Rachel LaFlame, MPH

Research Associate

Health Management Associates

Columbus, OH

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Rachel LaFlame, MPH, is a driven, early career professional interested in the intersection of public health and policy. She is skilled in policy research and management, with demonstrated experience working in healthcare administration, quality improvement, and public-facing communications.

Prior to joining Health Management Associates, Rachel worked as the urgent care coordinator at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, OH, showcasing her analytical skills by proposing a safer staffing model through patient per hour trend analysis. She was responsible for scheduling 50 urgent care providers across seven sites, ensured optimal patient care through efficient staffing management, and played a key role in new provider onboarding and recruitment. She also contributed to administrative tasks while helping facilitate the transition of the new Urgent Care Division.

During her MPH practicum internship at Summa Health in Akron, Rachel demonstrated her practical problem-solving abilities. She revamped research methodologies, analyzed data, and provided valuable recommendations for addressing patient marijuana use within a healthcare context.

At Kent State University’s LGBTQ+ Center as a graduate assistant, Rachel helped facilitate impactful LGBTQ+ Safe Space and Trans 101 training workshops for a diverse audience of students and faculty, created health education content and programming, and managed a team of interns. Additionally, she played a key role in successful fundraising campaigns and strategic social media efforts that raised funds for the LGBTQ+ Center’s Emergency Fund.

Rachel’s experience extends to senior care as well, having assisted in operations management and events at Arrow Senior Living during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents.

Rachel has a Master of Public Health with a specialization in health policy and management from Kent State University. She also has a bachelor’s degree in political science, a minor in global health and a certificate in bioethics from the University of Cincinnati.

Outside of work, Rachel enjoys traveling and has visited four countries and 30 states. She loves hiking, cycling, and spending time with her family and her corgi, Daisy.