Get to Know Us: HLI Faculty & Staff
Meet Tyler Cowart, JD, CHC
Associate Legal Director, Boston Scientific
Tell us about your background and what inspired you to focus your career in the areas of health care compliance and regulation?
My interest in health law goes back to undergrad. I entered college as a pre-med student and associated myself with groups and friends in similar programs while being on the fence about medical school versus law school. As time progressed, I realized that medical school may not be for me, but I retained a strong interest and passion in the health care field. When the time came to apply to law schools, I found the health law program at Hamline University School of Law (now Mitchell Hamline), and I knew that was where I needed to be. It wasn’t until I started at Hamline that I learned about the compliance certificate and the field of health care compliance, and how the two certificate programs complemented one another. Working with my mentors and the wonderful faculty at Hamline, I quickly realized the wide array of career settings and opportunities available in the health law and compliance fields, and I never looked back! I’ve been fortunate to have had wonderful legal and compliance positions with great organizations in my career and each allows me to feel connected to the health care system.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Health law is one of the most dynamic fields, with ever-changing laws and regulations that keeps lawyers and compliance professionals on their toes. I am someone who thrives in fast-paced work and enjoy helping my organization continually adapt to the changing environment. A unique and attractive aspect of the compliance function is assisting in operationalizing new or changing regulations. This is an exciting opportunity to serve as a strong business partner and make tangible contributions to processes, policies, and training across the entire organization, blending the regulatory and legal experience with business and operational needs.
What have you enjoyed most about teaching the Health Care Compliance Laws & Regulations course?
My favorite part about teaching the course is the opportunity to interact with students of such diverse backgrounds. We see law students, compliance professionals, those who do not yet have health care experience, and everyone in between! Each of these backgrounds brings different perspectives to the coursework and allows me to keep learning by experiencing different viewpoints and thought processes. Teaching the course is one of the top highlights of my professional career and I sincerely look forward to meeting the new class each summer.
What’s something people might not know about you?
While I currently reside in Orange County, Calif., with a prior stop in San Diego, I am originally from a town of 315 people in rural Minnesota. My small-town days are now behind me, but it’s always a fun fact to share with new groups or coworkers. I quickly realized that I am better suited for a big city and metro area, though I still enjoy going back to visit for the quintessential Minnesota lake weekends!
Healthy Dose of Good News
Meet Tianna Odegard, MHSL 3L Student
My name is Tianna Odegard. I am a Tribal member of Upper Sioux Community, one of four federally recognized Dakota Communities in Minnesota. I am in my third and final year at Mitchell Hamline School of Law. I am the treasurer and a co-founder of the Indigenous Women’s Law Society student organization, an associate member of the Minnesota Native American Bar Association, a student member of National Native American Law Student Association, and a student member of the Native American Law Student Association at Mitchell Hamline.
From a young age, I was drawn to the law, influenced by the engaging discussions I observed my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins having about federal, tribal, state, and local politics. These conversations frequently referenced laws, regulations, codes, etc., focusing on how these legal structures had positive and negative impacts on our lives at the time.
Growing up in a politically engaged community allowed me to witness the powerful impact of advocacy in action. I knew that I wanted to be a changemaker, working with laws and regulations to create a more just and equitable tomorrow, but, despite my passion, becoming an attorney truly felt like an unattainable dream. Admittedly, I have always loved learning, but I have constantly struggled with the fast-paced, rigid structure of traditional academia. However, I was determined to pursue higher education following my graduation from high school with the desire to someday attend law school.
My academic background includes obtaining an associate’s in applied science in two majors, paralegal and legal administrative assistant. Then, I transferred my credits to Hamline University where I earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology. I also earned a Master’s in Heritage Studies and Public History from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Throughout my schooling, I held various internships related to archaeology, cultural resources, and museum collections management.
My professional background consists predominantly of opportunities at Upper Sioux Community in various roles in different departments including Social Services, Tribal Historic Preservation Office, and Gaming Commission. While obtaining my master’s degree, I worked for the Cultural Resources department for the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council. However, graduating into the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020 meant entering a job market where institutions and museums were downsizing and restructuring. That is when I decided to pivot and pursue my life-long dream of going to law school. During this transition, I worked part-time as a community cultural liaison at my hometown high school (Yellow Medicine East High School), studied for the LSAT, and prepared my application materials. The support and encouragement I received from family, friends, and mentors gave me the confidence to take this leap and has helped me sustain my momentum throughout my law school journey.
In 2022, I was elated to be accepted to law school, participate in the Council on Legal Education Pre-Law Summer Institute, and begin my legal education that fall.
You are currently pursuing the Health Care Compliance and Health Law certificates. What advice do you have for students interested in certificate programs as part of their legal education?
Reading my educational and professional background, you may be wondering, “Where is her health care experience?” Truth is, I do not have any experience in health care as a professional. However, my interest in Health Care Compliance and Health Law stems from deeply personal experiences as I navigate the health care system as a patient with an autoimmune disease and other medical conditions. In addition, I have supported loved ones suffering from physical and mental health conditions, taking on caretaker responsibilities at times. I have also been acutely aware of the health disparities for Native Americans. I was interested in understanding the health care system of the United States, patient safety standards, FDA regulations, and to gain a greater understanding of the Social Determinants of Health.
The first year of courses at Mitchell Hamline are selected for us and directly relate to writing skills and topics that will be on the bar exam, so when I was able to choose my own courses, I felt overwhelmed. I thought that this was a defining moment and that I needed to have my entire legal career figured out, selecting courses that furthered that vision. My determination to strategically select courses caused me to reach out to my professors at the time to seek advice on possible areas of law I would be interested in. I did not see myself in the courtroom or in a litigation space generally. Nor did I see myself putting in 80-plus hours a week in a big law firm dedicated to the “billable hour.” I wanted to pursue an area of law that would make me feel purposeful and would allow me to have a meaningful impact but would accommodate reasonable work hours.
With all those considerations in mind, Professor Holcomb (my contracts professor at the time) suggested I reach out to Professor Colombo, director of the Health Law Institute, because my background in regulatory compliance would align with possible careers within health law and those career options have the potential for a more balanced schedule. I met with Professor Colombo, and the conversation was transformative and gave me a renewed sense of purpose and drive to explore the Health Care Compliance and Health Law certificates. Professor Colombo has been instrumental as my advisor, providing encouragement and support throughout my second and third year of law school.
The coursework and hands-on experience I have obtained from the certificates have prepared me to be a successful health care compliance officer, in-house counsel at a health care organization, patient advocate or patient counsel, and more. I have even warmed up to the idea of being in the courtroom and representing clients in a litigation capacity due to my experience in the Health Law Clinic and the mentorship I received from Professor Pottratz Acosta.
In general, I am a more informed citizen and consumer as I broadly understand the intricacies related to health insurance, health programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, emergency hospital requirements, the standard of care related to physicians, patient safety, and beyond. We are all impacted by health law and health care in some way and building a foundational knowledge in these areas of law and regulation promotes multiple benefits personally and professionally.
I would encourage interested law students to visit the Health Law Institute website to browse courses and areas of focus that are of interest. Then, I would recommend interested law students to schedule an introductory meeting with Andrea Nadeau (Health Law Institute program administrator), Professor Colombo, or any of the Health Law Institute faculty to understand certificate requirements, general advising, and to discuss areas of health law that may be of interest.
In addition, there is a vast network of current students and alumni that could provide additional perspectives, experiences, and insights related to the Health Care Compliance and Health Law certificates. I have reached out and connected with three different alums working in various areas of health law and health care compliance, holding positions such as an assistant attorney for the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office, independent contractor, and in-house counsel for a health care organization. Collectively, their advice helped me strengthen my resume and to understand the opportunities available following law school.
Consider this: Earning a J.D. is a significant accomplishment alone, so why not maximize your time in law school by pursuing an area of law that aligns with your passion and career goals by earning a certificate along the way?
What are your plans following graduation this spring?
Following graduation, I will work as a law clerk to the Honorable Benjamin Pieh in the Eighth Judicial District. In the summer of 2023, I interned as a law clerk to the Honorable Terri D. Yellowhammer. Then, in the summer of 2024, I interned as a law clerk to the Honorable Lenor Scheffler Blaeser. Both experiences provided me with a deep and meaningful understanding of the court process and solidified my interest in pursuing a judicial clerkship. I believe this opportunity is a crucial step in refining my legal research and writing skills, preparing me to transition to a health law–related role.
What are you most proud of?
I was uncertain if I would be able to successfully navigate the competitive, isolating, and academically rigorous law school environment. As I reflect on my law school journey, I am most proud of the lifelong friendships I have built as these bonds formed through shared challenges and unwavering support. I am also proud of my personal growth. I have gained confidence in advocacy skills, found strength in my own voice, and have overcome my discomfort with conflict by embracing challenges with resilience.
We welcome the opportunity to share your good news in one of our upcoming newsletters, and we encourage any students or alumni to email us!
Events & Opportunities
How best to proactively, safely, and efficiently produce food products under the new regulations and responsibly address potential liability?
Recent recalls and agency regulations related to pathogens are affecting many aspects of food safety and production. Food producers and lawyers for plaintiffs and defendants are looking at food safety and the food industry in a new light. The food industry could face manufacturing delays, greater production scrutiny, renewed recall planning, a potential increase in foodborne illness and injury claims, and potential for increased liability for voluntary actions. Add to these concerns the reactions and speculation brewing over anticipated new administration actions.
Food safety industry and legal experts will look at and discuss these issues from the regulatory and litigation perspectives. There will be individual presentations and panel discussions to discuss experiences with recalls and regulators and best practices to proactively address the concerns of your business or clients.
Learn more about the event and register here at no cost.
Faculty & Staff News
Congratulations to the HLI faculty and staff on their accomplishments in January, February, and March! Follow the links to view their most recent presentations, publications, events, panels, and media highlights.
Health Care Compliance Certificate Program
Gain a competitive advantage in one of the hottest job markets by obtaining your Health Care Compliance Certificate through our 11-14 credit program, completely online! More information and application details for J.D. students and for working professionals.
Accepting applications for the August 2025 cohort.
Health Law Institute’s Rankings
The Health Law Institute has been awarded an ‘A’ by preLaw. Read more on page 38-39 in their Back to School 2024 issue.
U.S. News & World Report
Mitchell Hamline School of Law’s Health Law Institute was ranked nationally among the top health law programs by U.S. News & World Report for 2025.
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This quarterly newsletter includes information about upcoming events, courses, certificates, and student, faculty, and alumni news. It’s a great way to stay up to date and involved with Mitchell Hamline School of Law’s Health Law Institute.