JOANNA MAE HERNANDEZ
Pine Street, Sault Sainte Marie,Ontario
Summary
Forward-thinking health policy leader with diverse work experience in the national government agency of the Philippines, tertiary hospitals, and global humanitarian organization. Pioneered capacity-building activities related to evidence-informed policymaking in health and stakeholder engagement. Committed to expanding networks and partnerships to push collaborative action and influence policy outcomes.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Health Policy Specialist
Department Of Science And Technology
07.2021 - 06.2023
- Developed policy instruments and briefing notes of government-funded projects (Virology Institute of the Philippines, Center for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Provided technical and legal inputs to the health legislations passed in the House of Representatives of the Philippines and Senate of the Philippines
- Contributed to the development of the Guidelines on Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction Management in Health (DRRM-H) in Local Development
- Organized congress briefings related to the national public health ordinances in the Philippines (COVID-19 Response Management)
- Conducted capacity-building activities in policymaking for early-career researchers
- Processed health research data for evidence-informed policymaking
- Provided of high-level support and coordination to internal and external stakeholders
- Cultivated positive relationships with policymakers and stakeholders for the pre-implementation of relevant health legislations
- Created and managed project plans, timelines, and financial reports
- Developed and updated tracking spreadsheets for team monitoring and reporting
- Maintained database systems to track and analyze operational data
- Devised and implemented processes and procedures to streamline operations within the Health Policy team
- Conducted regular reviews of team operations and identified areas for improvement
Health Program Manager
Department Of Science And Technology
03.2020 - 06.2021
- Collaborated with health researchers and scientists to design and execute research program activities
- Directed multiphase health research programs from approval of proposals to utilization of research results by overseeing the training of staff, monitoring program implementation, and managing publication, intellectual property application, and policy briefing
- Managed fourteen (14) health research programs and projects in one (1) year
- Evaluated and supported grant applications to provide comprehensive funding for research objectives
- Organized and facilitated meetings with project teams, conferences, and events associated with research activities
- Performed site monitoring visits to verify adherence to the approved project timeline and deliverables
- Produced reports of research accomplishments and gave presentations of results
- Kept abreast of current industry, scientific, and regulatory developments and issues in the Philippines
- Advised and supported staff on ethical and legal parameters of health research
- Facilitated the annual budget release of the approved health research programs and projects
- Organized the resource mobilization workshop of the Philippine National Health
Research System (PNHRS)
Research Assistant
UNICEF Philippines
02.2019 - 03.2019
- Collected research data through surveys and focus group discussions with the Department of Health, three (3) medical hospitals, and local government units
- Performed statistical, qualitative, and quantitative analysis regarding the implementation of Philippine Integrated Management on Acute Malnutrition (PIMAM)
- Compiled and synthesized data to identify larger trends and research patterns impacting the implementation of PIMAM
- Analyzed research data to create representative graphs and charts highlighting results for presentations
- Attended seminars and symposium related to PIMAM to improve overall knowledge and understanding of the research project
- Collaborated with other researchers in UNICEF and the academe to develop successful research strategies
- Scheduled appointments with medical directors and local officials to coordinate the research activities within a specific area
- Participated in research team meetings and project presentations to stakeholders and field experts
- Maintained database of research materials, documents, and other paperwork
- Completed administrative and research duties assigned
- Coordinated the research results and data analysis with the partner academe (Institute of Human Nutrition and Food at the University of the Philippines)
Nutrition Intern (Hospital)
Philippine General Hospital
09.2018 - 10.2018
- Collaborated with physicians and healthcare personnel to determine nutritional needs and diet restrictions of the patients in the hospital
- Determined patient-specific nutrient requirements by conducting nutrition interviews, food recall, and assessment of patient charts/records
- Completed detailed nutritional assessments of each patient based on health history, medical conditions, and energy requirements
- Calculated and verified proper enteral and parenteral feedings to meet the patients' nutritional needs
- Documented clinical nutrition findings and entered pertinent health data for processing, recordkeeping, and use by other medical professionals
- Provided appropriate follow-up according to patient's individual treatment goals and referred patients to PGH's outpatient department as appropriate
- Created and prepared nutrition education manuals, materials, and food models for counseling purposes
- Counseled clients on nutrition issues such as obesity, eating disorders, tube feeding management, and specific diet prescriptions
- Performed recipe standardization and participated in the development of the hospital's cycle menu
- Monitored quality control procedures at the food service unit of the hospital to guarantee safe food handling and preparation of healthy menu choices
Nutrition Intern (Community)
Local Government Of Bay, Laguna, Philippines
08.2018 - 09.2018
- Engaged members of the local government unit by conducting capacity-building activities and consultation meetings
- Gathered, organized, and analyzed the local government unit's data on public health and nutrition concerns
- Monitored public health trends and existing programs to identify public health nutrition concerns
- Developed and implemented community nutrition programs targeting specific demographics (e.g. mothers, school-aged children) or public health and nutrition issues
- Created modules, videos, and other nutrition education materials to advocate for the identified community nutrition programs
- Established and maintained partnerships with local organizations to promote community nutrition programs
- Gave public talks on the importance of health, nutrition, and malnutrition prevention strategies.
Education
Post-Degree Certificate - Health Care Leadership - Canadian Context
Sault College
Sault Sainte Marie, ON04.2025
Bachelor of Science - Nutrition
University of The Philippines Los Baños
Laguna, Philippines01.2019
Skills
- Expert in health systems, policy development, and governance
- Expert in technical nutrition skills and medical terminologies
- Expert in research guidelines and proposal development
- Advanced organizational and time management skills in terms of managing multi-year projects and providing strategic direction
- Advanced analytical skills for evaluating research data as evidence in policymaking
- Financial literacy skills in terms of reporting data, budgeting, and managing grant funding
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suit
- Partnership building and engaging stakeholders
- Hosting events, trainings and capacity-building initiatives
Languages
English
Full Professional
Tagalog
Native or Bilingual
Certification
- Essentials of Health Policy Development
- Science Literacy
- Supporting Research Management using Elsevier’s Tools
- Introduction to Patents, Utility Models, and Industrial Designs
- Understanding Medical Terminology
- Sharpening Business Acumen
Timeline
Health Policy Specialist
Department Of Science And Technology
07.2021 - 06.2023
Health Program Manager
Department Of Science And Technology
03.2020 - 06.2021
Research Assistant
UNICEF Philippines
02.2019 - 03.2019
Nutrition Intern (Hospital)
Philippine General Hospital
09.2018 - 10.2018
Nutrition Intern (Community)
Local Government Of Bay, Laguna, Philippines
08.2018 - 09.2018
Post-Degree Certificate - Health Care Leadership - Canadian Context
Sault College
Bachelor of Science - Nutrition
University of The Philippines Los Baños
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