Ashley Joseph is HASC’s second James D. Barber Administrative Fellow. A Southern California native, she earned a Master of Public Health degree at New York’s Columbia University in May.

Ashley Joseph started as HASC’s second James D. Barber Administrative Fellow in July. This summer, she’s been “getting the lay of the land” before launching a hands-on role with the Communities Lifting Communities initiative targeting health disparities, along with other association projects. Her fellowship extends through next summer.  

Joseph sat down with HASC Briefs to share her story and thoughts on her year-long assignment.

Tell us about yourself.

I was born in Buena Park, and moved to Tustin when I was about 11. I graduated from Irvine’s Arnold O. Beckman High School in 2011 before going to UCLA, where I earned my undergraduate degree. My major was a double — in international development studies and psychobiology. The latter one is a mouthful, I know. It’s the integration of psychology, biology and neurology.

How does Los Angeles compare to the Big Apple?

Los Angeles has the best Mexican food — it’s unparalleled. And, of course, you’ve got the weather here. So Cal people are more open and outgoing — and easy to engage with. New York has a rougher image, which may come from the hustle and bustle nature of the city. That being said, once you find your niche, as I did, New York has its merits too.

Tell us about your interests and areas of concentration in public health.

Social determinants of health were an important focus at Columbia. I’m also very interested in public health policy — it’s such a rapidly-changing field. You really have to keep up on every issue. It’s what keeps me getting up each day, the never-ending challenge to stay up-to-date. One area I’m especially interested in is the intersection between public health and health care — and bridging the gap between the two.

What specific tasks are assigned to you?

We haven’t precisely defined it, yet. It’s a little like building a plane as you’re flying it — at least so far. I’ll be working with Communities Lifting Communities and with issues like behavioral health, homelessness and reimbursement strategies. At some point, I’ll do rotations — time with CHA in Sacramento and time in a member hospital — the idea is to get an overview of everything HASC does and is involved with.

Tell us about your professional goals.

I would love to learn about decision-making at the executive level. I want to learn about public policy as it relates to hospitals in California and gain insight into the relationship between health care and government regulation. I also hope to gain leadership skills and skills in project management.

Is the settling-in phase over yet?

Everyone at HASC has been welcoming. It’s definitely a change from New York. I’m still getting used to the lay of the land. I’m also looking for where I can make a meaningful impact.

Contact:
Ashley Joseph
(213) 538-0752
ajoseph@hasc.org