This semester, I did a research project at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles for my ISE 440 class. Our team studied the delay in medical equipment orders and reasons for lack of patient compliance with medication in the Pediatric Pulmonology division of the hospital. Before this project, I didn’t know much about the U.S. Healthcare system. However, now I feel much more aware of how it works. At the beginning of the semester, my professor gave us a contact for a nurse at the hospital, who helped us conduct our research. It has been really nice to get some real world experience in a field which is in need of more Industrial Engineers. Furthermore, I feel like I can actually make a difference in the lives of affected patients.
I am going to Madrid this summer with the Viterbi Overseas Program, but plan to continue to do research at the hospital when I get back. I definitely feel much more passionate about the healthcare industry now that I understand a little bit of how it actually works. I have also learned that asking professors for project ideas can sometimes be very helpful. My professor was able to give me a great contact; someone who I hope to keep in touch with when this study is over. This is one of the many examples of the resources and connections that USC has. Coming to USC is more than just an education: it is an experience.
