Dual Degree Program: Masters of Legal Studies

Concentration: Public Interest Law

Keywords: health policy, health law, public interest law

Motivation: I am interested in health law and policy and thought it would be a good idea to get more formalized training and education in the field. I am already highly involved in the American Medical Association and other aspects of organized medicine, and I thought this would complement my involvement in organized medicine and interest in health policy well.

Objectives: My chief objective in pursuing the dual degree was obtaining formalized education in the field of health policy, as well as to better understand the organization of our judicial system. I specifically tailored my classes to involve health policy and facets of public interest law, including the overlap between health law and immigration, race, and education. I also sought to learn more about how non-lawyers can be effective advocates in the legal space.

Activities: The Masters in Legal Studies is a mostly lecture-based degree that requires substantial reading and analysis of case law, analytical writing, and seminar-style discussions. There is also a common practice of “cold-calling” where students are asked to answer questions about the required reading during class.

Lessons Learned: I achieved my main objectives by obtaining a more formalized education in the legal system, with a particular focus on health law, immigration law, and education law and how they were affected by structural and institutional inequity. I have a deeper understanding of the structure of the U.S. judicial system and have a good handle on legal analysis and writing.

Summary: I plan to use these newly-acquired skills in my career should I continue to be involved in health policy and organized medicine. I hope to be a fierce advocate for my patients and work towards making the health system more equitable and high-quality for all.