USF College of Public Health (COPH) alumna Mary Hill was initially introduced to public health during an undergraduate class about community health. It sparked an interest in how preventative efforts can improve health outcomes.

Hill received her bachelor of science degree in health services administration from the University of Central Florida in 2015. Afterward she joined the COPH, earning her master of public health degree with a concentration in maternal and child health (MCH) in 2018.

During her second year at the COPH, Hill had the opportunity to be an MCH leadership scholar through the MCH Leadership Training Program. The program, funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, provides leadership training in maternal and child health with a focus on cultural competence, family-centered care and interdisciplinary practice.

Awardees of the training grant program receive full-time, in-state tuition waivers for three semesters, a stipend, travel support to attend conferences and mentoring. Scholars also take part in an enhanced curriculum with special training opportunities.

“The enhanced curriculum and access to local and community mentors enriched my experience in the program and further developed my interests in sexual and reproductive health,” Hill said.

This interest in reproductive health led to her current career at Planned Parenthood in Orlando as a trainee’s coordinator and abortion educator.

“Our organization received a grant to help increase the number of abortion providers across the nation, specifically among underserved communities,” Hill said. “I assist in onboarding providers so they can train with our affiliates and eventually provide high-quality abortion care.”

Hill also organizes clinical rotations for medical students and residents, which gives them exposure to gynecology and abortion services. In addition to onboarding trainees, she works directly with patients and provides education on abortions, available birth control methods and sexually transmitted disease testing.

“My position allows me to take on many different roles while learning a lot along the way,” Hill said. “I enjoy not only being able to work directly with patients, but also with onboarding providers and students whom I know will impact access to quality sexual and reproductive health care in the future.”

Story by Caitlin Keough, USF College of Public Health