- Anirudh (Ani) Ruhil, PhD, Associate Dean & Professor at Ohio University -
In Conversation with Ani Ruhil: Transforming Healthcare through MedTAPP
At the forefront of enhancing healthcare quality for millions of Medicaid enrollees in Ohio, the Medicaid Technical Assistance & Policy Program (MedTAPP) has been a driving force in leveraging the diverse expertise of Ohio's esteemed colleges of medicine, public, and private universities.
Ani Ruhil, PhD, Associate Dean & Professor at Ohio University, stands as a key figure in the success of MedTAPP's health improvement initiatives. His valuable contributions have significantly impacted the landscape of Ohio's Medicaid program, elevating clinical and academic collaboration for the betterment of our community's health.
Multidisciplinary Excellence at MedTAPP
Reflecting on the multidisciplinary experience and insights that experts bring to MedTAPP, Ani emphasizes, "The value of an education lies in what you do with it. In my eyes, the real value of gaining a higher education credential and experience is in applying both to solving real-world problems."
He further underscores the significance of the Ohio Colleges of Medicine Government Resource Center (GRC), stating, "The GRC in general and the MedTAPP Experts Program provide the perfect vehicle to make a difference with cutting-edge research designs, working shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the brightest minds in Ohio, all striving to tackle population and public health challenges that Medicaid is designed to solve."
Making a Difference: Real Honest Work
"If you want to make a difference, if you want to do meaningful work, the kind where your work shapes policy and practice, this is it. No compromising on research rigor, no partisanship, no politics ... real honest work," Ani affirms.
His involvement in MedTAPP has offered him the chance to simultaneously learn about and educate others on healthcare-related challenges facing Appalachian Ohio's adults and children, the short-term and long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ways in which NextGen Medicaid is adapting to emerging problems, and the breadth and tensile strength of the healthcare safety net in Ohio. "What a humbling, thrilling, rewarding opportunity to broaden not only my horizons but also those of others," he reflects.
Beyond MedTAPP: Ani Ruhil's Diverse Pursuits
As a tennis junkie who plays almost daily, Ani reveals his passion for baking, cooking, reading, and global travel. Looking forward to retirement, he plans to obtain a skipper's license and embark on island hopping in the Mediterranean with friends and family, possibly making it his second career.
In closing, Ani expresses, "Whether I will miss it when I retire in a few years. Yes, the MedTAPP work will be what I miss the most about the workplace, followed closely by the joy of teaching bright young minds."
Ani Ruhil's journey with MedTAPP exemplifies a commitment to excellence, education, and making a meaningful impact on Ohio's healthcare landscape. As we celebrate the achievements of MedTAPP, Ani's story serves as an inspiring testament to the program's mission and the individuals who drive its success.
We invite you to become an integral part of the MedTAPP Inventory, please visit grc.osu.edu/MedTAPP, share your knowledge and actively contribute your expertise.