Voices of the Provost Solutions Fellows

Robert Field, JD, MPH, PhD

Professor of Law and of Health Management and Policy
Thomas R. Kline School of Law
Dornsife School of Public Health

Rob is a nationally recognized expert in health care regulation and its role in implementing public policy. He brings an interdisciplinary background in law, public health and psychology to issues such as provider consolidation, vaccine mandates and genetic discrimination. Much of his recent work has been with international partners, comparing hospital collaboration in the U.S. and France and developing a healthy eating initiative in New Zealand. He has published two books on health policy and regulation and is frequently quoted by national and international media outlets. In prior work, he led physician practice acquisitions for the University of Pennsylvania Health System, represented major teaching hospitals at a large Philadelphia law firm, and analyzed public policy developments for Cigna Corporation.

If there’s one word you would use to describe your experience as a Solutions Fellow, what would it be?

Broadening.

What did you enjoy the most about being a Solutions Fellow?

It provided a chance to think creatively about ways to have an impact in a new sphere of activity, outside the usual confines of academia.

What was an unexpected benefit of being a Solutions Fellow?

Working with others in administration and other schools within Drexel.

How likely are you to recommend becoming a Solutions Fellow to a colleague and what is the main reason?

I would highly recommend it. It offers the chance to apply your expertise and skills in new and exciting ways. It also offers broader visibility within and outside of Drexel, which can add a new dimension to your career

Can you provide an overview of something you have worked on as a Fellow?

I have begun working as faculty director of the Law School’s new Center for Law and Transformational Technology (CLTT), which is developing joint activities, such as symposia and research projects, with foreign universities and technology companies throughout the region. We are exploring opportunities for more interdisciplinary activities through the CLTT.

What do you believe are the top benefits of working with industry partners?

It provides the chance to apply your expertise and skills in new and exciting ways, to have a broader and more immediate impact. It is a great opportunity to develop projects that broaden horizons for your career.