Healthcare administration fellowships offer aspiring leaders a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the complex world of healthcare management. John Smith-Wiehe, an administrative fellow at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, shares his journey from undergraduate studies to a rewarding career in pediatric healthcare administration.

From Undergraduate to Healthcare Administration Fellowship

John’s path to healthcare administration began during his undergraduate years. As a child who experienced multiple hospital stays and surgeries, he developed a passion for improving pediatric healthcare. This personal connection led him to co-chair a program associated with the Children’s Miracle Network while in college.

“Working with kids, specifically with kids’ healthcare, has been a goal of mine since I graduated high school,” John explains. Although he initially pursued neuroscience, his involvement with Children’s Miracle Network kept him connected to the healthcare field.

Epic Implementation Project Manager Experience

After graduating, John spent five years working as a project manager for Epic, specifically with the Cupid module for procedural cardiology. This role allowed him to gain valuable experience in healthcare IT and project management while working with major health systems across the United States and internationally.

Some of John’s key projects included implementing Epic Cupid for large health systems in Louisiana, localizing processes for Cleveland Clinic in London, assisting Mayo Clinic with their first upgrade post-implementation, and working with RWJ Barnabas in New Jersey. These experiences honed John’s technical skills and helped him build lasting professional relationships that continue to benefit him years later.

Pursuing an MHA and Administrative Residency

Despite his success at Epic, John felt drawn back to his original goal of working in healthcare administration. He decided to pursue a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) degree, which led to an administrative residency at Intermountain Healthcare’s Primary Children’s Hospital.

The residency was highly competitive, with Intermountain selecting only 14 administrative residents each year. John’s placement at Primary Children’s allowed him to focus on pediatric healthcare while also being close to family in Salt Lake City. During his residency, John worked on a project addressing the transition of care from pediatric to adult healthcare institutions. This experience provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by patients and families during this critical period.

Healthcare Fellowship Application Process and Experience

After completing his MHA and residency, John applied for healthcare administration fellowships. The process was challenging, with considerations beyond just career goals. “One of the things that was important to me and my wife was not only my career but her career as well, and our community,” John shares.

He primarily applied to fellowships based on location and institution type, with Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin being his top choice. The anxiety of the application process was heightened by the desire to find a position that aligned with both professional and personal goals.

John offers advice for those considering fellowships: “I’ll advocate for people doing a fellowship… I’ve been exposed to so many different projects. But if that’s not a path that somebody’s comfortable with, I think that’s also totally legitimate.”

Leveraging Past Experiences in Healthcare Administration

John’s unique background in IT and project management has proven valuable in his current role as an administrative fellow. He frequently draws on these skills to tackle diverse projects, even those outside traditional healthcare IT. “I don’t think I could be doing the work that I’m going to be doing or hoping to be doing without the fellowship experience, mostly because of the relationships that I’ve built and being able to navigate [the healthcare system],” John reflects.

His experience demonstrates the value of diverse skill sets in healthcare administration and the importance of being able to adapt and apply previous knowledge to new challenges.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is a healthcare administration fellowship?

A healthcare administration fellowship is a post-graduate program that provides hands-on experience in healthcare management. Fellows typically work on various projects across different departments, gaining exposure to multiple aspects of healthcare operations and leadership.

How competitive are administrative residencies in healthcare?

Administrative residencies can be highly competitive. For example, Intermountain Healthcare selects only 14 administrative residents each year from a large pool of applicants. The competitiveness can vary depending on the institution and location.

Is a fellowship necessary for a career in healthcare administration?

While not absolutely necessary, a fellowship can provide valuable experience and networking opportunities. However, individuals with significant work experience or specific career goals may find success without a fellowship. It’s important to consider your personal career path and goals when deciding.

How can I transition from IT to healthcare administration?

Transitioning from IT to healthcare administration often involves pursuing additional education, such as an MHA degree, and gaining experience through internships, residencies, or fellowships. IT skills can be valuable in healthcare administration, especially in roles involving health information systems or project management.

What are some challenges in pediatric to adult healthcare transition?

Challenges in transitioning from pediatric to adult healthcare include differences in care approaches, changes in the patient-provider relationship, and variations in facility design and equipment. There’s often a need for better coordination between pediatric and adult care providers to ensure continuity of care for patients with chronic conditions.