Policy Pulse Challenge Unites Pre-Health and Pre-Law Students

The Pre-Professional Advising Center (P-PAC) at Seton Hall University hosted its inaugural Policy Pulse: Public Health Policy Challenge, bringing together more than 40 students from pre-health and pre-law tracks to explore the intersection of medicine, law and public policy.

Designed as an experiential learning opportunity, the competition challenged students to examine one of today’s most debated public health issues: how governments should regulate childhood vaccination exemptions and develop policies that balance public health and individual rights. Rather than approaching the topic as a simple debate of right versus wrong, students were tasked with developing evidence-based policy proposals grounded in assigned readings, research and ethical considerations.

Throughout the competition, student teams analyzed research and policy frameworks while building arguments supported by evidence. The format encouraged participants to apply a range of professional competencies, including evidence evaluation, health policy and systems knowledge, ethics and equity awareness, communication, persuasion, collaboration, leadership and advocacy.

The Policy Pulse challenge also highlighted collaboration within the Pre-Professional Advising Center. P-PAC’s pre-health and pre-law advisors worked together to support the event and guide students as they explored the intersection of healthcare, law and public policy. By bringing together students interested in both healthcare and legal careers, the event emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of healthcare advocacy.

“Healthcare policy is a powerful example of how law shapes everyday life,” said Madelyn Ferrans, J.D., Pre-Law Advisor at the P-PAC. “Through Policy Pulse, students had the opportunity to analyze real policy questions, build evidence-based arguments and see how legal reasoning and advocacy influence public health decisions.”

“Future healthcare professionals will practice in a system that is deeply influenced by policy and legislation,” added Joan Brennan, Pre-Health Advisor at the P-PAC. “Experiences like Policy Pulse help students understand the broader context of healthcare while developing the communication, collaboration and critical thinking skills essential for patient-centered care.”

The inaugural Policy Pulse competition was held on March 9 in the Jubilee Auditorium, where student teams presented their policy proposals before a panel of faculty and professional judges representing fields in law, medicine, science and health policy. P-PAC Peer Advisor Megan Lloren served as the event host and student event coordinator, guiding the evening program as students delivered their evidence-based policy presentations. Student volunteers from HOSA, Ayla Homsy, Chloee Lynch and Dennis Yang served as session facilitators.

Following the individual presentations, the final two teams competed in a championship round for first place. Judges were impressed by all of the teams and ultimately announced Harika Kalimisetty, Madeline S. Kruszczynski and Megan Thomas as the BIG winners of the inaugural Policy Pulse competition. Their policy proposal stood out for its strong use of evidence, thoughtful policy analysis and persuasive advocacy.

As the grand prize winners, these students will have the opportunity to speak at a congressional hearing for the 2026–2027 State Budget and meet with Assemblywoman Cleopatra G. Tucker.

Judges for the event included:

• Professor Tara Ragone, J.D., Assistant Professor, Seton Hall University School of Law, Center for Health and Pharmaceutical Law
• Dean Vikram Dayalu, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Interim Dean, School of Health and Medical Sciences; Associate Professor, Seton Hall University
• Patricia Barbieri, J.D., Former General Counsel and Secretary, Daiichi Sankyo U.S.; Adjunct Professor, Seton Hall University School of Law
• Dr. Brian Nichols, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology, Seton Hall University
• Madelyn Ferrans, J.D., Pre-Law Advisor, Pre-Professional Advising Center (P-PAC), Seton Hall University
• Dr. David Calianese, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Elizabeth A. Mount Endowed Professorship in Molecular Biology in Cancer Research, Seton Hall University

The Pre-Professional Advising Center continues to expand opportunities for students to engage with real-world issues beyond the classroom. Experiences like Policy Pulse allow students to strengthen their analytical, advocacy and communication skills while building experiences that help them stand out during the professional school application process.

As P-PAC continues to expand interdisciplinary programming for students interested in healthcare, law and public service, initiatives like Policy Pulse demonstrate the center’s commitment to preparing students not only for professional school, but also to become thoughtful leaders and advocates in their fields.

The P-PAC would like to thank all of the students and judges who participated in this inaugural event.

Categories: Law