May 15, 2019

An MPH student receives the prestigious David Winston Health Policy Scholarship.

Sarah Bowler, MPH ’20, a department of Health Management and Policy at the Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health (DSPH) student and Dornsife Public Health Fellow 2018, was awarded the David Winston Health Policy Scholarship on May 6, 2019. The highly competitive scholarship recognizes excellence and achievement for students in master’s degree programs in health administration, health policy, and public health by providing $10,000 per year.

“When I received the congratulatory email from the organization, I was in shock and even did a happy cry,” says Bowler. “Because of this scholarship, I do not have to limit myself from opportunities that could have a huge impact on my future career.”

This scholarship has been awarded to a DSPH Health Management and Policy student for 3 consecutive years. “Bowler’s award is a testament to our program, our smart and resourceful students, and the dedicated Health Management and Policy faculty who work with them,” says Alex Ortega, PhD, professor and chair of the department of Health Management and Policy in the DSPH.

An opportunity that has been made possible in part by this scholarship, Bowler formally accepted an internship position at The Illinois Department of Public Health’s Office of Women’s Health and Family Services in the summer. As the president of the Maternal Child Health (MCH) Club at DSPH, she is very passionate about MCH policy and advocacy centered around reducing health disparities. She will work on the state’s Maternal and Child Health Title V block grant initiatives that are devoted to improving the health of all women, children, and families in Illinois regardless of socioeconomic status.

“Without the scholarship, this opportunity in Chicago may not have been feasible. I’m grateful and very excited to learn and gain more skills in this field in a new city,” says Bowler. During the 8-week program, she will receive training in MCH systems, leadership, team-building, and mentoring all while expanding her professional network.

Bowler believes the work she does is critical in today’s political climate. “Facts and evidence-based research are being dismissed and women’s health is under attack. The fight for women’s health and reproductive justice are far from over,” says Bowler.

In the future, Bowler would like to work for a global nonprofit organization as a political consultant and advocate, specifically developing health policy and promoting women’s fundamental rights. She plans to pursue a doctoral degree one day.

In her spare time, Bowler is an avid runner. Since moving from her hometown of Pittsburgh to Philadelphia, she has run two half marathons – the Philadelphia Marathon and the Philadelphia Love Run. Though Pennsylvania will always be home to her, she sees herself working in Washington, D.C. after graduation.