Ingrid Ganske

Master in Public Policy candidate
John F. Kennedy School of Government

Prior Education

Harvard Medical School, M.D. candidate
Princeton University, B.A., Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude

Professional Experience

Guy Nordenson and Associates Structural Engineers (New York): Architect and Engineer
Ganske for Senate Campaign (Des Moines): Coalitions Coordinator
Medical Scientist Training Program (Iowa City): Basic Science Research Assistant
2005 Best Education Project Award (American Medical Students Association)

Biography

Both arts- and service-minded, I have studied and worked in two rather different fields—architecture and medicine—with a single goal of improving the quality of life. I first worked as an architectural engineer in downtown Manhattan, where one of our prominent projects included structural consultation on the World Trade Center redevelopment. I was very concerned with the symbolic healing of this particular neighborhood, and I was inspired generally by buildings and developments that successfully improved the social dynamics or quality of life for those who interacted with the space. These interests eventually led me to medical school, where I enjoy a more explicitly care-giving role, daily helping individual patients.

However, after three years of medical school, I appreciate more than ever the need for doctors to be advocates for their patients, especially those with fewer means to advocate for themselves. On an individual patient level, this includes ensuring all patients receive proper evaluation, treatment, and emotional support. On a population-based scale, this also includes promoting healthy living environments and designing efficient infrastructure for medical care. I hope to bring my experiences in medicine and architecture to bear on the latter. The Kennedy School of Government Masters Program in Public Policy, with a concentration on urban policy and planning, will help me develop the tools necessary for improving health from an urban design and policy level. I am honored to pursue this degree through the Zuckerman Fellowship, in the company of current and future service leaders.