Emily Simpson

Hometown: Jacksonville, AR

Undergraduate Degree: University of Central Arkansas, B.S. in Philosophy

Dual Degree: J.D./M.P.H. – Health Policy

Hobbies: Swimming, lifting weights, reading

What area of health law most interests you and why? I’m most interested in the intersection of law and health policy. Specifically, my research interests include the effects that law/policy have on health disparities in rural populations.

What do you hope to achieve through the study and/or practice of health law? I will utilize the broad knowledge base of health law and the health care system I gain at SLU to help inform my research. In this endeavor, I hope to educate policymakers about the effects that policies have on rural health populations.

What has been your favorite health law class and why? My favorite health law class thus far is Nonprofit Organizations. I really enjoy the seminar format, and it’s allowed me to pursue an in-depth research project on nonprofit hospitals.

What is your favorite thing about SLU’s health law program? SLU’s health law program offers a wide variety of health law courses taught by professors who are extremely knowledgeable in their fields (and no, I don’t work for the admissions office).

Who was the best speaker you’ve heard speak, what did they speak on, and why were they the best? We’ve had so many interesting speakers, health law and otherwise, but my favorite is probably Jay Wolfson. He was Terri Schiavo’s guardian ad litem, and he spoke to us at a time when she was in the national spotlight. He raised many of the interesting ethical and legal issues surrounding her case.