We recently welcomed Katie Meadows as Research Associate. We sat down with Katie to talk about her background, what she thinks are the biggest challenges in health policy right now, and how her skills and experience will be an asset to our clients.
Tell us a little about your background and how that background prepares you for this new role.
I’m a proud double Hoya with an MS in Health and the Public Interest and BS in Human Science and Public Health, both from Georgetown University. While completing my degrees, I interned at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and volunteered with a student-run health and science advocacy organization. These experiences gave me the chance to explore federal policy from multiple angles and gain experience working to accomplish shared goals. In my new role, I hope to leverage these skills and experiences to support the needs of Chamber Hill Strategies’ clients.
What drew you to join a government affairs firm with a health care focus?
I wanted to find a workplace that would enable me to explore many areas of health care policy and gain applicable experience. I was drawn to Chamber Hill Strategies due to the firm’s bipartisan focus and broad reach in areas such as Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement, rural health, and the health care workforce. Working for a firm with such a diverse group of clients will allow me to build a strong professional foundation.
What are the core areas of health care policy you’re most passionate about or experienced in?
One area of health care policy that I am very passionate about is mental health and well-being, especially for children and adolescents. While there has been a growing focus on the area, there are more steps to be taken to ensure that children receive the care they need. I am interested in gaining experience in the current health insurance landscape so I can better assist clients in navigating this space.
What do you see as the biggest challenges (and opportunities) in health care policy right now?
Some of the biggest challenges that I currently see in health care policy are ensuring access to quality care and addressing the growing health care workforce crisis. Many communities, such as those in rural or underserved areas, continue to face barriers to care due to high costs, hospital closures, provider shortages, and limited access to services. At the same time, many providers are experiencing high patient loads, burnout, and system-wide staffing shortages. These issues, both separately and combined, impact the timeliness of care and create roadblocks to improved population health.
What will your role at the firm entail — what are you looking forward to doing here?
I currently produce the firm’s daily health care policy report, PolicyCrush, along with the weekly report on upcoming events. I also analyze policy both in legislation and regulation. I am looking forward to gaining experience and learning from my colleagues at Chamber Hill Strategies. The mentorship that I have already received has been invaluable. I am excited to continue to grow in my role and continue supporting the firm’s work on behalf of our clients.
How do you like to approach problem-solving in complex policy settings?
For complex issues, I think it is important to understand how different parties are approaching the problem and what their goals are. From there, I try to find commonalities between the different approaches to foster discussion on finding a shared way forward.
Outside of work, what motivates you or keeps you energized?
I love spending time with my friends and family, exploring all DC has to offer. Whether it is finding new coffee shops and restaurants to try or visiting the Smithsonian museums, I enjoy taking the time to connect with the people and world around me.
What else should your colleagues or clients know about you?
I am always looking for new book recommendations, both insightful and fun, as I find reading a good way to relax and escape for a bit while still learning. I also love to travel and explore new countries, especially trying local foods.
Do you have any book or travel recommendations for us?
One book I recently read was Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green, an author I grew up reading. I enjoyed seeing a new side of his writing and the way he highlighted a longstanding global health challenge. In terms of travel, one of my favorite cities I recently visited is Florence, Italy. I would love the chance to visit again.