Holdiman adds experience as Research Specialist on MOM Model Project

Published: November 15, 2024

Anna Holdiman, a doctoral student and NIOSH trainee in Occupational Epidemiology in the Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, recently completed a position as Research Specialist V at Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) on a project funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

“I worked on the CMS-funded MOM Model project, which addresses gaps in care for pregnant and postpartum Medicaid beneficiaries with opioid use disorder (OUD),” Holdiman said. “The model integrates maternity care with behavioral health and OUD treatment, aiming to improve health outcomes and reduce costs for individuals and their families during the prenatal and postpartum periods. Each day was different, but lots of time was spent in SAS working with Medicaid data. In this role, I learned so much working with external care partners and being a part of a national model, I learned from other states’ approach.”

The goals of the MOM Model are to: Improve quality of care and reduce costs for pregnant and postpartum women with OUD as well as their infants; expand access, service-delivery capacity, and infrastructure based on state-specific needs; and create sustainable coverage and payment strategies that support ongoing coordination and integration of care.

“I really enjoyed this position and felt well supported by my manager and team,” Holdiman said. “The experience significantly shaped my future career goals, providing valuable insights into Medicaid, policy, and CMS operations. This exposure broadened my perspective and deeply influenced my research interests. The position was part-time, which was great as a full-time student. I would highly recommend this role if another student has interest in pursuing it.”

The SWCOEH provides graduate-level training opportunities for occupational and environmental health professionals through our industrial hygiene, occupational and environmental medicine, occupational epidemiology, and Total Worker Health^® programs.