Katherine Rosencrans

My name is Katie Rosencrans and I am a senior Integrative Physiology major with a certificate in public health. I am passionate about studying health sciences and providing for underserved populations, and my experiences while at the University of Colorado have nurtured these interests. I have volunteered as a math tutor for children at Creekside Elementary School and aided the nutrition and administrative departments at Avista Adventist Hospital. My volunteer work has also extended abroad. I had the opportunity to work at an elephant sanctuary for rescued animals in Cambodia as well as at a small clinic and home for mentally handicapped children in Peru. I have worked with low-income and uninsured patients at the University of Colorado Emergency Department in Aurora, where I provided consults to set patients up with primary care physicians as well as helped patients fill their housing, food and transportation needs. I have also interned with the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s where I was able to learn about the non-profit business structure while providing resources and organizing events for the Parkinson’s disease community. Most recently, I have taken on a role as a certified nursing assistant at Frasier Meadows healthcare center where I assist senior residents living with dementia and those with specific hospice needs. Here, I am able to provide basic healthcare support and assist with residents’ daily living needs that may be compromised due to their mental and physical condition. While I prefer hands on work with patients and community members, I also have a research background as an assistant in Dr. Sherwood’s motor behavior laboratory.

I will graduate with my BA and public health certificate in May and I plan to continue my education by pursuing a dual Physician Assistant/Master of Public Health degree program. This type of program would allow me to develop the clinical skills necessary to treat patients while also providing me with experience in health policy and global health, thus combining all of my academic interests. I hope to one day incorporate the two degrees into a career where I can help develop PA programs in countries struggling with physician shortages, making healthcare more affordable and accessible to all.