Behind The Surveys: Best Wishes To Two of Our Unsung Heroes
Although the VCU Office of Medicaid Evaluation was recently launched, its foundation has been years in the making. Well before the office officially opened, extensive background work helped shape our ability to deliver evidence-based analyses of state and federal Medicaid programs.
This work would not have been possible without the dedication of students, staff, and key stakeholders who worked together to develop the Office’s evaluation methodology. For several years, our team has led representative surveys of thousands of Medicaid members to allow them to advocate for their needs and provide information on how policy changes may impact them. Over time, we have designed and administered a wide range of surveys examining program areas including Addition and Recovery Treatment Services, Managed Long-Term Services and Supports, Maternal and Child Health initiatives, and Medicaid Expansion.
As the Office continues to grow, we want to recognize the individuals who helped make this work possible; specifically, the talented undergraduate students who are graduating this Spring. Their contributions have been instrumental in building a strong analytical foundation, from mailing preparation, and inputting responses to capturing detailed notes from survey participants.
We are proud to highlight Amulya Chowdhory B.S. and Diana Correa Cabrera, B.S. They both have assisted in multiple surveys focused on the experiences of Medicaid members, including those who are in their postpartum period, have substance use disorder, are newly enrolled or newly disenrolled, are older, or require long-term services and supports. They have also supported surveys that capture the experiences of people who support Medicaid members, including healthcare providers, care managers, and caregivers.
- Amulya Chowdhory, B.S.
Amulya joined our team in 2023 during her freshman year of college. While assisting with numerous surveys, she earned her Bachelors of Science in Biology and Psychology with minors in Pre-Health and Chemistry, graduating with honors; recognizing her academic excellence and determination. After graduating next month, she is heading back to VCU to attend VCU’s Medical School for a MD degree. We are excited that she will continue working with us while completing her medical training and look forward to her continued contributions.
- Diana Correa Cabrera, B.S.
Diana has been working with our team for over a year. She is graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. Following graduation, she plans to take a gap year before enrolling in graduate school for Mental Health Counseling, with the goal of becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). During her gap year, she intends to work as a Qualified Mental Health Professional Trainee (QMHP-T) to develop her skills. We appreciate her dedication in assisting with quite a few surveys and other important tasks during her tenure with the Office of Medicaid Evaluation.
Please join us in celebrating and congratulating these two essential members of our team.
Written by Sherline Pierre-Louis. Photos courtesy of Amulya Chowdhory and Diana Correa Cabrera.
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