Kate Saltus discovered Northeastern’s Population Health PhD program by chance—spotting it on the SOPHAS application while exploring other Boston-area schools. That serendipitous moment would become one of the most transformative decisions of her career.
After 15 years as a pharmacoepidemiologist at RTI Health Solutions, Kate was ready to advance her research capabilities. Her work on post-marketing studies of treatment safety and effectiveness had given her deep expertise, but she sought the academic rigor and theoretical foundation that only a PhD could provide.
A Program Built for Working Professionals
With family roots in Boston, Kate couldn’t relocate for graduate study. While Harvard School of Public Health and Boston University offered excellent programs, neither provided the flexibility she needed to pursue doctoral studies part-time while maintaining her established career.
Our Population Health PhD program offered a different solution. The program’s part-time structure and contract-driven model allowed Kate’s employer, RTI Health Solutions, to formally commit to supporting her academic journey. This created institutional buy-in that made balancing professional and academic commitments mutually beneficial.
Kate typically takes two courses per semester—some in the evenings, others during the workday. As she describes it, flexibility is required from both the employer and the student, which means that everything “fits together” – most days!
Immediate Professional Growth
The program’s influence on Kate’s career trajectory was swift and substantial. As soon as she began her studies, her employer started assigning more challenging projects aligned with her goals for increased independence. By the end of her first year, Kate earned a promotion from Senior Research Epidemiologist to Director—demonstrating how our program enhances professional growth.
A Supportive, Diverse Community
Our Population Health PhD program cultivates a cooperative rather than competitive environment. Kate’s cohort of eight students began together with an introductory course that fostered genuine camaraderie continuing today. They regularly discuss population health topics and beyond, creating lasting personal and professional relationships.
The cohort’s diversity proved particularly valuable. Kate, who returned to school in her forties, found the varied ages, countries of origin, family situations, and professional experiences brought richness to every classroom discussion, broadening her perspective both personally and professionally.
Hands-On Learning That Connects
Our coursework maintains Northeastern’s signature practical approach. Whether learning statistics using R programming, giving presentations, or writing reports in manuscript format, everything connects directly to real-world applications.
Dr. Salhi’s social epidemiology course exemplified this philosophy, fundamentally changing Kate’s perspective on how race and ethnicity are understood in epidemiologic research. His teaching methods facilitated genuine peer learning while challenging students to grow beyond their comfort zones.
Research Excellence and Strategic Networking
Kate selected Dr. Louisa Smith as her research mentor based on her expertise in methods and pharmacoepidemiologic studies. While still determining her final research focus, Kate gravitates toward stigmatized health issues, particularly obesity and pharmacologic interventions like GLP-1 therapies.
The networking opportunities have exceeded expectations, creating valuable bidirectional exchanges. Kate has connected with faculty and students for potential collaborations, while her position at RTI has attracted interest from several classmates, demonstrating the program’s beneficial bridge between academia and professional settings.
The Boston Advantage
Our location provides unparalleled access to world-class institutions, researchers, and healthcare organizations. For Kate, the convenience of attending in person while living nearby made managing the intensive program much more feasible.
Program Distinctions
Kate identifies our program’s unique strengths: part-time flexibility, advanced entry options, and customization to individual needs and interests. Unlike “one size fits all” approaches elsewhere, we create truly tailored experiences that recognize students’ diverse backgrounds and goals.
While finding balance between professional and academic commitments remains challenging, Kate emphasizes that the rewards far outweigh the difficulties. The scientific rigor, student support, and program flexibility create an investment that pays immediate dividends.
Success Strategies
Kate’s advice for prospective students centers on early employer engagement, especially for working professionals. Having organizational support proves crucial for success.
Our program attracts students who are motivated, open-minded, organized, intellectually curious, and proactive—those who learn to understand rather than simply to pass tests. Most importantly, successful students embrace being “comfortable being uncomfortable,” ready for challenges that expand their capabilities.
A Transformative Decision
Kate reflects on her experience: “Returning to school in my forties wasn’t an easy decision, but it has been truly wonderful. Being back in an academic setting feels natural, and the supportive nature of the program has helped me thrive in ways I never expected.”
The program has fundamentally broadened Kate’s perspective on both personal and professional challenges. When asked if she would make the same choice again, her answer is emphatic: “Absolutely.”
Kate’s journey illustrates how our Population Health PhD program serves working professionals seeking to advance their careers through rigorous academic study, offering the flexibility and support needed to succeed while maintaining established professional commitments.
The Population Health PhD program at Bouvé College offers flexible options designed for working professionals. Learn more about how this program can advance your career in population health research or connect with Kate on LinkedIn.
