Networking. Mentorship. Growth. These are some of the key themes that emerged in my recent interview with Avianna Aguilar, a healthcare leader who has navigated a fascinating journey from her educational beginnings to her current role at Rush University Medical Center. We were thrilled to delve into Avianna's experiences as an administrative fellow and share her story with our audience, shedding light on what an administrative fellow is, what an administrative fellowship entails, and its importance in healthcare management.
Avianna Aguilar's journey began at The Ohio State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Like many undergraduates in the sciences, she initially envisioned a career as a pharmacist. However, midway through her studies, Avianna encountered a reality check: limited growth opportunities in the pharmacy field.
"I wanted a career where I could grow and evolve," she shared. Coupled with her minor in Leadership Studies, this realization prompted a pivot toward hospital administration. She pursued her Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) at the University of Illinois Chicago, a decision that aligned with her aspirations for leadership development and impact in healthcare systems. This MHA fellowship would prove to be a crucial stepping stone in her career.
While completing her MHA, Avianna gained invaluable hands-on experience during her residency at Northwestern Medicine. Working in the Clinical Quality and Patient Safety Department, she developed skills in project management, data analysis, and collaboration – all crucial aspects of healthcare operations management and healthcare analytics.
One of her standout projects involved creating a Social Determinants of Health screener for private practices affiliated with Northwestern that did not use Epic. "It was part of Illinois' perinatal quality of care goals," Avianna explained, highlighting how her work aligned with broader public health initiatives and healthcare policy.
Another project she tackled was analyzing data to address delays in operating room admissions for emergent cases. By conducting chart reviews and understanding the provider's perspective, she identified bottlenecks and proposed solutions to improve patient care timelines, demonstrating the importance of quality improvement in healthcare.
These experiences reinforced her desire for a career that combines strategic thinking with tangible impact, shaping her decision to pursue a health administration fellowship.
Fellowships are highly coveted opportunities in healthcare administration, providing early-career professionals with broad exposure to hospital operations, leadership, and strategic initiatives. For Avianna, the choice to pursue an admin fellowship was clear.
"I knew I wanted exposure to different facets of healthcare organizations," she explained. Her time at Northwestern had been rewarding but also revealed that quality and safety might not be her long-term career focus. Instead, a fellowship promised opportunities to explore operations, project management, and more, offering a comprehensive view of what it means to be an administrative fellow in a hospital setting.
Avianna's application process was intentional and focused. She applied to just five organizations, all in Chicago, to ensure alignment with her personal and professional goals. By maintaining an organized application tracker and being selective, she positioned herself to enthusiastically accept any offer she received, understanding the competitive nature of healthcare fellowships.
Avianna ultimately chose Rush University Medical Center for her administrative fellowship program, drawn by its mission, community focus, and opportunities for career growth. "Rush is at the forefront of community health and working with underserved populations," she said, highlighting the importance of choosing an academic medical center aligned with one's values.
The one-year, project-based fellowship began with rotations across various clinical departments and sites, from supply chain to legal and risk management. This immersive approach allowed Avianna to identify strategic projects that aligned with her interests and Rush's initiatives, providing her with valuable operational experience and clinical exposure.
One of her most impactful projects was serving as project manager for the opening of Rush Specialty Hospital, an inpatient rehab and speech-language pathology hospital. "It was like building a hospital from the ground up," she recounted. The experience taught her about teamwork, accountability, and the complexity of healthcare operations management, while also providing insights into healthcare technology and healthcare finance.
A recurring theme in Avianna's journey is the importance of mentorship in professional development. During her fellowship, she benefited from guidance at multiple levels. Her executive sponsor provided oversight and advice, offering exposure to executive leadership, while project preceptors offered hands-on mentorship tailored to specific initiatives.
"Mentors can make or break your fellowship experience," Avianna emphasized. She expressed gratitude by giving small gifts and handwritten cards to several key mentors who shaped her journey, underscoring the importance of building relationships in healthcare careers.
Today, Avianna is an Operations Supervisor at Rush University Medical Center, overseeing nonclinical operations for departments such as plastic surgery, gender-affirming surgery, and colorectal surgery. Her responsibilities include managing clinic workflows, supervising patient navigators and social workers, and ensuring operational efficiency – all skills honed during her administrative fellowship.
Reflecting on her journey, Avianna credits her fellowship for providing the exposure and skills that prepared her for her current role in healthcare leadership.
Aviana's advice for prospective administrative fellows and those interested in healthcare administration fellowships is simple yet profound:
Avianna also emphasized the importance of applying only to organizations that genuinely excite you. "You want to be aligned with the mission of the organization and enjoy the city you'll be living in," she advised, highlighting the significance of cultural fit in healthcare systems.
For those considering a fellowship in Chicago, Avianna offered an enthusiastic endorsement of the city. "Chicago has some of the best Mexican food in the country," she said, encouraging listeners to explore neighborhoods like Pilsen and Little Village for authentic dining experiences.
Beyond food, Chicago's vibrant culture and opportunities for growth make it an ideal city for aspiring healthcare leaders looking to gain experience in hospital administration.
Avianna Aguilar's journey is a testament to the power of intentionality, adaptability, and mentorship in healthcare careers. From her pivot from pharmacy to healthcare administration to her transformative experiences at Northwestern and Rush, she exemplifies how early-career professionals can navigate their paths with purpose in the dynamic field of healthcare management.
For those considering a healthcare administrative fellowship, Avianna's story is both inspiring and instructive. By putting your best foot forward, leveraging networking opportunities, and staying focused on your goals, you too can embark on a rewarding journey in healthcare leadership. Whether you're interested in hospital administration fellowships, MHA fellowships, or other healthcare fellowship programs, remember that these experiences offer invaluable project-based learning, exposure to healthcare innovation, and a strong foundation for a successful career in healthcare operations management.
As you explore opportunities to become a fellow in a hospital or pursue an administrative fellowship program, keep in mind the diverse areas you can explore, from healthcare technology and analytics to finance and clinical operations. The path of an administrative resident or fellow is rich with opportunities for growth, learning, and making a meaningful impact in the healthcare industry.
