Beth Brouwer is a recent graduate of the BS in health services management program at the IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, and has already established a solid foundation for a career in healthcare management.
With a passion for both healthcare and law, many of Beth’s pursuits inside and outside the classroom have centered around human rights issues, such as healthcare access and quality.
She is currently working with the legislature at the Indiana Senate, her first full-time opportunity since graduating. In this role, Beth primarily serves as a liaison for the Indiana Senate Minority Leader, conducting research on pending legislation and past legal cases. She also analyzes the Indiana code and uses her findings to offer solutions for future policy.
“My role is heavily research-based, with an emphasis on analysis and critical thinking,” Beth said. “In addition to research, I frequently meet with lobbyists to discuss legislation predominantly focusing on health and public policy.”
During the 2019 legislative session, Beth staffed the Senate Health and Provider Services committee – a move she felt prepared for.
“Over 100 bills were debated over a variety of topics I studied as a health services management student,” she said. “My background in healthcare services was a huge advantage to my understanding of this legislation.”
One of Beth’s favorite classes at IUPUI was Health Policy offered by FSPH, where she first became fascinated with policy and how it affects every aspect of healthcare, from reimbursement to licensure. The course, however, was one of several opportunities she took advantage of.
“IUPUI gave me the opportunity to have a variety of experiences in the healthcare industry, including work at the [Indiana] State Department of Health and the IU Center for Public Health Practice at FSPH,” she said. “These experiences led me to my current position and have opened doors for future professional endeavors.”
In 2018, Beth participated in a study abroad program that consisted of traveling to 10 countries in four months and said the trip confirmed her career goals.
“I was able to experience personal growth and explore my passion for health policy through the lens of other cultures,” Beth said. “This experience reinforced my desire to work in healthcare and human rights in the future. As a first-generation college student, study abroad opportunities are often not in the cards for students like myself. One of my proudest accomplishments was being able to work and be awarded scholarships in order to afford this once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Beth plans to continue working with the Indiana Senate throughout the summer. Her long term goals include attending law school and influencing health policy on a larger scale.
“The intersection of law and healthcare has been a passion of mine throughout my college career,” she said. “In 10 years, I see myself working on health policy matters on a federal or international level.”
Beth has been a model student at IUPUI, as well as in the broader community. This year, she was named a 500 Festival Princess for being one of Indiana’s most civic-minded, academically driven young women.
“The 500 Festival Princess Program has given me a platform to discuss issues important to me such as healthcare and education access. I have also been able to connect with children and young girls, which is another passion of mine. In addition to community outreach, this scholarship program has allowed me to further my professional development and enhance my leadership skills. I can't think of a better way to conclude my college career than being able to give back to the community that has provided me with so many amazing opportunities.”