AOTA member spotlight: David Goldstein, MS, OTR/L

David Goldstein, MS, OTR/L, is the Associate Deputy Director for Science and Medicine within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health.  He spoke to Jamar Haggans, MS, OTR/L, Director of Quality at AOTA about his current position and its connection to occupational therapy.

Jamar Haggans: What is your current role?

David Goldstein: I currently serve as the Associate Deputy Director for Science and Medicine within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health. In this role, I help lead the Office of Science and Medicine to identify and close critical health gaps with science and data.

I also advise the Assistant Secretary for Health, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Science and Medicine, and the Chief Medical Officer regarding program and policy priorities relating to public health innovation, clinical care delivery, healthcare payment policy, population health, safety, and preparedness.

Jamar Haggans: How do you use your knowledge and skillset as an occupational therapy practitioner (OTP) in your role?

David Goldstein: Our office at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) spends a lot of time focused on data-driven decision making in areas important to the American public. Occupational therapy provides value and a unique perspective in many of the areas we focus on such as behavioral health, health equity, kidney disease, long-COVID associated chronic conditions, maternal health, sickle cell disease and traumatic brain injury.

A large part of my role is understanding current and emerging priorities for the Assistant Secretary for Health and helping to synergize forward momentum in these areas between federal agencies and external stakeholders, such as those in Congress, providers, patients, families, and different types of advocacy organizations.

The breadth of topics and stakeholders we cover necessitates an understanding of how one's environment impacts health and health outcomes. It's also vital to understand what an individual, group, or population wants or needs to thrive.

OTPs are specialists at assessing the environments where individuals live, work, and play. My knowledge as an OTP makes me well-suited to highlight gaps that non-clinical policymakers may not fully recognize and structure opportunities for inclusive, whole-person policy development.

Jamar Haggans: Were you always interested in working at HHS?

David Goldstein: I've had the special privilege of being able to pursue many different roles, some outside of health and health policy, throughout my career. Growing up in Washington, DC, I've always been somewhat familiar with the Federal Government space, but it wasn't until I started to support a health innovation project with the Navy Bureau of Medicine in 2011, that I became more deeply involved in the health and healthcare spaces.

The health innovation work at the Navy Bureau of Medicine combined with my clinical training as an OTP lent itself to developing as a healthcare leader. Part of what led me to HHS was the appreciation for policies and programs that improve lives. An executive level department like HHS can bring real, positive lasting change.

Jamar Haggans: How did you become interested in public health?

David Goldstein: I've always appreciated how individuals impact their lived environments and how a lived environment can impact the lives of those who live within them. My background is in human geography, the study of the intersection between people, place, and environment, and how these vary spatially across time and location.

Through the study of geography, I first developed an understanding of the primary drivers of change for individuals and populations, and how the lived environment impacts our lives and the opportunities afforded to us. Through this lens, I started to become more interested in the intersection between physical and behavioral health. I also wanted to learn about how one's health may impact how an individual views their world and how their world views them. In its essence, this is public health.

Public health promotes and protects the health of all people and their communities. Public health creates that through line to allow organizational impact at a personal and population level.

Public health is very scientific, but it can also be very creative. I have a deep appreciation for the creativity required to truly shape meaningful policies and programs and engage different groups of people at different times. Public health allows me to blend science and creativity to adapt to the changes we feel, smell, and can almost touch every time we step outside our door. I'm passionate about public health, and it continues to be a fascinating space to work within.

Jamar Haggans: What advice would you give other OTPs who may be interested in pursuing a career at HHS or other areas of the Federal Government?

David Goldstein: I love this question. I hosted a conversation that matters with some Federal colleagues at our recent AOTA INSPIRE annual conference in Orlando, Florida, focused on public health pathways for occupational therapy practitioners.

For more information about public health pathways, please visit: https://www.hhs.gov/careers/how-apply/how-apply-hhs-recent-graduates

There are two important considerations if you’re interested in working for HHS or any Federal employer. The first consideration is if you have the prerequisite experience that is being asked for. I frequently recommend students and new grads take time to gain experience through internships or part-time work opportunities in non-traditional/non-clinical settings, such as community-based organizations, county and state health departments, or private sector organizations to diversify their experience. Those further along in their careers (with less time to pursue internship or part-time work opportunities) can take advantage of volunteer opportunities with state and local governments or non-governmental organizations. Any experience that enhances your understanding of the way in which federal, state, and local organizations work together to deliver services is helpful.

The second consideration is your professional narrative. Oftentimes, having many diverse professional experiences can seem like a lack of focus. I see it as a powerful tool to create your narrative for how you've deepened your understanding of healthcare delivery, client populations, and other considerations. If you can artfully describe how your experiences furthered your personal and professional development, you can be competitive for federal service and other related professional opportunities, even if those you speak with aren’t familiar with occupational therapy.

Jamar Haggans: Is there anything else you would like to share?

David Goldstein: I would like to say thank you for the opportunity to share a bit about my background and experiences with others. There are a small but growing number of OTPs who work in the policy space and that provides me the privilege and platform to elevate others in our profession doing incredible work to enhance health and allow those in our communities to live longer, healthier, and more meaningful lives. Thank you.

For questions or more information about quality, contact AOTA’s quality team at quality@aota.org.