Alumni

Michelle Giuffrida, VMD, MSCE - 2015 Graduate

Principal Research Scientist, Research & Breakthrough Innovation, Elanco Animal Health

"The MSCE fundamentally shaped the way I approach clinical and translational research. The training gave me the methodological foundation to lead the Clinical Trials Center at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and to establish a research program that included influential work on clinical epidemiologic methods and research reporting practices in veterinary medicine. I now apply that same rigorous, evidence-based approach in the animal health industry, where I lead new drug ideation and efficacy strategy across early research and development. My advice to prospective students is to think broadly about where this training can take you—the ability to ask important clinical questions, critically evaluate evidence, and design studies that can answer those questions is valuable far beyond traditional academic research." 

Erwin Calgua, MD, MSCE - 2017 Graduate

Research Professor. School of Medicine, University of San Carlos of Guatemala
[Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala]

"The MSCE program laid the foundation in a unique way by providing me with the knowledge about clinical epidemiology and research in ethics, something that I have been able to use in the midst of pandemics, and my day to day work as a Research Professor in an academic institution, and as a clinical epidemiologist in the main public hospital in my country.

To be trained as a Clinical Epidemiologist is an honor because you will become part of a thin first line of professional responders whose main goal is defend humanity against many of the unique dangers that are health related, and keep in mind that this is not a work position or title, but a lifestyle that can provide of valuable knowledge to those that are vulnerable.

My notable accomplishments have been:

• 2018: Appointed Chief Scientific Officer (Research Director) for the University of San Carlos of Guatemala; the first medical doctor to hold that position in 350 years.
• 2018: After 10 years of collaboration with professors and authorities of the Emergency Department of UPenn, School of Medicine of University of San Carlos of Guatemala, Center for Global Health UPenn, and Guatemala Health Initiative, created the first Masters of Emergency Medicine in Guatemala, where we have conducted clinical research. 
• 2020 (During COVID): Invited to the Department of Epidemiology of the largest hospital in Guatemala: Hospital General San Juan de Dios. In addition, designed diagnostic tools to identify and quantify SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and conducted unique research in this area.
• 2022: Awarded Researcher of the Year at the University of San Carlos of Guatemala.
• 2023: Awarded a Recognition by the National Congress of Guatemala due to my efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic."