The CommonSpirit Health Mission Track Fellowship: Emily Southerton
Have you ever considered a career that combines healthcare, spirituality, and leadership? A Hospital Mission Fellowship might be the perfect path for you. This unique program offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient care while developing crucial leadership skills in mission-driven healthcare.
Emily Southerton, a Mission Fellow with Common Spirit, shares her journey from studying theology and philosophy to becoming a healthcare chaplain and eventually pursuing a Mission Fellowship. Her experience highlights the value of this program for those seeking to bridge ethics, ministry, and healthcare leadership.
The Journey to Healthcare Chaplaincy and Mission Leadership
Emily’s path to healthcare chaplaincy wasn’t straightforward. After studying theology and philosophy in college, she explored various career options. A mentor suggested chaplaincy as a way to combine her interests in ethics, ministry, and Spanish language skills.
This led her to complete a unit of clinical pastoral education at a mental health hospital, opening her eyes to the many ways of caring for others in healthcare settings. As a chaplain, Emily found purpose in bridging communication gaps between patients, their families, and healthcare providers.
Key Components of a Hospital Mission Fellowship
The Hospital Mission Fellowship program at Common Spirit focuses on four main tenets:
- Ethics
- Community Health
- Spiritual Care
- Formation
A fifth emerging area is Emerging Markets. Fellows rotate through these areas, gaining hands-on experience and contributing to projects at the system, market, and local levels.
Some projects Emily has worked on include:
- Developing a strategic plan for implementing environmental initiatives across the organization
- Creating content for leadership development programs
- Presenting on the organization’s history, heritage, and values to new and existing leaders
Catholic Healthcare and Inclusivity in Mission Work
One might wonder how a faith-based healthcare system addresses diversity and inclusivity. Emily explains that “Catholic” means universal, emphasizing the importance of welcoming all backgrounds and beliefs. The focus is on showing love and care to each person in the way they would want to be treated.
Common Spirit’s commitment to serving underserved communities is evident in their hospital’s location in downtown Los Angeles, just blocks from Skid Row. This positioning allows them to meet the needs of those who may not have access to healthcare otherwise.
Career Opportunities and Future Prospects in Healthcare Mission Leadership
The Mission Fellowship program at Common Spirit is designed to train the next generation of mission leaders. Fellows have the opportunity to work on system-wide projects while also engaging in daily local initiatives.
Emily’s experience shows that the fellowship can lead to continued growth within mission-driven healthcare organizations. All previous fellows have stayed within mission-related roles, finding fulfillment in connecting their work to their personal values and humanity.
For those interested in a career that combines healthcare, ethics, and leadership, a Hospital Mission Fellowship offers a unique and rewarding path. It provides the chance to make a significant impact on patient care while developing essential skills for the future of healthcare leadership.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What educational background is needed for a Hospital Mission Fellowship?
While backgrounds may vary, Emily’s experience shows that studies in theology, philosophy, or related fields can be beneficial. A master’s degree and experience in chaplaincy or healthcare ministry are also valuable.
How long is the Hospital Mission Fellowship program?
The fellowship program at Common Spirit is 18 months long, allowing fellows to rotate through different areas of mission work and gain comprehensive experience.
Can non-religious individuals apply for a Hospital Mission Fellowship?
Yes, the program emphasizes inclusivity and welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds. The focus is on serving the community and providing compassionate care, regardless of personal beliefs.
What career opportunities are available after completing the fellowship?
Fellows often continue in mission-related roles within healthcare organizations. Opportunities may include positions in ethics, community health, spiritual care, or mission leadership at various levels within the organization.
How does the Hospital Mission Fellowship differ from other administrative fellowships?
The Mission Fellowship uniquely combines healthcare administration with a focus on ethics, spirituality, and community outreach. It prepares leaders to integrate mission and values into all aspects of healthcare delivery and management.