The St. Elizabeth Healthcare Administrative Fellowship with Selma Cikaric

Why Choose Xavier University for Health Administration? The Power of the “S” in MHSA

Selma chose Xavier University for her Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA) after careful reflection on her personal values and professional goals. She explains: “I always knew I wanted to pursue higher education…and while I was at the University of Kentucky, I did a lot of research which kind of led me to this whole advocacy and being a part of the community.”

Xavier’s program distinguished itself by prioritizing service and servant leadership. Unlike traditional MHA programs, the MHSA at Xavier incorporates community impact into its core. “The biggest thing that led me to Xavier was just the emphasis on that ‘S’ in the MHSA. There’s a huge emphasis on service and being a servant leader, and that was really something that I saw for myself.”

How does this play out? Selma highlights Xavier’s Philanthropy Project, where students partner with local nonprofits to develop grant-winning initiatives—her own group designed a garden program for seniors, targeting physical activity, nutrition, and social engagement. Such projects aren’t just resume-builders; they cultivate empathy, leadership, and a practical understanding of population health.

Key Takeaways:

• Xavier’s MHSA uniquely integrates service learning with rigorous academic preparation.

• Community-based projects like the Philanthropy Project connect coursework with real-world outcomes.

• Graduates gain hands-on experience working directly with local organizations, preparing them for servant leadership roles.

Early Career Exposure: Interning at The Health Collaborative

Direct question answered: What is The Health Collaborative, and what did Selma do as a Workforce Initiatives Intern?

Selma describes The Health Collaborative as a pivotal organization in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region, serving as a “convening table” for health systems to tackle workforce challenges collectively. “The best way to describe it is Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky is a very unique part of the country because we have so many health systems within like a 20-minute distance from each other. The Health Collaborative brings all those CEOs together…to improve workforce, create pipelines, and look at data.”

During her internship, Selma helped lead the Tap Health Summer Academy—a trio of programs (Tap MD, Tap Healthcare, and Tap Nursing) exposing high school juniors to careers in healthcare. This early exposure is critical in an era marked by growing workforce shortages, particularly in nursing and allied health professions.

Selma’s impact in this role included:

• Guiding students through site visits to various health systems and facilities

• Assisting with program logistics alongside a small, dynamic team

• Observing workforce data and local hiring trends firsthand

One of the highlights? “Cincinnati State was approved to have one of the first BSN programs in Ohio, which was really cool to see,” she recalls, underscoring the region’s commitment to solving the healthcare pipeline crisis.

Navigating the Fellowship Process: From Applications to St. Elizabeth Healthcare

Direct question answered: How did Selma approach the fellowship application process, and why did she choose St. Elizabeth?

The fellowship process, by Selma’s account, is both daunting and transformative. “When you join an MHSA or MHA program that requires a fellowship, you know you’re going to be competing with your classmates…I applied to about 11 or 12 fellowships, almost every fellowship I could.”

Her selection criteria were clear:

• Diversity of Experience: She applied to academic medical centers, community hospitals, and children’s hospitals across the U.S.

• Program Structure: Selma sought a program that balanced challenge with support, preferring a shorter duration over two-year commitments.

• Mission and Fit: The defining moment came in interviews with St. Elizabeth Healthcare executives. “The questions they asked during the third and final interview were so meaningful and showed they were actually looking at my resume and personal statement. It just felt like the right choice.”

She credits both her mentors and St. Elizabeth’s culture for making the decision clear. “I’m very grateful for the previous fellows…they were so welcoming. I knew instantly it was the right fit.”

What Stands Out About St. Elizabeth’s Fellowship?

• 18-month duration, allowing for both breadth and depth of experience

• Senior leader engagement throughout the process

• Culture of genuine interest in fellows’ growth and success

Life as a St. Elizabeth Healthcare Administrative Fellow

Direct question answered: What has Selma’s experience as a fellow been like, and what kinds of projects has she tackled?

Ten months into her fellowship, Selma describes it as “the best 10 months I’ve ever had.” She credits her preceptor, Roseanne—the Vice President of Government Relations and Planning—for setting the tone. “She is just a powerhouse, one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, and very passionate about her job.”

Her project portfolio includes:

• Patient Experience: Modernizing the Patient Family Advisory Council (PFAC)

• Marketing: Supporting the launch and outreach for the new Dearborn Cancer Center

• Community Health: Collaborating on a mental health summit and ongoing mental health initiatives

• Cross-functional Exposure: Rotating across departments and leading special projects

St. Elizabeth’s close-knit culture amplifies the value of each project. “Everyone at St. Elizabeth is so welcoming, and I’ve had the opportunity to work on quite a few projects throughout the organization,” Selma notes, emphasizing the hands-on, people-first approach that distinguishes the fellowship.

Career Aspirations: Community Health, Education, and Lifelong Learning

Direct question answered: What are Selma’s plans after her fellowship, and how does St. Elizabeth support career advancement?

Selma has found her professional calling in community outreach and population health. “I have found a great love for community outreach, health education…and I think there should be a job lining up potentially within the community outreach space. I’m not 100% sure yet, but that’s where I see myself working.”

She is also advancing academically, recently accepted into the University of Cincinnati’s PhD in Health Education program—a rare accomplishment for a young fellow. This reflects both her ambition and St. Elizabeth’s support for continuous learning. “It lines up really well with my personal and professional goals, so I’m really excited to see how that’s going to impact my journey with St. Elizabeth.”

Why do fellows stay? Tenure and loyalty run deep at St. Elizabeth: “My preceptor has been at St. Elizabeth for the last 35 years. Our CEO has been there for 40. There’s a lot of emphasis on staying there and making it better year after year.” Selma aspires to be part of that tradition, with her eyes set on long-term community impact.

Success Strategies for Future Fellows: Selma’s Advice

Direct question answered: What advice does Selma offer to students and early-career professionals aiming for success in competitive fellowships?

Selma distills her experience into three actionable tips:

1. Authenticity First: “Have your own sense of authenticity—stay true to what you like. Don’t put yourself in a mold because it’s impressive. Just do what you want to do.”

2. Keep an Open Mind: Try everything, even if you’re unsure. “The whole purpose of a fellowship is to get out there and do different things. Some things you’ll love, some you’ll hate, but at least you know.”

3. Invest in Relationships: Build meaningful connections by showing genuine interest in others. “Take the time to know people—ask thoughtful questions you’re actually interested in. It means so much to them, especially because they’re always busy and thinking about work.”

For those unsure how to engage with executives, Selma suggests casual, open-ended questions to break the ice: “At the end of a meet and greet, I’d always ask, ‘Are you doing anything fun this weekend?’ That would often trickle into more personal conversation.” This Midwest approach to networking can be applied anywhere—connection starts with authenticity.

The St. Elizabeth Difference: What Sets This Administrative Fellowship Apart?

The St. Elizabeth Healthcare Administrative Fellowship offers a compelling value proposition for candidates and recruiters alike:

• Mid-size Health System, Major Opportunities: Fellows gain exposure to a full spectrum of healthcare administration, not siloed to a single function.

• Culture of Longevity and Loyalty: Long tenures among senior leadership create continuity, mentorship, and a sense of belonging.

• Community Commitment: Projects directly impact Northern Kentucky’s population health, mental health, and care delivery.

Selma’s trajectory demonstrates the organization’s investment in its fellows. Her blend of hands-on project work, access to decision-makers, and opportunity for post-fellowship advancement exemplifies what leading-edge fellowships should strive for in a competitive healthcare talent market.

Takeaway: Cultivating the Next Generation of Healthcare Leaders

Selma Cikaric’s story is a case study in the power of mission-driven fellowships. The St. Elizabeth Healthcare Administrative Fellowship, informed by Xavier’s commitment to service and shaped by regional collaboration, stands out as a model for others to follow. For executive leaders, the message is clear: invest in authentic, high-touch leadership development, and your organization will attract and retain top talent. For aspiring fellows, the path to meaningful impact starts with self-knowledge, an open mind, and a willingness to connect—both with your community and your colleagues.