Carolyn M. Hettrich, MD, MPH

I was elected as a WHPF for the 2010-11 academic year while I was in fellowship for Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery at Vanderbilt University.

My original interest in health policy was focused on international health, and in medical school at University of Washington was one of the founding members of our International Health Group, which was instrumental in implementing the international health program at UW. As a 4^th year medical student I spent time in Peru studying their trauma care systems, and how these compared to the Essential Trauma Care guidelines published by the WHO. This interest in international health led me to obtain my MPH at Columbia, where I became aware of the health disparities that exist nationally, as well as issues with US health policy and their effect on medical practice. In particular, I became interested in defensive medicine, with its direct and indirect costs, and impact on health. While doing my residency at Hospital for Special Surgery, they allowed me to pursue these interests, as well as be involved in advocacy in New York and D.C.

My project for the fellowship focused on the health impact of excess imaging as a result of defensive medicine.

During my fellowship I was also able to actively participate in advocacy, making several trips to Capitol Hill. I plan on continuing my work in advocacy at University of Iowa.