Dulcinea Rakestraw, PhD, MPH

Professional Background

Dulcinea Rakestraw, PhD, MPH is an Assistant Professor. In her role she assists medical students, residents, and faculty in their scholarly endeavors, advises on research projects, and completes independent research. Dr. Rakestraw has over 20 years of experience in program evaluation, management, research, and consulting services. Prior to joining KUSM-W, she held roles at Wichita State University, the Sedgwick County Health Department, the Kansas Department for Children and Families, Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services, and Preferred Family Healthcare.

She earned both a Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Public Health from the University of Kansas. She then earned both a master’s and PhD in Community Psychology, with an emphasis in research methods and program evaluation, from Wichita State.

• Other, Social Work, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
• MPH, Public Health, University of Kansas, School of Medicine, Wichita, Kansas
• MA, Psychology, Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas
• PhD, Community Psychology, Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas

Research

Overview

Dr. Rakestraw’s research includes quality improvement, program implementation, process evaluation, and outcome evaluation. She has worked across disciplines with medical providers, public health professionals, clinic staff, clinic administrators, and other stakeholders. She has specialized in applied research and helping decision makers to use data to inform policy.