Eric David Reed

What inspired you to study health administration?

Having served in the U.S. Army from 2013 to 2021, a combination of working as a radiology specialist in the military and helping people got me looking at the medical field in general. I just lucked into radiology at the military processing center. It turned out to be a great decision to take a chance after previously being a mechanic for several years.

Why did you choose to study health administration at WVU School of Public Health?

I looked into the program while working in Cancer Prevention and Control in the WVU Cancer Institute. I saw that it aligned with what I was currently doing and there was potential for growth.

What made you choose the online MHA program--as opposed to the in-person residential MHA program?

The online MHA program provided flexibility with the ability to continue working. 

Briefly tell me about your current position at WVU Cancer Institute.

I currently work with the WVU Cancer Institute in a mobile lung cancer screening role focused on low-dose CT (LDCT) screening. I operate the LUCAS mobile screening unit, helping provide access to lung cancer screening services in rural and underserved communities across West Virginia.

In addition to performing CT imaging, I’m involved in patient coordination, screening workflow processes, follow-up tracking, and quality initiatives related to lung cancer prevention and early detection. I also work closely with interdisciplinary teams and have been involved with projects focused on improving screening participation, follow-up compliance, and operational efficiency within mobile cancer screening programs.

How will having an MHA degree be beneficial to you in your current or future career?

I am currently pursuing further education. I have applied to Oklahoma State University's Doctorate of Health Care Administration program. Ultimately, with my experience and background, I see myself as a professor or director in a radiology program.

How have your experiences in the School of Public Health helped prepare you for your future?

My experiences in the WVU School of Public Health have helped me develop a broader understanding of healthcare beyond direct patient care. The program also strengthened my ability to analyze healthcare systems and identify barriers that impact patient outcomes, particularly in rural and underserved populations throughout West Virginia. Coursework and capstone projects allowed me to apply real-world problem solving to areas such as mobile lung cancer screening operations, patient follow-up, and healthcare access. Overall, my experiences in the School of Public Health have prepared me to pursue future leadership roles focused on improving healthcare delivery, expanding preventive services, and creating more effective systems of care.

Which person at WVU has had the biggest impact on your experience at the School of Public Health? How has that person helped you?

One single person is not enough. In the beginning of the program, I connected with Associate Professor Erik Carlton's story about his struggles early in his life and career, as it felt very similar to my journey. It made me feel like there were other people out there just like me. Later, I struggled in one class that involved Gantt charts. Professor Steve Davis took extra time over video chats until it ended up just clicking for me, and I never had a problem after that.

Do you have any additional notable accomplishments?

I was inducted into Upsilon Phi Delta for being top 10% of the Master of Health Administration class. Also, I was recently inducted into Phi Kappa Phi for being in the top 10% of the graduating class at WVU.

What do you plan to do after graduation?

I wish I could say go to Disney World, but I truly love my job and what I do with the LUCAS mobile lung cancer screening unit. A lot of times I feel like I am on vacation traveling and seeing different parts of the state that I probably would've never seen had it not been for this job. It's always an added bonus when everyone is so happy to see you and thankful you came to their community. My role allows me to work with a variety of organizations throughout the state and develop strong professional relationships with providers, nurses, and other clinical staff.

As a soon-to-be graduate, what is your best advice for future students?

Don't take a break--it could be 20 years later just like that. You're going to find out things are not that bad right now. Keep moving forward and don't let other people discourage you.