 |
|
Dr. Zulfau Agwedicham, MD
Medical school: Saba University School of Medicine
Intern year: Bon Secours St. Francis Family Medicine Residency
Why I chose preventive medicine at UMass: Originally from Navrongo, Ghana, and raised in Newark, New Jersey, my journey to preventive medicine has been one of discovery, shaped by my desire to be a physician who tackles systemic issues rather than merely addressing symptoms. Preventive medicine offers a unique opportunity to approach health from a systems perspective while promoting solutions that improve the well-being of entire populations.
The specialty also appeals to me personally, as its flexibility fosters an ideal work-life balance. Preventive medicine truly feels like the hidden gem of medical specialties, and I can passionately say that joining the UMass Chan Preventive Medicine Residency has been the best decision of my medical career.
The program's faculty and staff are incredibly supportive, working diligently to facilitate rotations and experiences tailored to your career goals. At UMass Chan, you gain not just an education but also a family deeply invested in your growth—both professionally and personally.
Clinical Interests: Occupational and Environmental Medicine; Wellness; Employee Health; Addiction Medicine; Women's Health
|
 |
|
Dr. Pulkit Bose, MD
Medical school: Penn State College of Medicine
Why I chose preventive medicine at UMass: I knew that the Prevention Medicine program at UMass Chan Medical School was the right fit for me during my interview with Dr. Coghlin-Strom, Dr. Hogan, and other faculty members. My conversations with them were truly inspiring. I immediately recognized an intellectual community passionately dedicated to prevention and public health, united by a shared vision of advancing meaningful, measurable improvements in health outcomes through innovative approaches to prevention, patient care, and public health initiatives. This strong sense of connection and alignment reassured me that UMass is the ideal environment for my personal and professional growth.
I was equally impressed by the breadth of experiences and opportunities the program offers, including the fully GME-funded MPH. This distinctive feature exemplifies UMass Chan Medical School’s commitment to fostering both clinical and public health expertise. I am especially grateful for the leadership and faculty in the program, whose ongoing guidance and support have been instrumental in shaping and fostering my career goals in prevention and addiction medicine.
Clinical interests: Addiction medicine, medical education, equitable healthcare for underserved and vulnerable populations, lifestyle medicine & nutrition, emerging infectious diseases
|
 |
|
Dr. Parul Chhatpar, DO
Medical school: William Cary University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I chose preventive medicine at UMass: I chose the Preventive Medicine residency Program at UMass Chan Medical School because of its unique alignment with my educational goals and its emphasis on creating an impact at both the individual and population levels. I strongly believe in this program and what can be accomplished from it.
I knew this program was the perfect fit for me from the moment I received my first email from Dr. Coghlin-Strom. My confidence in this decision was reinforced during my interview with Dr. Hogan. Dr. Coghlin-Strom’s enthusiasm for advancing public health was truly infectious, while Dr. Hogan’s thoughtful and supportive approach made me feel welcome. Additional conversations with Dr. Hogan, Dr. Coghlin-Strom, and other faculty soon revealed an intellectually invigorating environment.
What sets this program apart is an unparalleled commitment to blending clinical expertise with public health leadership. The flexibility of the MPH curriculum allows me to tailor my experience to align with my specific interests. I have been able to complete coursework spanning the range from Public Health Law to Health Equity. The rotation curriculum is equally flexible, providing diverse experiential opportunities including addiction medicine and nutrition.
The program’s leadership and faculty have been instrumental in providing mentorship and advancing my aspirations in prevention medicine and addiction medicine. Every single graduate of this program receives comprehensive training that bridges the gap between individual patient care and systems-level health improvement. I am thankful to the faculty for their guidance and support and for fostering an environment that has allowed all of us to thrive.
Clinical interests: Health equity for marginalized and underserved communities, addiction medicine
|
| |
|
Dr. Zoe Warczak, MD, MS.Ed, MA
Medical school: University of Rochester School of Medicine
Why I Chose Public Health & Preventive Medicine at UMass
I chose UMass for its uniquely supportive and adaptable environment, which has allowed me to shape my training around my passions: the relationship between technology and health. From my first interaction with Dr. Coghlin-Strom, I knew this program would be the ideal place to develop my research and advocacy work, building on my experience as a pediatrician and as a medical educator.
At UMass, I have had the opportunity to engage in research, leadership development, and hands-on advocacy. As a graduate student in public health, I have built a strong foundation in the methods needed for studying and taking leadership in prevention strategies. As a fellow, I have gained experience as a counselor-advocate at a rape crisis center, developing experience in empowerment-based and peer-support models for survivors of sexual violence and domestic violence. I have also obtained specialized training, becoming a certified sexual assault crisis counselor and human trafficking educator, that will enhance my future career as a pediatrician providing clinical care and leading policy and advocacy efforts in supporting the needs of youth experiencing abuse or exploitation.
My primary focus is on the intersection of technology, mental health, and violence prevention. My practicum and capstone projects develop solutions to prevent technology-facilitated gender-based violence affecting youth and support survivors. Working with national and state professional societies, I have also become involved with efforts to improve healthcare provider education on survivor-centered, trauma-informed identification and intervention strategies for survivors of abuse and exploitation.
I am grateful to be part of a program that has supported my professional growth in such a meaningful way.
Clinical, Advocacy, & Research Interests
• Social media and youth mental health, including promoting mental well-being and harm prevention
• Technology-facilitated gender-based violence, including prevention and survivor support interventions on social media platforms
• Enhancing healthcare provider training on survivor-centered, trauma-informed identification and intervention for survivors of abuse and exploitation
|
