Samuel Schaffzin

Why did you choose Wagner for graduate school?

 I chose Wagner because I felt it would provide me with the fundamentals that I needed to launch a career in the broad field of public health and healthcare, and across the government, non-profit, and private sectors. The part-time option appealed to me and the practical team-oriented curriculum, coupled with a strong adjunct faculty of people who were successful in the field was also a draw.

Describe your current job.

I am a Commander in the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps, which is made up of more than 6,700 public health professionals of many disciplines who are dedicated to public health promotion and disease prevention programs and advancing public health science. I currently serve as a Technical Director for Health IT and national lead for the Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program, helping develop, implement and evaluate the Program.  Additionally, I serve on a team that is assisting states with streamlining and upgrading Medicaid eligibility and enrollment systems as part of the Affordable Care Act.

What are the advantages of the Wagner alumni network?

Earlier on in my career I was a member of the Wagner Washington D.C. alumni group. This affiliation helped me maintain connections with Wagner alumni who also worked in the Federal government. Since returning to the New York area, I have been an active member of the Wagner Alumni Health Affinity Group steering committee and as such, have collaborated to engage fellow graduates and students, developing critical professional development resources and creating initiatives that enhance alumni career pathways within the healthcare arena.