Priya Gupta, MSW (BASW 2024), Administrative Fellow at UPMC Health Plan
I reside in Pittsburgh, PA with my two black cats. When I am not studying, I enjoy reading, yoga, running, being outside, and spending time with friends.
Post-Graduation Description
I am currently an Administrative Fellow with UPMC Health Plan, UPMC’s Insurance Services Division that provides a range of health insurance services, including Medicaid and Medicare Advantage, to more than 3.9 million members. This 2-year leadership development position allows me to rotate through the company, develop and enhance my skillsets, build a network of leaders and professional mentors, and contribute to a variety of high-impact projects. Prior to this position, I obtained my Master of Social Work degree at the University of Chicago’s Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. I also completed the Addressing Social Inequality through Innovations in Policy Practice program of study and a Graduate Certificate in Health Administration and Policy (GPHAP).
Who inspires you in your work?
I am constantly finding inspiration and encouragement in the lives and work of so many incredible women who have come before me in making invaluable contributions to the fields of social work and public health. These women, including Erin Brocovich, Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, Dr. Leah Jacobs, Rebecca Skloot, and Dorothy Roberts, have utilized their passion and skills to not only identify an area of society that needs improvement, but have done the hard work to make change happen.
What is your biggest professional accomplishment?
My biggest professional accomplishment thus far is being selected as a UPMC Administrative Fellow at the Health Plan. This highly competitive opportunity has provided me with the chance to work directly with our public health insurance programs, namely Medicare and Medicaid, to understand how we can positively impact the experiences of our members through comprehensive, informed decision-making. Being given the chance to combine social work and public health principles with the business and finance world continues to expand my personal and professional understanding of our healthcare system.
How has the social work education you received at Pitt helped you in your career?
My social work education at Pitt SSW provided me with the foundational skills needed to thrive in graduate school and beyond. The generalist program format provides students with a strong basis in both direct practice and community level work. Because of this, I felt empowered to explore many different areas of social work during undergrad, and ended up realizing my primary interests were in health administration and policy work.
What is the most significant thing you learned at the Pitt SSW?
The most significant thing I learned at Pitt SSW was the power of asking questions and taking initiative. Most of the incredible opportunities I had through Pitt SSW came from being present in class, asking thoughtful questions, being open to criticism, and engaging directly with professors, staff, and peers. I will carry this lesson throughout the rest of my education and career.
What motivated you to pursue a degree in social work?
I originally wanted to attend medical school to become a physician. While working as an emergency medical technician, I began to notice the sheer volume of social problems my patients were facing, and I felt powerless within my medical scope to help. These problems included homelessness, food insecurity, domestic and intimate partner violence, healthcare accessibility, documentation and identification challenges, and more. Thus, I switched gears into searching for a career where I could learn more about these issues and obtain the skills to combat them, and stumbled upon social work.
What's your favorite memory of the Pitt SSW?
My favorite memory of Pitt SSW was my last day at my field placement at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. The staff was so kind to throw me a surprise party with breakfast, parting gifts, and words of encouragement for my future. I believe that day is a testament to the lasting personal and professional relationships a BASW student can form throughout their field practicum while a student at Pitt SSW.
What advice would you have for young Pitt SSW alumni?
Never be afraid to ask questions, express your passion for a certain area of work, and reach out to professors or experts in the field. It can be daunting, but most individuals are excited to speak with young professionals about their work. Opportunities do not come from sitting behind a closed door - I would encourage any young students to get up and knock on the door. You never know what amazing things may be on the other side!