Practicum Highlight: MaryBeth Semosky, MPH ’26
Mapping Community Engagement Strategies to Improve Health Service Utilization
MaryBeth Semosky, a second year Hybrid Master of Public Health student at the Geisel School of Medicine, is pursuing her degree while working full-time on epidemiological research focused on the environmental impacts on maternal and children’s health. Through her Integrated Learning Experience (ILE), she is exploring how community engagement can be leveraged to improve health service utilization in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Precepted by Dr. Sanam Roder-Dewan, a Dartmouth faculty member and World Bank consultant, her project is a scoping review examining which demand-side community engagement strategies are being used effectively in influencing how populations access care.
Community engagement, broadly defined as involving communities in the design and delivery of their health services, has not historically been standard practice in many health systems, contributing to persistent global health disparities. At the same time, existing research on the topic is fragmented, with varying terminology used to describe similar approaches. MaryBeth’s work addresses this gap by systematically identifying and synthesizing demand-side strategies, which focus on encouraging individuals and communities to seek care by increasing awareness, reducing barriers, and improving access.
Through an extensive review of existing literature, MaryBeth has worked to consolidate diverse approaches under a more cohesive framework, making it easier for public health professionals and policymakers to identify, adapt, and implement effective strategies in their own contexts. Her findings aim to strengthen the evidence base for community-driven health interventions and support more equitable health system design globally.
MaryBeth’s ILE has also informed her applied work in the field. Drawing on insights from her scoping review, she is currently leading a self-designed, community-based project supported by the Center for Global Health Equity, in partnership with a hospital and community health organization in the Bono region of Ghana. Her work focuses on developing and implementing a community engagement intervention related to breastfeeding, demonstrating how foundational research can inform meaningful, context-specific strategies that support maternal and child health.
Throughout her experience, MaryBeth has benefited from mentorship and collaboration across the Dartmouth community. Working closely with Dr. Roder-Dewan provided not only academic guidance but also an opportunity to learn from a mentor deeply committed to student growth and global health equity. In addition, MaryBeth actively sought out connections with faculty, alumni, and peers, expanding her understanding of the many pathways within public health.
“Working with Dr. Roder-Dewan has been an incredible experience. I’ve learned so much from her expertise and her dedication to mentorship,” MaryBeth shares. “This program has shown me just how expansive the field of public health is, and how important it is to take initiative in exploring it. The support and enthusiasm from Dartmouth faculty and alumni have been truly motivating, and have helped shape both my academic and professional journey.”
Written by: Mia Soucy
POSTED 4/2/2026 AT 04:21 PM IN #practicum #mph #2026
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