The St. Ambrose University Master of Public Health program has named Kaylin Camidge ’25 MPH and Nic Reese ’25 MPH as the recipients of the Joseph R. '72 and Joyce O'Rourke Master of Public Health Endowed Scholarship. This annual award recognizes first-year MPH students who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to community service, social justice, and health equity.
Camidge, a current medical student at Georgetown University, is completing her MPH during a gap year and has been actively involved in street medicine outreach for Washington, D.C.’s homeless population.
“Since enrolling at Georgetown University School of Medicine, I have sought further opportunities to engage in community health initiatives,” Camidge said. “My experience as an MPH student at St. Ambrose University has been transformative.”
Camidge is halfway through medical school and is using the accelerated MPH program to elevate her skills as she pursues a career as a physician.
“I’ve become increasingly aware of the systemic issues within health care,” Camidge said. “To create measurable, sustainable change, I need to go beyond the interpersonal dynamics of the physician-patient relationship. Pursuing an MPH equips me with essential skills to design, implement, and manage community health programs while advancing health promotion and preventative medicine.”
Camidge will earn her MPH in less than a year. When she resumes medical school, she’ll do so with an additional skillset to help create meaningful change as a doctor.
“I’ll be able to conduct epidemiological research, identify areas for improvement, and develop actionable plans. Ultimately, I hope to use these experiences to drive sustainable, impactful health outcomes for underserved communities in my future career as a physican.”
Reese, a graduate of Augustana College, will also complete his MPH degree in less than a year. He currently works with the American Academy of Pediatrics, where he focuses on public health initiatives that advance child health equity.
“In my experience of both studying and working within Public Health, I have strived to make progress in both areas of social justice and health equity. I have gained a further understanding of the importance of establishing social justice and health equity since beginning the MPH program at St. Ambrose,” Reese said.
St. Ambrose’s asynchronous online MPH program and expedited pathway allows Reese to expand his expertise in public health while maintaining his professional responsibilities. The program provides him with the skills he needs to fast track his career.
“I know I could advance my career through experience over time. However, an advanced degree helps me gain skills faster and also makes me a stronger candidate overall,” Reese explained. “The Applied Practicum Experience has provided me with further hands-on global health experience which assisted me in getting my current role as a Global Health Programs Specialist.”
Reese and Camidge are the second and third students to take advantage of St. Ambrose’s expedited pathway in this fully online program. Both will complete their degree in 11.5 months.
“We are incredibly proud of these students and their dedication to advancing public health,” said Melissa Sharer, PhD, director of the MPH program at St. Ambrose University. “Their passion for service and social justice aligns perfectly with the values of the O’Rourke Scholarship and the mission of our program.”
The O’Rourke Scholarship reflects the O'Rourkes’ commitment to education and fostering the next generation of public health professionals. The award provides financial support, allowing students to further their education while making meaningful contributions to public health initiatives.
