Testimonial from T.E.A.C.H. Program Client

I am getting ready to graduate in May with my MSW.  I've really grown a lot over the past two years in terms of my understanding of the field as a whole.  I spent last year interning at a bariatric surgery clinic counseling clients who are preparing for weight loss surgery.  I've learned so much about the importance of effective lifestyle interventions as well as the inherent vfalue of preventative care.  I'm actually contducting an independent study to fulfill my advanced research requirement that will examine the impact of pre-surgery weight loss on post surgery "success" (defined as at least a 25% reduction in excess body weight 1-2 years out.  Its' the first time that pre-surgical weight loss has been studied - ever!


This year I am interning at United Way of Central MD, working primarily with their legislative advocacy department.  I'm doing a lot of coalition work and lobbying at the state level for issues around human service delivery, particularly as it relates to healthcare reform.  I feel strongly that the current reform efforts are offering a unique opportunity to streamline comprehensive human service delivery along with healthcare reform.  If youv'e ever heard of the "No Wrong Door" approach, a lot of the legislative testimony I'm writing centers upon these principles.

I'm slowly beginning my job search and applied for my first position last week - Assistant Director of Social Concerns with Catholic Charities of MD.  I am also debating whether or not to apply to the social work PhD program at University of MD.  I am a little bit anxious about the job market and want to make sure I have a solid "Plan B." - B.G.