COPH grad journey: from rural roots to health care change agent
Sabrina Rice was raised in rural Cumming, Ga, by parents with humble beginnings who placed great emphasis on her educational pursuits.
“Public health impacted my ability to be and stay healthy as a child and young adult through eye testing, department of health vaccinations and dental programs,” Rice said.
During high school, Rice became passionate about health occupations. “I still remember when I first learned CPR and took my very first medical terminology test,” Rice said.
But ultimately for her first undergraduate experience, she decided to pursue a degree in religion.
“After my dad’s cardiac event in 2004, his cardiologist at the time asked me what I was studying and recommended that I pursue health care,” Rice said, “This reminded me of my health occupation passion in high school and spurred my curiosity.”
Rice’s commitment to pursuing a health degree and being a catalyst for change in the health care industry only became stronger after experiencing the deaths of her mother from a brain aneurysm in 2011 and her father from a heart attack in 2014.
“In 2014, I chose USF because of its College of Public Health (COPH). The college had a reputation for promoting experiential learning and adjusting quickly to healthcare’s evolving landscape,” said the first-generation college student.
While at the COPH, Rice completed a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences in 2016 and a dual Master of Healthcare Administration and Master of Public Health in 2018.
Rice said many inspired her during her time at the COPH.
“I often refer to Dr. Jay Wolfson in my own presentations to COPH students because, during my graduate orientation, he altered my perspective about how I could make an impact by appreciating serendipity. I learned to embrace the unexpected or ‘happy accidents’ no matter how challenging it was to step out of my comfort zone,” she said. “And Dr. Zachary Pruitt transforms education while also having a unique understanding of everyone’s personality and skill set. Because of his teaching style and awareness, he helps students convert their passion to practice.”
During her master’s program, Rice held an administrative residency at Gastro Florida, which is the is the largest gastroenterology group in Tampa Bay.
In 2021, Rice completed the TGH Modern Advances in Leadership Certificate Program and the Leadership Enrichment and Development (LEAD) TGH Program in 2022. That same year, she became a certified patient experience professional (CPXP).
“I am currently a patient experience coordinator at Tampa General Hospital. I was drawn to this role because of how my personal experiences in hospitals with my parents and how that impacted me and my family. This position allows me to make a difference through partnerships, coaching for best practices and telling stories derived from the data submitted by patients,” Rice said .
Rice has also served in multiple capacities for the Western Florida Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives. She was the first program’s committee intern, serves as a regent’s advisory council member and has earned the Regent’s Early Careerist Recognition in 2018. She now serves as president of the chapter.
“Public health is important,” Rice said, “because everyone has a right to ensure that both themselves and their families have their basic health needs met and are able to thrive in their environments.”
Rice is also deeply focused on giving back to the community and to USF. She meets with and mentors several graduate students. With leadership support, she developed and acted as preceptor for a patient experience internship in 2022. She supports charitable organizations like the Foster Angels program and participates in other volunteer activities including Feeding Tampa Bay and Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch. She has been involved with the American Heart Association Tampa Bay Heart Walk for multiple years and was named a “Walker With the Most Heart” in 2022.
This initiative she pursues specifically in honor of her dad. Rice said, “He always said I could do anything I put my mind to. I aim to inspire the same courage and resolve in others pursuing their careers in healthcare.”
Fast Five:
What did you dream of becoming when you were young?
I had dreams of becoming an astronaut, an interior decorator, an archaeologist and a storm chaser .
Where would we find you on the weekend?
I love spending time with my husband and biggest supporter, Matthew, as well as my family and friends. I may be found at the pool, golfing or mountain biking. I am definitely a foodie and love exploring new places.
What are the last books you read?
“Positive Intelligence,” by Shirzad Chamine and “Dare To Lead,” by Brené Brown.
What superpower would you like to have?
A power that would allow me to enhance empathy in others.
What’s your all-time favorite movie?
I prefer movies that uplift or empower.