Alexa Nguyen’s experiences growing up caused her to study health law. To prepare for a job in this field, Nguyen earned a juris doctor degree in the College of Law (2017) and a master’s of health administration from the College of Public Health (2018) at the University of Iowa.

“Having grown up in a low-income single parent home, I know the palpable fear of helplessness that may keep many quiet and the importance of access to health care for under-privileged individuals,” Nguyen says. “I often find that Limited English Proficient Speakers (LEPs) refuse to seek medical help due to fears of unaffordable medical bills, high insurance rates, and their lack of knowledge about their eligibility for coverage.”

Nguyen is currently studying for the Illinois Bar Examination with the intention to serve as a voice for the less fortunate members of society.

Q: Why did you pursue graduate school and become a dual degree student?

A: I started the dual degree after my second summer as a second year law student (2L). During my 2L summer, I fought against domestic violence and child maltreatment in Cambridge, MA, where I was certified as a Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3:03 Student Attorney at Harvard. After representing my clients in domestic violence matters, I realized mental health is just as important as physical health. I wanted to make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable people by strengthening our healthcare system.

Since high school, I have continued to spend significant time providing pro bono translation services in hospitals and clinics, and have seen a variety of minorities who are baffled about how to navigate the requirements for health assistance. A long-time advocate for equality in the provision of healthcare, I would like to help protect our healthcare system, and help resolve the legal issues facing it, by obtaining a joint degree in Health Administration.

The dual degree allowed me to gain exposure to both the business side of health care and law. Healthcare is ever-changing. I believe specializing in health law will allow me to add value to my clients by staying ahead of the changes. The joint program gave me a better understanding of patient perspectives, hospital perspectives, and the holes that exists in our health care system. I often see challenges as opportunities. Therefore, I believe the dual degree allowed me to optimize my time, broaden my opportunities, and specialize in a legal field that I am earnestly passionate about.

Q: What impact has your work had on the field/world? What impact do you hope to have on your field/world?

A: Having been strengthened by my experiences, I can truly empathize with those who have been victimized. I know the shame and engulfing feeling of helplessness that keeps them quiet, and I am reminded of how health leaders can protect and represent those patients who need serious care but are not being heard. Additional experiences beyond the classroom are an essential part of health administration education. We need leaders in the health care system who can truly understand and connect with the patients who are the source of our health care concerns. In the next few decades, Americans will grow older and living longer. Increasing ethnic and racial diversity will make the issue of diversity more pronounced. I hope to devote my future as a healthcare leader, help close the gaps that exists in our system, and improve cultural competency care in our healthcare system. I am eager to help provide the nation with a roadmap for changes that could transform the healthcare system into one that is safe, efficient, and consumer centered. Love alone is not enough to heal the heart; this is my calling, which I am honored to answer.

Q: What programs or resources (on or off campus) have influenced or supported your academic goals?

A: I knew I wanted to advocate for the broader community. As President of the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association, I worked to support diverse students within the College and University. I organized an event, “Beyond the Bamboo Ceiling,” to address the special problems that Asian women confront in the legal profession. Following the November election, I coordinated with the Black Law Student Association and the Latino Law Student Association to set up a “safe space” at the Afro-American Cultural Center, where students can discuss their fears and concerns, decompress, and talk about means by which to strengthen the community. I also have reached out to and invited international students to events. This has been an important effort to address the isolation that some international students report upon their arrival in Iowa City.

I also worked as a student director and global ambassador in the College of Law’s Global Community Engagement initiative. Working with faculty and staff, where I promoted the success of international students and built connections between international attorneys and students, I organized cross-cultural social events and promoted a culture of inclusivity within the College. For example, I coordinated “language tables,” where international students shared language and culture with other law students. All these experiences shaped me to work harder to build a better community for our people.

Q: Do you have any role models, mentors, or inspirational people who have encouraged you to pursue your work?

A: My mother was very understanding. She never expected me to obtain a law degree, let alone a joint degree in health administration. However, her hard work inspired me to be who I am today. I obtained both my undergraduate and graduate degrees here at the University of Iowa, because I really enjoyed the community, students, staffs, and professors. I believe every professor, mentor, and staff member I worked with inspired me to become who I am today. I was very fortunate to have great mentors along the way. They encouraged me to never give up on my goals and reminded me that I am a fighter, not a quitter. I do believe that every person that crossed my path influenced me positively in some shape or way. 

Q: If you could go back to a time at the beginning of your graduate career, what advice would you give yourself?

A: I think everything lined up perfectly for me. If I could go back in time, I wouldn’t have much advice to give myself except that “the problem is, you think you have time.” Time management is definitely key to everything. I think I could have avoided a lot of stress if I managed my time a little better. You never know when you will run into technical difficulties, so getting things in early is always a good thing.