“I am nominating Olivia Kulaszewicz because I see her ability to connect things and make structures that will enhance the capacity of health systems and offer care in a more sustainable manner.” -Jeanine Abrons, clinical associate professor  of pharmacy practice and science

Hometown: Mequon, Wisconsin

Faculty mentor/advisor: Jeanine Abrons, PharmD, MS, FAPhA, clinical associate professor of pharmacy practice and science, College of Pharmacy

What is your degree program and anticipated graduation date? PharmD, May 2025

Please describe your research: Our world has become larger, electronic, and more expeditious and with this, the healthcare we need to provide is expected followed suit. This research embodies the need for efficiency by evaluating multiple free electronic health record systems that have the capacity for multiple clinic locations, edits and changes to be made as clinics evolve, and functionality for multiple disciplines, including pharmacy, nursing, dental, and medical. Mobile Clinics are not led by large budgets, so overall accessibility and functionality on low or no budget is a key factor when evaluating systems as well. As a result of this research, our goal is to enhance the services we are able to provide and establish continuity of care to our patients for years to come.

In simple terms, why does this research matter? When you think of large healthcare systems, often there is an association with the electronic health record (EHR) that can be named along with it. What often ’isn’t thought about is the cost of the EHR systems and how they are not accessible to all types of clinics. This research spurred from a free EHR system that looked great online, but once it was put into practice it lacked the functionality and support needed at the free and global clinics lead by many of the professional schools. As the need for accessible healthcare continues to grow, the need for a functional, reliable, no- or Iow-cost EHR system has only become more critical.

How soon after starting at the University of Iowa were you able to participate in research? I started in a bench (laboratory) research role my second semester at the at the College of Pharmacy, and the fall of my second year I transitioned into my clinical research role with Dr. Abrons.

How has being involved in research made you more successful at the University of Iowa? The ability to be involved in research with renowned faculty is one main reason I chose to come to Iowa. In class, we are normally presented with ideal situations, but in research we face real-time problems that require finding a solution that may not exist yet. Being involved in research has allowed me to be a more critical thinker when we are presented with patient cases in our courses and truly evaluate a situation from multiple different angles in order to find the best solution. The skills I have learned throughout my time doing research will be invaluable to me when I am in practice.

What are your career goals and/or plans after graduation? My career goals after graduation include specializing in pediatric critical care, as well as using my public and global health knowledge to enhance how we are able to provide care to parents and infants of all socioeconomic statuses.

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