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Lauren Rogers, Juris Doctor/Master of Health Administration 

What inspired you to choose your field of study?

I decided to pursue health law due to my professional experience as a registered nurse. I always had an interest in both health and justice but decided to follow in my mother’s footsteps to become a nurse. During my nursing education and clinical experiences, I began to realize how intertwined health and justice truly are. I worked on an Acute Medicine Unit for three years as a bedside nurse and a patient care facilitator, where I gained insight into the complex policy and legal issues facing the healthcare sector. The systemic issues I witnessed motivated me to pursue a Juris Doctor (JD)/Master of Health Administration (MHA), with the goal of leveraging my clinical experience in the legal sector to advance health justice.

What was a moment at Dal that you’ll never forget? 

I couldn’t choose just one, but what comes to mind are my respective orientations for the MHA and JD programs. My MHA orientation was first - I had just moved to Halifax and was super nervous. It was a small orientation, with only about 15 students. The next year, I had my JD orientation. Although I was now among closer to 180 students, I had the same sense of anticipation. For both occasions, I can still remember every part of each day, from my awkward introductions, the uplifting speeches from faculty, and the room buzzing with excitement. I knew that each orientation marked another new beginning of my academic journey. And looking back, the people I met on those days became a foundational part of my life at Dal and my success.

Who supported you along the way and how?

I don’t think I could have completed my degrees without my support system. My family and my partner were always there for me during the highs and lows. In moments of stress and uncertainty, they provided much-needed reassurance and encouragement. I also relied on my friends from back home to keep me grounded. Throughout my four years at Dalhousie, my support system also grew to include my fellow MHA and JD students. From study sessions, group projects, and early morning classes, we became a tight-knit community that I relied on. Those students are now close friends that I know will always be in my life moving forward. The faculty and staff at both the School of Health Administration and Schulich School of Law were also key to my success, providing extra guidance and resources whenever needed.

Is there an academic or non-academic (eg: on-campus clubs, sports, employment) experience, project, or hands-on learning opportunity that really impacted you? 

Being a part of the Dalhousie Health Law Student’s’ Association (DHLSA) throughout my program was a seminal part of my Dal experience. I became a Representative in my first year of law school and immediately found a community of other students who were equally passionate about health law and equity. Through my involvement with the DHLSA as a Representative, VP Events, and then as a Co-Chair, I was able to explore the possibilities within the health law field, form meaningful connections with alumni, and collaborate with the Dalhousie Health Justice Institute. The DHLSA only deepened my passion for health law while broadening my understanding and appreciation for the variety of opportunities that this area of law offered.

What motivated your decision to complete a dual degree?  

I wanted to complete a program that would allow me to explore and develop skills in both health law and policy. When researching potential programs, I discovered the JD/MHA at Dalhousie, and it seemed like a perfect fit. As the only JD/MHA program in Canada, I knew that this was a unique opportunity that would provide two different perspectives on issues relating to health law and policy, while opening additional career pathways. The dual degree option offered flexibility and specialization that made it the right choice for me.

Did you receive a scholarship, bursary or other award as a Dal student? If so, how did that impact your Dal experience and what did that support mean to you?

Yes, I was grateful to receive a School of Health Administration graduate entrance award and the J Gerald Godsoe Scholarship in Law when I applied to Dalhousie. That financial support was instrumental in my ability to pursue the joint degree and move to Halifax. During my studies, I also received the Frank M. Covert Scholarship, the Robert Wood Johnson Award, and various academic prizes. At graduation, I was also awarded with the University Medal in Law. These awards provided meaningful financial assistance so I could focus on my studies and also reaffirmed that I was on the right path.

What does graduating mean to you?

Graduating signifies the end of my four years at Dalhousie and in Halifax, which will always be an incredibly meaningful period in my life. I will forever treasure my time in the joint program and all the memories I made on the east coast. It also marks the beginning of a new chapter in my life. After four years, I am extremely excited to move forward and hopefully begin my legal career in Ontario.

What is next for you? 

I am currently working on becoming licensed to practice law in Ontario. I am in the midst of writing the Ontario Bar Examinations and then I will be articling with Lerners LLP in London, Ontario. Eventually, I hope to build a health law practice. I know that both the legal knowledge as well as the understanding of the healthcare sector that I gained from the JD/MHA program will provide an invaluable foundation as I begin my career and also inform my approach to providing legal services.