"Tackle community health issues such as substance abuse,
domestic violence, obesity, nutrition and exercise."

Eagleson, an MD certified in internal medicine, worked for 10 years in a community health center. For the CNYMPH required field placement or culminating experience, Eagleson plans to work in her hometown and help develop chronic disease management and education programs for low-literacy patients.

"As the population ages and chronic diseases such as diabetes become more prevalent, the importance of a patient's ability to understand and manage their disease progression cannot be understated," Eagleson said. "Low-literacy patients are particularly vulnerable and may not receive optimal care in terms of self-management skills."

—Elizabeth Eagleson