Melissa Thomas Email & Phone Number

Columbus, Ohio Area

During my tenure as Adjunct Faculty at Franklin University since 2012, I have had the privilege of instructing in various courses within the College of Health and Public Administration, particularly focusing on Healthcare Informatics and Health Services Leadership. In the Healthcare Informatics course for the Bachelor's Program in Healthcare Management, I facilitate online instruction, guiding students through the complexities of healthcare technology and its role in modern healthcare delivery.… Show more During my tenure as Adjunct Faculty at Franklin University since 2012, I have had the privilege of instructing in various courses within the College of Health and Public Administration, particularly focusing on Healthcare Informatics and Health Services Leadership. In the Healthcare Informatics course for the Bachelor's Program in Healthcare Management, I facilitate online instruction, guiding students through the complexities of healthcare technology and its role in modern healthcare delivery. Additionally, I have taught Organizations, Community & Global Health in the Doctor of Healthcare Administration program, delving into critical topics surrounding health system leadership and its impact on healthcare delivery, financial management, and services utilization. Through these courses, I provide students with comprehensive insights into the theoretical and practical aspects of healthcare leadership, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the intricacies of the U.S. healthcare system effectively. Show less

Athens, Ohio

As an Assistant Professor in the Department of Primary Care at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, I play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals while contributing to scholarly research in addressing health disparities in uderserved communities. Within this dynamic academic environment, my primary focus is on training competent and compassionate osteopathic physicians and advancing knowledge in public health and community-engaged research… Show more As an Assistant Professor in the Department of Primary Care at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, I play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals while contributing to scholarly research in addressing health disparities in uderserved communities. Within this dynamic academic environment, my primary focus is on training competent and compassionate osteopathic physicians and advancing knowledge in public health and community-engaged research methods. Key responsibilities include delivering high-quality instruction in primary care medicine to medical students, along with developing and implementing curriculum materials such as lectures, workshops, and clinical skills sessions. Additionally, I engage in scholarly research and creative activities related to health care disparities and cancer control, publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at professional conferences. Pursuing external funding opportunities to support research endeavors is also part of my role. In terms of service and leadership, I actively participate in departmental, institutional, and community service activities, serve on committees to contribute to academic governance and strategic planning, and demonstrate leadership in advancing the mission and goals of the department and institution. This position offers ample opportunities for teaching, scholarly activity, professional development, and engagement with the broader academic and local communities. Show less

Columbus, Ohio Area

As an Adjunct Instructor at Central Michigan University from 2008 to 2017, my role involved delivering high-quality instruction in Community and Public Health as part of the Masters in Healthcare Administration (MSHA) Off-campus Graduate Program. I covered diverse topics in public health, community health, and healthcare administration, engaging students in interactive learning experiences to foster critical thinking and real-world application of theoretical concepts. Additionally, I… Show more As an Adjunct Instructor at Central Michigan University from 2008 to 2017, my role involved delivering high-quality instruction in Community and Public Health as part of the Masters in Healthcare Administration (MSHA) Off-campus Graduate Program. I covered diverse topics in public health, community health, and healthcare administration, engaging students in interactive learning experiences to foster critical thinking and real-world application of theoretical concepts. Additionally, I contributed to curriculum development, provided academic support and mentorship to students, assessed their performance, and offered constructive feedback. Engaging in continuous professional development, collaborating with colleagues, and participating in program evaluation processes were also integral aspects of my responsibilities, aimed at ensuring program excellence and student success. Show less

Columbus, Ohio Area

As the Founding Director of the Office of Health Equity and Sponsored Programs at OhioHealth Research & Innovation Institute in Columbus, OH, I held a pivotal role in advancing our organization's commitment to promoting health equity and overseeing sponsored research efforts. Reporting directly to senior leadership, I was responsible for guiding the strategic planning and implementation of initiatives aimed at addressing health disparities and fostering inclusivity in healthcare research. This… Show more As the Founding Director of the Office of Health Equity and Sponsored Programs at OhioHealth Research & Innovation Institute in Columbus, OH, I held a pivotal role in advancing our organization's commitment to promoting health equity and overseeing sponsored research efforts. Reporting directly to senior leadership, I was responsible for guiding the strategic planning and implementation of initiatives aimed at addressing health disparities and fostering inclusivity in healthcare research. This entailed leading the acquisition of sponsored research funding, ensuring strict compliance with regulations, and efficiently managing project administration. Additionally, I actively identified healthcare disparities, developed interventions, and established strategic partnerships to promote health equity within our community. Success in this role hinged on effective collaboration, strategic foresight, and exemplary leadership to enact meaningful change in healthcare research and equity endeavors. Show less

Columbus, Ohio Area

As the Manager of Health Disparities Research at OhioHealth, I lead and directed research initiatives focused on understanding and reducing health disparities within diverse communities. Reporting to the Director of the OhioHealth Research & Innovation Institute, I collaborated with interdisciplinary teams and external stakeholders to conceptualize, execute, and assess research projects on health equity and social determinants of health. My responsibilities spanned various domains, including… Show more As the Manager of Health Disparities Research at OhioHealth, I lead and directed research initiatives focused on understanding and reducing health disparities within diverse communities. Reporting to the Director of the OhioHealth Research & Innovation Institute, I collaborated with interdisciplinary teams and external stakeholders to conceptualize, execute, and assess research projects on health equity and social determinants of health. My responsibilities spanned various domains, including research planning and development, project management, community engagement, data analysis and interpretation, and advocacy and policy development. I worked closely with stakeholders to identify priority areas, oversee project implementation, engaged with community organizations, analyzed data to inform findings, and collaborated with policymakers and advocacy groups to promote health equity through evidence-based practices and awareness campaigns. Show less

Columbus, Ohio, United States

As the Manager of Federal and Foundation Funded Research at the OhioHealth Research & Innovation Institute, I oversaw and managed research projects funded by federal agencies and private foundations. Reporting directly to the Director of the Institute, my responsibilities encompassed a wide range of duties. I was tasked with identifying funding opportunities, collaborating with researchers to develop competitive grant proposals and ensuring compliance with funding agency guidelines… Show more As the Manager of Federal and Foundation Funded Research at the OhioHealth Research & Innovation Institute, I oversaw and managed research projects funded by federal agencies and private foundations. Reporting directly to the Director of the Institute, my responsibilities encompassed a wide range of duties. I was tasked with identifying funding opportunities, collaborating with researchers to develop competitive grant proposals and ensuring compliance with funding agency guidelines. Additionally, I served as the primary point of contact for grant-making organizations, managed grant awards, and ensured adherence to grant terms and conditions. Negotiating contracts, monitoring subrecipient performance, and facilitating collaboration among project partners were also essential aspects of my role. Furthermore, I provided guidance to researchers on grant-related policies and procedures, assisted in protocol development, and ensured ethical and regulatory compliance. Effective communication with internal stakeholders, funding agencies, and external partners was crucial, as I conveyed grant-related updates, cultivated relationships, and represented the institute at various events and conferences. Show less

Columbus, Ohio Metropolitan Area

During my time as Adjunct Faculty at Columbus State Community College from 2009 to 2017, I held various roles instructing in online courses for the Undergraduate Certificate in Multi-Competency Health Program. As an instructor for courses such as Health Care Resource Management, Legal Aspects and Risk Management, Human Resource Management in Health Services Organizations, and TQM/UM/Accreditation, I was responsible for delivering comprehensive instruction on key topics relevant to healthcare… Show more During my time as Adjunct Faculty at Columbus State Community College from 2009 to 2017, I held various roles instructing in online courses for the Undergraduate Certificate in Multi-Competency Health Program. As an instructor for courses such as Health Care Resource Management, Legal Aspects and Risk Management, Human Resource Management in Health Services Organizations, and TQM/UM/Accreditation, I was responsible for delivering comprehensive instruction on key topics relevant to healthcare administration. My duties included developing course materials, facilitating online discussions, assessing student performance, and providing academic support and guidance to ensure students gained a thorough understanding of healthcare management principles and practices. Through these courses, I aimed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in various healthcare settings and contribute effectively to the delivery of high-quality patient care. Show less

Minneapolis, Mn

During my tenure as Contributing Faculty at Walden University from 2012 to 2017, I played a vital role in instructing online courses within the Master of Public Health (MPH) Program. With a focus on research, socio-ecological perspectives in health, and capstone courses involving field experience in public health, I was responsible for delivering high-quality instruction and guiding students through their academic journey. My responsibilities included developing course content, facilitating… Show more During my tenure as Contributing Faculty at Walden University from 2012 to 2017, I played a vital role in instructing online courses within the Master of Public Health (MPH) Program. With a focus on research, socio-ecological perspectives in health, and capstone courses involving field experience in public health, I was responsible for delivering high-quality instruction and guiding students through their academic journey. My responsibilities included developing course content, facilitating online discussions, evaluating student performance, and providing mentorship and support to ensure students acquired a deep understanding of public health principles and practices. Through these courses, I aimed to empower students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world public health scenarios, fostering their growth as competent and compassionate public health professionals prepared to address complex health challenges in diverse communities. Show less

Westerville, Oh

During my time as Adjunct Faculty in the Health & Sport Sciences department at Otterbein University from 2009 to 2012, I had the privilege of instructing courses and serving as a preceptor for practicum and internship experiences. As the instructor for Personal Health and Women’s Health Issues courses within the Bachelors Program in Health Education/Public Health, I was responsible for delivering engaging and informative instruction to students, covering topics related to personal health and… Show more During my time as Adjunct Faculty in the Health & Sport Sciences department at Otterbein University from 2009 to 2012, I had the privilege of instructing courses and serving as a preceptor for practicum and internship experiences. As the instructor for Personal Health and Women’s Health Issues courses within the Bachelors Program in Health Education/Public Health, I was responsible for delivering engaging and informative instruction to students, covering topics related to personal health and women’s health issues. Additionally, I served as a preceptor for practicum and internship experiences, guiding students through hands-on learning opportunities in real-world settings. Through mentorship and support, I facilitated students' professional development, helping them apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations and gain valuable experience in the field of health education and public health. By fostering a supportive learning environment and providing personalized guidance, I aimed to empower students to succeed academically and professionally as they embarked on their careers in health education and public health. Show less

Columbus, Ohio, United States

In my role as the Program Manager of Cultural Health Initiatives at Community Outreach of OhioHealth, I lead efforts to promote culturally competent healthcare within diverse communities. Reporting to senior leadership, I collaborated with stakeholders to develop tailored healthcare programs, engaged with community organizations and healthcare providers to ensure effective implementation, organized outreach events and educational sessions, established collaborative partnerships, and evaluated… Show more In my role as the Program Manager of Cultural Health Initiatives at Community Outreach of OhioHealth, I lead efforts to promote culturally competent healthcare within diverse communities. Reporting to senior leadership, I collaborated with stakeholders to develop tailored healthcare programs, engaged with community organizations and healthcare providers to ensure effective implementation, organized outreach events and educational sessions, established collaborative partnerships, and evaluated program impact through data analysis and feedback mechanisms. Through these diverse responsibilities, I worked towards enhancing access to culturally sensitive care and supporting health equity efforts within the community. Show less

Columbus, Ohio Area

As the Program Manager for the Appalachia Cancer Network (ACN) at Grant/Riverside Cancer Services/Community Outreach of OhioHealth, I was tasked with overseeing and advancing the initiatives of the Appalachia Cancer Network from 2000 to 2005. My responsibilities included building upon the foundations laid by ALIC's orientations and projects, such as enhancing community cancer coalitions, investigating barriers to clinical trial participation, and gathering crucial community insights to elevate… Show more As the Program Manager for the Appalachia Cancer Network (ACN) at Grant/Riverside Cancer Services/Community Outreach of OhioHealth, I was tasked with overseeing and advancing the initiatives of the Appalachia Cancer Network from 2000 to 2005. My responsibilities included building upon the foundations laid by ALIC's orientations and projects, such as enhancing community cancer coalitions, investigating barriers to clinical trial participation, and gathering crucial community insights to elevate cancer awareness among the rural and medically underserved populations of Appalachia. In this role, I worked closely with stakeholders to develop strategies, coordinate activities, and implement programs aimed at addressing cancer disparities and improving access to cancer care within the region. Through collaboration, advocacy, and community engagement, I played a vital role in advancing the mission of the Appalachia Cancer Network and making a positive impact on the health outcomes of underserved communities in Appalachia. Show less

Columbus, Ohio Area

As the Program Coordinator for the Appalachia Leadership Initiative on Cancer, my primary responsibility was to mobilize community lay and professional leaders to develop and support community cancer control coalitions throughout the Appalachia region. This involved designing and implementing long-range, comprehensive, multi-disciplinary, and community-wide cancer control outreach projects aimed at achieving reductions in cancer incidence and mortality, increasing cancer survival rates, and… Show more As the Program Coordinator for the Appalachia Leadership Initiative on Cancer, my primary responsibility was to mobilize community lay and professional leaders to develop and support community cancer control coalitions throughout the Appalachia region. This involved designing and implementing long-range, comprehensive, multi-disciplinary, and community-wide cancer control outreach projects aimed at achieving reductions in cancer incidence and mortality, increasing cancer survival rates, and improving early cancer diagnosis rates within the region. Additionally, I facilitated greater cancer control data collection and research efforts, with the ultimate goal of improving knowledge about cancer prevention and early detection, as well as enhancing access to and utilization of diagnostic and treatment services for cancer. Show less

Columbus, Ohio Area

During my tenure as Adjunct Faculty with the Breast & Cervical Cancer Project at Columbus State Community College, I served in a short-term grant-funded position aimed at supporting The Ohio Department of Health Breast and Cervical Cancer Project (BCCP). This initiative aimed to assist women in navigating cancer screenings, providing guidance through the healthcare system, identifying suitable providers and community resources, and addressing queries related to scheduling appointments and… Show more During my tenure as Adjunct Faculty with the Breast & Cervical Cancer Project at Columbus State Community College, I served in a short-term grant-funded position aimed at supporting The Ohio Department of Health Breast and Cervical Cancer Project (BCCP). This initiative aimed to assist women in navigating cancer screenings, providing guidance through the healthcare system, identifying suitable providers and community resources, and addressing queries related to scheduling appointments and insurance usage. Through this role, I worked to ensure that women received essential support and resources to navigate cancer screenings effectively, promoting early detection and improved health outcomes within the community. Show less

Columbus, Ohio Area

As the Program Director of the BEST (Breast, Education, Screening and Treatment) Program for Women at The American Cancer Society, my main responsibility was to oversee all aspects of the program focused on promoting breast health awareness, facilitating screenings, and ensuring treatment access for women. This included strategic planning, coordinating activities, and managing resources effectively to achieve program objectives. Collaborating with internal teams, community partners, and… Show more As the Program Director of the BEST (Breast, Education, Screening and Treatment) Program for Women at The American Cancer Society, my main responsibility was to oversee all aspects of the program focused on promoting breast health awareness, facilitating screenings, and ensuring treatment access for women. This included strategic planning, coordinating activities, and managing resources effectively to achieve program objectives. Collaborating with internal teams, community partners, and stakeholders, I designed and implemented initiatives to educate women about breast health, encourage screenings, and provide support for those diagnosed with breast cancer. Additionally, I monitored program outcomes, evaluated effectiveness, and made necessary adjustments to enhance impact and reach. Through my efforts, I contributed to advancing women’s health and reducing breast cancer disparities in the Columbus community. Show less

Msph, Phd, Public Health, Community Health Education & Health Promotion

Msa, Administration

Bs, Ba, Political Science, Spanish, Psychology

Activities and Societies: Phi Beta Kappa, Bucket & Dipper Honor Society, Mortar Board Honor Society