Student Profiles
Mehwish Qasim
Name: Mehwish Qasim
Graduation Year: 2013
Degrees: PhD Health Services and Policy
Undergraduate: BS in Biological Sciences
Other Degrees: MPH in Health Services Management
What interested you in health care?
My interest in healthcare began as an undergrad (pre-med track) and was further developed with my Master’s Degree in Health Services Management. I decided to pursue a PhD to broaden the variety of opportunities I could pursue. I am fascinated with the multiple perspectives (payer, provider, patient) in healthcare as well as the public vs. private systems.
Why did you choose Iowa?
I chose Iowa because of the program's reputation for excellence in academics and research. After I visited, I saw what a beautiful campus it was and how amenable the surrounding areas were and decided to move.
Favorite Grad School Moment
In class, there was a question asked related to insurance and my professor jokingly said, "I'll buy a slice of cheesecake for whoever finds the answer". I dug up the answer and emailed my professor and he actually bought me cheesecake! (I don't even like cheesecake).
Hobbies
Reading, Working Out and Dancing.