The Alice Hamilton Scholar Program at MSU-Hurley Pediatric Public Health Initiative honors the legacy of Dr. Alice Hamilton—physician, scientist, and trailblazer in environmental health—by cultivating physician leaders who center community, equity, and advocacy in their work. Over two years, scholars earn a Master of Public Health (MPH) and engage in hands-on partnerships that bridge clinical care, research, and public policy to advance health justice in Flint and beyond.
We’re thrilled to introduce Dr. Rachel Hollander, who will begin her role as the next Alice Hamilton Scholar in August.
Hollander grew up in metro Detroit, earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan, and completed her medical degree at Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine (CHM). During her clinical years at the CHM Flint campus, she fell in love with the community and was inspired by the bold public health leadership she witnessed.
"I am very excited to return to Flint as a pediatrician and Alice Hamilton Scholar. I am most excited to be able to directly interact with kids and families by combining my role as a pediatrician and being able to further my education and ability to impact the same kids and families through various public health endeavors.”
She is currently completing her pediatric residency at Children’s National in Washington, D.C., where she trained in the Leadership in Advocacy, Under-resourced Communities, and Health Equity (LAUnCH) track. From the bedside to Capitol Hill, Rachel has already made her mark—and she’s excited to return to Flint to deepen her advocacy and care for Flint’s children.
“Public health is health. There is no way to separate health outcomes from the intricate web of social structures, racial inequities, poverty, environmental injustice, amongst countless other variables that affect health. We are in a time where our most scientifically backed research and public health programming are being eliminated, which has incredibly scary impacts on future health outcomes. As a pediatrician, it would be irresponsible to separate my day-to-day clinic life from the overarching systems, policies, and societal structures that impact my patients.”
June 11, 2025
