Victoria Perez, Ph.D., recently joined the Yale School of Public Health as an assistant professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management. Perez researches how systemic factors affect health care access for vulnerable populations. As part of this, she researches Medicaid design and public finance outcomes, provider competition, and health care fraud. Outside of public health, she enjoys the outdoors and being with family. She took some time out of her busy schedule to tell a little about herself.
Describe in general terms your area of expertise and what you are currently working on.
VP: I am an applied economist who focuses on the structure and delivery of services to vulnerable populations. My research focuses on the ways in which funds for public delivery of health care could be optimized via studies of health care fraud, hospital behavior, and government finances.
What are your longer-term goals in public health?
VP: My longer-term research goal is to shift discourse around public health insurance programs like Medicaid from “Why does it cost so much?" to “How could we get more from what we invest in Medicaid and programs like it?”
How did you first become interested in this field?
VP: As an undergraduate, I had the opportunity to be a research assistant on a health economics project and attend health policy conferences. It was eye-opening to see the range of projects and experiences people shared.
I am honored and excited to join the YSPH faculty.
Victoria Perez
How do you feel about joining the Yale School of Public Health?
VP: I am honored and excited to join the YSPH faculty. The department's reputation for outstanding and relevant research is very impressive. I am looking forward to collaborating with and learning from my colleagues.
What is one word that describes you, and why?
VP: Grateful. I am very grateful for the opportunities I have had and possibilities ahead.
What are some of your interests and activities beyond academia?
VP: I enjoy spending time with family and being outside as much as possible.