Welcome to our spotlight series, where we look beyond the CV and learn more about our investigators. Hefei Wen, PhD, joined the Division of Health Policy and Insurance Research (HPI) in September 2019. 

Dr. Wen is committed to leveraging rigorous quantitative methods to inform health and social policies surrounding the behavioral health issues in the U.S. Her recent projects study the implications of opioid regulation, marijuana liberalization, Medicaid expansion, and criminal justice reform, for the ongoing drug crisis. Join us as we learn more about Dr. Wen.
 

Q: Where are you from?
A: Beijing, China.


Q: What is your PhD in, and where did you study?
A: Health Services Research & Health Policy, Emory University, 2015


Q: For you, what was life before HPHCI:
A: I was an Assistant Professor in Health Management & Policy at the University of Kentucky (Go Cats!) from 2015-2019.


Q: Tell us about your research focus:
A: I am committed to leveraging rigorous quantitative methods to inform health and social policies surrounding the substance misuse and addiction issues in the U.S.


Q: Describe a current project:
A: My faculty grant project uses HPHC data to examine changes in opioid prescribing for Medicare Advantage population, in response to recent state and Medicare policies that limit the duration and dosage of the initial prescription for acute pain.


Q: What excites you most about being at the Institute?
A: It feels like family here :)

Q: What book/tv show/or podcast do you love right now, and why?
A: TV Show: The West Wing is my all-time favorite. I like the way the characters often forget their own imperfections but help each other overcome theirs. I feel inspired after each episode.

Podcast: On Being - Krista Tippett's deep conversations with wise and graceful lives.