Public Health PhD Driving AI Innovation: An Unexpected Career Journey

The Next Step: Career and Grad School Advice from Our Alumni · Jul 7, 2026 · 52m

Michael Chen, PhD came to the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry with all intentions of being a full time teacher. After earning his PhD in Health Services Research & Policy, he landed a tenure-track faculty position and began the career he had always envisioned.

Then came the pandemic, and his career trajectory changed.In this episode of The Next Step, Michael joins faculty co-host Chris Seplaki, PhD to reflect on graduate school, mentorship, teaching through COVID-19, and the difficult decision to leave academia. He shares how the research, communication, and…