A 2021 graduate of the Program, Margot Schwartz successfully defended her dissertation in front of one of the largest virtual defense audiences of 2020. Margot began the Program in 2015 with research interests of quality improvement and measure development, patient and family centered care, patient engagement, and patient safety. She was honored with a number of awards to fund her study, including the  2018 AHRQ R36 Dissertation Award; 2018 Long-Term Services and Support (LTSS) Interest Group Best Student Abstract Student Travel Award; and in 2018 the Nora Kahn Piore Award. Her advisor was Florence Pirce Grant University Professor of Community Health Vincent Mor, PhD. Her dissertation was titled: "How Do I Choose? Home Health Agency Star Ratings and Their Impact on Selection and Outcomes."

1. Tell us about your time at Brown. What did you enjoy most about being a doctoral student here?

I had an outstanding experience as a doctoral student at Brown. Without a doubt the best part was the people!  The faculty are truly committed to mentorship and both supported and challenged me throughout my journey. My fellow students were not only smart and exciting to work with, but were genuinely supportive of each other, and always had a great sense of humor.

2. What public health issues do you hope to address through your dissertation?

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reports two sets of star ratings for home health agencies, one related to clinical quality and another related to patient experience of care. The purpose of these star ratings is to help patients and their families make informed selections of home health agencies.  My dissertation assesses and compares the impact of both sets of ratings on consumer selection of home health agencies. I also evaluate the relationship between star ratings and patient outcomes and satisfaction with their home health care

 3. What are your future plans now that you have finished your PhD?

I will be joining Abt Associates as a Health Services Research Associate!