One of the most rewarding paths for early-career healthcare administrators is the pursuit of an administrative fellowship. These fellowships serve as a bridge between academic training and hands-on leadership, offering immersive experiences in operations, finance, strategy, and patient-centered care. In a recent podcast conversation, hosted by The Fellowship Review through the American Journal of Healthcare Strategy, interviewer Vrushangi Shah connected with Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) Fellow Abhishek Gurnani, MHAto learn more about his path.
The discussion delved into why he chose a hospital administrative fellowship, how he navigated a competitive fellowship application cycle, and what life is like at Cincinnati Children's.
"I was born and raised in a small border town called Laredo, Texas. I graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in business management back in 2019."
After graduating, he explored different career paths in business before deciding to return to Laredo and "dip his feet" into healthcare for the first time. His experience sparked an interest in the broader complexities of health administration, ultimately leading him back to Texas A&M University to pursue a Master of Health Administration (MHA) and consider MHA fellowship opportunities. This decision to enroll in one of the many master's degree programs available in healthcare administration marked a significant turning point in his career.
"Coming into a student as an MHA, I had a lot of imposter syndrome because I felt like my peers had already that public health and healthcare administration experience that I lacked"
Abhishek recalls, highlighting a feeling many students experience. Pivoting from business management to healthcare leadership can seem daunting, but with determination and strong mentorship in healthcare, he found his footing.
Internships often serve as a springboard to administrative fellowship jobs. Abhishek credits his summer at Houston Methodist (Which AJHCS ranks as the #1 institution for emerging leaders) as a pivotal time for developing crucial healthcare administration skills:
"I was really lucky to have friends in the second years that were going through the administrative fellowship cycle, and I got to hear a little bit about it from them. It sounded like a really cool experience… and I was lucky enough that my program director really spoke highly about administrative fellowships."
Houston Methodist stood out to Abhishek for its strong reputation and opportunities in ambulatory operations, quality, process improvement, and even finance. He and two peers from Texas A&M tackled a range of projects, concluding with a case study that projected the evolution of ambulatory operations at the institution.
Yet the most critical takeaway for him was that an internship is more than a degree requirement—it is a key talking point and learning experience that carries into fellowship interviews.
"I definitely utilized a lot of the experience in the talking points in all my interviews, so I was thankful to have a great internship experience,"
Abhishek admits that when he first heard about fellowships, he had little knowledge of what they truly entailed. Initially, he planned to focus on a "traditional job route" after his MHA. However, the guidance of professors and mentors—especially his program director, Mr. Jack Buckley —convinced him to explore healthcare administrative fellowships:
"I was lucky enough that I knew the right people, and I was lucky enough that my program director… spoke highly about it."
For him, the biggest draw was the breadth of experience. A year of executive-level exposure, tackling high-impact projects, and the mentorship found within a fellowship is unparalleled for early career professionals. When interview season rolled in, Abhishek cast a wide net, applying to 12 to 15 programs—most in Texas, but also across the nation. His openness led him far from the Lone Star State:
"I was in the mindset that maybe I would just apply to Houston Methodist, Texas Children's, UT Southwestern… but having that open mind, I ended up at Cincinnati Children's."
Abhishek admits that "the application cycle was pretty stressful." Nevertheless, he navigated it by:
It's common for candidates to overthink questions, especially in the high-stakes environment of fellowship interviews. Abhishek emphasizes that a relaxed, prepared approach goes a long way in securing administrative fellow positions. He also stresses the importance of a well-crafted personal statement that highlights your unique experiences and motivations.
For those interested in applying, it's essential to check the eligibility requirements for each program and follow the application instructions carefully. Some programs may use the National Administrative Fellowship Centralized Application Service (NAFCAS) to streamline the application process.
"I am blessed with two amazing co-fellows… We have a great support system."
Upon arriving at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Abhishek discovered a well-organized administrative fellowship program that gave him immediate responsibility. The one-year, project-based fellowship at CCHMC pairs each fellow with both a preceptor and an executive sponsor:
Working side by side with senior leaders, Abhishek is already gaining exposure to how decisions are made at the highest levels of pediatric healthcare administration. While each fellow primarily has individual projects, they collaborate on larger efforts—particularly the fellowship recruitment cycle—and hope to tackle a group project before completing the program.
The fellowship experience also includes observational learning experiences, allowing fellows to shadow various departments and gain insights into family-centered care practices, a cornerstone of pediatric healthcare.
A hallmark of many top-tier fellowships is the strong mentorship culture. The Cincinnati Children's Administrative Fellowship is no exception:
"I remember at the beginning of the fellowship… I was able to call my preceptor after hours, and he picked up right away. …He's just been there for me through thick and thin."
Beyond support from his preceptor and executive sponsor, Abhishek values the broader hospital culture. Whether navigating a conflict or exploring a new project area, experienced administrators at Cincinnati Children's are ready to help. This open-door mindset fosters a sense of belonging and accelerates learning, providing invaluable networking opportunities in healthcare leadership.
The hospital also emphasizes diversity in healthcare through various initiatives and employee resource groups, which contribute to a more inclusive work environment and enhance cultural competence among staff.
Relocating can be one of the most intimidating aspects of a fellowship—especially if it's across state lines. For Abhishek, the transition from Texas to Ohio introduced him to a vibrant, welcoming city. Though the initial drive and the first couple of weeks required adjustment, the city quickly won him over
"The people here are extremely welcoming. The city isn't too big, but it has everything a big city offers: major sports teams, events like Blink and Oktoberfest, and an amazing zoo."
He admits that starting "from scratch" with no established support system was challenging, but the camaraderie of hospital colleagues and the charm of Cincinnati helped him feel at home in this new pediatric institution.
When asked to share final thoughts, Abhishek offers simple yet powerful guidance:
"I would say the main thing would be don't put too much pressure on yourself. Everything will play out the way it's supposed to be, as long as you put your best foot forward and just know that you put in your best effort into those applications."
He stresses the importance of doing well in your graduate internship, building relationships with potential mentors or recommenders, and harnessing the support offered by faculty. Over-preparation can breed anxiety in interviews, so a calmer, genuine approach often resonates better with interviewers.
Moreover, Abhishek's story highlights that an administrative fellowship is not limited to those with solely healthcare-focused backgrounds. His pivot from business management to health administration underscores that curiosity, dedication, and a willingness to learn can open doors across the healthcare spectrum.
Aspiring fellows should also focus on developing their cultural competence, as this is increasingly important in healthcare leadership roles. Understanding and addressing healthcare equity issues can set candidates apart in the application process.
Abhishek's journey demonstrates the transformative power of fellowships, especially when combined with supportive mentors and a willingness to embrace new environments. His Houston Methodist internship primed him for fellowship success, while open-mindedness led him to a role at one of the nation's most renowned children's hospitals. At Cincinnati Children's, he is immersed in real-world challenges and guided by leaders passionate about developing future executives.
His final words resonate for every prospective applicant: trust the process, start early, leverage your internship experiences, and stay open to unexpected pathways. For those contemplating an administrative fellowship—whether at Cincinnati Children's, in your home state, or across the country—Abhishek's narrative offers a clear message: with sincere effort, practical experience, and a dash of adventure, you can find a path that not only accelerates your career but also shapes you into the healthcare leader you aspire to be.
The Cincinnati Children's Administrative Fellowship provides a unique opportunity for project-based experience in pediatric healthcare administration, offering a springboard for career advancement in the dynamic field of healthcare management. For those looking to make a significant impact in children's health and hospital administration, this fellowship stands out as an excellent launchpad for a rewarding career. Whether you're considering a role as an administrative resident or exploring various healthcare administrative fellowship opportunities, programs like the one at Cincinnati Children's offer invaluable experience in addressing healthcare equity issues and developing the skills necessary for success in this critical field.
