Hannah Schuster

Background

About Hannah Schuster

I am committed to addressing systemic challenges and improving access to essential services. Over my career, I’ve witnessed how gaps in care and rigid criteria prevent people from receiving the services they need. My goal is to expand access to rehabilitation services so that care is available to anyone in need, regardless of their diagnosis. I also want to improve preventative care initiatives that empower underserved communities to reduce modifiable risk factors contributing to chronic disease. My motivation to establish a nonprofit clinic in Chicago stemmed from earlier work in hospital-based rehabilitation. In those roles, I often helped with patient enrollment and had to disqualify many individuals from programs because they didn’t meet strict criteria or qualifying diagnoses—despite knowing our care could benefit them. Witnessing this inequity inspired me to create a space where barriers were minimized. Managing the nonprofit clinic and providing rehabilitation and chronic disease management to underserved populations was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. It deepened my understanding of the systemic issues people face when seeking care. While I loved the hands-on work at the clinic, I realized that addressing these barriers on a larger scale would allow me to make an even greater impact. After stepping away from the clinic, I reflected on the need to improve care delivery and build programs that tackle inequities in access and education. While direct care remains close to my heart, I am seeking opportunities to gain experience in project management and systems innovation and communications. My goal is to build a foundation that enables me to develop the skills necessary to create sustainable, equitable solutions that expand access to essential health services for underserved communities in the long run. Over the years, I’ve worked across health, research, and academia, developing a unique perspective on solving complex system challenges. My education—a Bachelor’s in Public Health and Human Sciences from Cal Poly, a Master’s from Seattle University, and a Doctorate from UIC—has equipped me to design and implement impactful initiatives. A well-run project ensures everyone is working toward a shared goal of creating solutions that are effective, inclusive, and sustainable. I am drawn to work that improves processes, and consistency, and touches more lives. I’m excited to align people, ideas, and resources to create meaningful, lasting change in organizations, whether in healthcare or beyond.