Apeksha Phulgirkar brings empathy, perseverance, and a deep commitment to health equity to her role as a Program Evaluation Specialist for the Rural Health Association (RHA) of Tennessee. Inspired by her mother’s work as a social worker and her own background as a dentist, Apeksha is passionate about improving healthcare accessibility for underserved communities, with a special focus on maternal health initiatives.

In her role, Apeksha supports RHA’s mission by developing evaluation plans, analyzing data, and identifying strategies to strengthen programs. She collaborates with partners to track progress, measure impact, and ensure programs are achieving meaningful outcomes. Guided by her dedication to service, Apeksha approaches her work with integrity, compassion, and a strong belief in the power of community-driven change.

With a diverse background in dentistry, clinical research, and public health, Apeksha brings a unique perspective to program evaluation. She has worked as a Clinical Research Assistant at London Health Sciences Centre in Canada, supported oral health programs during her internships with the Tennessee Department of Health and the New York State Dental Foundation, and served as a Graduate Research Assistant at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing.
Apeksha earned her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from CSMSS Dental College, affiliated with the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) in Aurangabad, India. She also holds postgraduate certificates in Health Systems Management and Research & Evaluation from Fanshawe College in Ontario, Canada, and a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from Vanderbilt University. Outside of work, she enjoys creative work, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Her commitment to equity and innovation makes her a valued member of the RHA team.