Meet Robert Williams, III, PhD, graduate of USP's Health Policy program

Name: Robert Williams
Degree Program: PhD in Health Policy
Year Graduated: 2006

Why I chose USP

It was USP's reputation. The USP legacy, along with a faculty enriched with pharmaceutical industry experience, made the decision to attend USP obvious — especially given the investment required. Dr. Larry Poli, an alumnus who is very successful in the pharmaceutical industry and someone I hold in very high esteem, also shared with me his USP experiences. These academic characteristics combined with stellar alumni recommendations made attending USP an excellent choice and an easy decision to make.

How this degree program prepared me for my career

It is a bit difficult to describe how my degree in Health Policy has not so much prepared me career wise in so much as I can say it has present entirely new and challenging career options. I have yet to take advantage of this, but certainly have a whole new world open to me on which I can now make a contribution.

My career path since graduation

Since the May 2006 graduation I have not received any promotions, nor attained what I would consider special achievements. I have recognized a whole new level of respect from my peers and co-workers, and a certain degree of admiration that resulted in a welcomed increase in overall responsibilities and managerial visibility.

A memorable USP experience

The overall dissertation experience I had with my advisor, Dr Steve Metraux, impacted my appreciation for what makes a good and/or solid educator and academic mentor. His patience and dedication throughout my research efforts made for an experience I will never forget, and his teachings/insights a lesson I certainly benefited from beyond measure.

My advice for prospective students

Be sure to understand and appreciate what choices you are making as you mature and pursue the academic side of a career path. It is too much of an investment in terms of time and other personal resources to be taken too lightly or approached without some care. If you ever find yourself asking why, don't stop until you have an answer — one you feel you could live with forever.

Other things I want people to know about USP

I would do it all over again — if I was six years younger!!