Michelle Putman Clatfelter

Hometown: Peoria, IL

Undergraduate Degree: Communications and Psychology

Dual Degree: J.D./ M.H.A.

Hobbies: Travel, swimming, cycling, reading for leisure

What area of health law most interests you and why? I enjoy studying the impact of various federal and state regulations on the provision of health care in the United States, the micro impact of those regulations on health care providers and the accompanying privacy and efficiency issues in the 21st century.

What do you hope to achieve through the study and/or practice of health law? I hope to enhance my knowledge and understanding of health law while acquiring the practical skills necessary to be an effective health law practitioner. I believe the study of health law and regulation is the study of policy in action.

What has been your favorite health law class and why? Before coming to law school, I took a Legal Studies masters-level course that analyzed the impact and unintended consequences of HIPAA on health care providers and public health practitioners. The course had a profound impact on my decision to come to Saint Louis University and study health law.

What is your favorite thing about SLU’s health law program? SLU’s health law program combines rich research opportunities with the practical knowledge of how our health care system is evolving. The program exposes students to a variety of the world’s leading health care attorneys and health law practitioners.

Who was the best speaker you’ve heard speak, what did they speak on, and why were they the best? Illinois State Senator Dale Righter, an alumnus of Saint Louis University School of Law and the co-chair of the Illinois State Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, has spoken on a number of prominent health care issues in Illinois, including Medicaid managed care, the Certificate of Need (CON) process, charity care and medical malpractice tort reform. He speaks with sound authority on these emerging issues and with a genuine desire to effect change.