mentioned that he had an opportunity before grad school that he wasn’t able to pursue and that to this day, he regrets not taking advantage. Matt also suggests the importance of building relationships with classmates, mentors, professors, and coworkers. He says that it’s important to keep your networks strong because you never know when you are going to need them.

Contact Matt
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