Oregon Healthcare Innovation Contest Winner Announced

Northwest Spotlight

Sarah Bixel, a senior at Oregon State University, was awarded a $3,000 prize as winner of the Oregon Healthcare Innovation Contest. After taking an Environmental Policy class at OSU, Sarah’s interest in policy analysis was sparked. “I really enjoy it; it is kind of like a puzzle, going through and looking for the pieces.” Sarah is set to graduate this spring. After graduation she is considering either Medical School or a Masters in Public Policy Program.

The Oregon Healthcare Innovation Contest solicited entries from college students throughout Oregon, with the intent of engaging young people in important conversations about the American healthcare system. The contest asked students, “What went wrong with Obamacare and how can we fix it?”

Sarah attended high school in Tualatin before choosing Oregon State in 2011. After tragically losing her father early in her college career, Sarah took time off from school to work and help with family expenses. Now, with the prize from the Oregon Healthcare Innovation Contest, Sarah can return to school and finish her degree.

In her spare time Sarah volunteers on the pediatric floor at OHSU. She is interested in environmental policy, having worked as an assistant director for the non-profit group Environment Oregon.

Sarah’s essay can be found on the Oregon Healthcare Innovation website.