Interviewed by Abigail Ayong over Zoom.

About Thomas’s Role/Ongoing Projects
Thomas is currently working on a large network grant focused on research into deprescribing and improving the quality of pharmaceutical care for older adults. As the grant nears its conclusion, it’s astonishing to see that they have issued over 50 subcontracts to institutions nationwide to support this work. Thomas assists faculty in applying for research grants and manages their funding once awarded. He is also involved in purchasing, procurement (including setting up contracts with vendors), reimbursement, and payroll—essentially, anything related to finances.

His favorite aspect of his position is that no two days are the same. With so many moving pieces, there is always a unique problem to find a solution for, which keeps things interesting and ensures constant learning.

What is a professional goal you would like to accomplish by the end of this year?
Thomas's professional goal for this year is to make sure that no one gets in trouble with Uncle Sam.

More about Thomas
What’s one “fun fact” about you that not many people know? (e.g., hidden talent)
Thomas loves to travel and enjoy the outdoors. He aims to visit a different national park or country at least once a year. Last year, he traveled to the Philippines (Cebu) and Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto).

What are you happiest doing in your free time?
Thomas enjoys working out, weightlifting, and running.

What is the best advice you've ever heard?
"If you don’t decide what your priorities are in life, everyone else will decide for you.."

Who is someone you admire, and why?
Thomas admires his parents, who immigrated when they were about 30 years old. They worked extremely hard and are now enjoying their retirement.

What would your back-up career be?
If Thomas had a backup career, it would be something in the construction trade, as he enjoys working with his hands.

Interviewed by Thomas Yu over Zoom.

About Abigail’s Role/Ongoing Projects
During the flu season Abigail coordinated and worked with providers in getting Flu and COVID vaccines out to our homebound patients, which involved coordinating with many providers across different departments. At the time, it was a huge amount of work, but she enjoyed coordinating all of that, and now, looking back, it was a huge accomplishment. Homebound patients are unable to or have difficulty leaving the house to get care. Being able to provide services in the comfort of a patient's home has a positive impact on their health and quality of life.

Her favorite aspect of her position is having conversations with her patients. Some of her patients might not have family close by and she finds it fulfilling to establish connections with them. Abigail also enjoys coordinating and getting together supplies for her patients' needs.

What is a professional goal you would like to accomplish by the end of this year?
She's interested in shadowing care navigator roles within population health and learning more about what those jobs entail, as well as learning more about project management.

More about Sarah
What’s one “fun fact” about you that not many people know? (e.g., hidden talent)
Abigail loves photography! She used to have a camera with her all the time in school taking pictures.

What are you happiest doing in your free time?
Abigail enjoys Hula and Tahitian dancing as well as cooking. She likes to research and try out new recipes.

What is the best advice you've ever heard?
"This too shall pass."

Who is someone you admire, and why?
Abigail admires her dance teacher, Ms. Marilou, for her incredible work ethic. Ms. Marilou teaches Hula and Tahitian dancing, as well as vocal lessons. She handles everything from choreography and transitions to set designs, all while raising a family. It's amazing how she allocates her time so well.

What would your back-up career be?
Inspired by "The Wedding Planner" with Jennifer Lopez, Abigail's backup career would be a wedding or party planner. She loves organizing events and enjoys looking back to see everyone having a good time.