Alumni Perspectives: Career Paths in Public Health

When: Thursday, February 16, 2023 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Where: Zoom

Science and public policy majors would learn, among other things, how to navigate large and complex bureaucracies.

Two accomplished U of W alumni will discuss their experiences attending the U of W, and how these led them to their ultimate career choices and to the amazing work that they are currently involved in. Julie Friesen is Deputy Commissioner of Administration, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene; Tara Shewchuk is Global Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer at Medtronic, a multi-national medical device company in Minneapolis.

All 2022-23 Alumni Speaker Series events will be held via webinar.

Julie Friesen (BA 84) Deputy Commissioner of Administration, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

Julie holds a BA in Economics and Political Science, U of W, 1984 and a MS degree in Urban Policy and Management, New School for Social Research, New York City. The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is the largest local public health department in the United States. In her role as Deputy Commissioner of Administration, Julie oversees the human and capital resources of the organization, community health centers, a public health laboratory and offices.

Tara Shewchuck (BA 90) Global Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer, Medtronic

Tara has a BA in History & Sociology, U of W, 1990, a J.D. from McGill, an LL.M. from Loyola University Chicago and completed a Fellowship in Clinical Medical Ethics at University of Chicago. Tara has more than 30 years’ experience in health law, policy and compliance. She is currently Global Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer at Medtronic, a multi-national medical device company in Minneapolis. She has taught at several law and medical schools and published in the area of health law.