Alison Dickson, MD, MPH

University of Michigan School of Public Health

I chose this rotation because of its reputation among other residents who had completed it, which were uniformly positive. I learned a great deal about USPSTF processes and procedures, honed the skill of rapidly developing expertise in a very specific topic, practiced careful, thoughtful communication of public health recommendations to different audiences, and experienced wonderful mentoring.

I worked on:

• Lots of reading! To understand USPSTF procedures but also to prepare for meetings on current topics
• Journal Club presentation
• Slides preparation -  two different topics for a USPSTF presentation at an upcoming AAFP conference
• PPIP written and submitted to AAFP for publication
• Didactics weekly
• Meetings with AHRQ program
• Weekly meetings with USPSTF team members

This is a welcoming environment that provides well-developed structured learning and opportunities for hands-on engagement with the process. I was able to practice critical public health skills in a real-world setting and was delighted to find a community with AHRQ coresidents and wonderful mentorship as well!