Meet the students of the College of Public Health and Health Professions, a diverse group dedicated to improving health and well-being in communities around the world. These students come from various backgrounds, united by their passion for health and their commitment to making a positive impact. They bring unique perspectives and experiences to their studies, preparing to become the next generation of health professionals who will address pressing health challenges and advance their field.
Meet: Ryan Athay
Program: Master of Public Health
Concentration: Population Health Management
Hometown: Orlando, Florida
Educational background: Bachelor of Public Health, University of Florida
Why did you decide to join your program?
I studied public health in undergrad and initially thought I wanted to go to medical school to become a physician and provide health care in a primary care setting. Then I took a class and learned about the health care system. Since then, I have really enjoyed the macro-level perspective of keeping people healthy by reforming the health care system. I realized that focusing on population health management (PHM) is a great way to further that goal of working in the public and private sectors to promote health care initiatives that are more equitable and accessible to everyone in the U.S., including marginalized groups.
What have been some of your favorite moments in your program?
There are so many amazing faculty mentors and professors who are truly passionate about what they teach and excel at their work. This has motivated me to become more involved, more curious and eager to learn the details of the healthcare system. So, I would definitely say that faculty and staff have played a huge role in my interest in the program. I also believe that meeting peers has been really beneficial. Learning from them, working together and connecting with peers, not just within PHM but also with other concentrations. It’s really about meeting people with whom we share common interests and goals; ultimately, it’s the people who make the place special.
What do you plan to do with your degree?
I love the federal side of health care, so I hope to be able to do something in Washington, D.C., whether that’s in the private sector, consulting, lobbying or continuing to work for a couple of years under a congressman within the health care portfolio. My options are definitely very open, and I am willing to try and do many different things based on what I have learned through the PHM concentration.
What are you focusing on now?
I am a full-time student, currently taking my coursework online while being in Washington, D.C. I am a fellow with Congressman Darren Soto, the Democratic representative for Florida’s 9th District, through UF Health Cancer Institute’s cancer policy internship. I work with their health care portfolio and started at the beginning of the fall semester.
It’s been a really great experience. I have been able to apply what I’ve learned in my coursework, particularly regarding various health care initiatives, bills and laws, and advocate for health care policies I believe would improve the system. It’s also been fantastic to meet with multiple people, including constituents and interest groups. Learning about the different entities involved in health care has been extremely valuable. I discovered this opportunity through the UF Cancer Institute, which sponsors the scholarship, thanks to a professor who plays a key role in the population health management program. I will be here until I graduate, around spring 2026.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy trying new restaurants and traveling.
What would you like to share with others who may be considering the same program?
Keep an open mind – there are many different aspects and career opportunities within this concentration and this program. Don’t limit yourself to just one perfect position as there are numerous options available. By staying open-minded, meeting people and doing your best to connect with faculty, staff and mentors, you’ll build a strong network that will benefit you in the long run. It also enriches and strengthens your experience while you’re a student.
For the longest time, I didn’t think I wanted to get involved in anything other than practicing medicine. This program has shown me that there is so much more out there in health and health care. Being a fellow, which I learned about through my connections in the PHM concentration, has been such a great and rewarding experience. Even though I am only a month and a half in, it has been really helpful to utilize their resources and gain firsthand experience outside of the classroom in various areas of health care.
Want to learn more?
Learn more about the Master of Public Health program.
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