Healthcare administration fellowships offer a unique opportunity for aspiring leaders to gain hands-on experience in the healthcare industry. Ben Akoa, an administrative fellow at UCHealth in Denver, Colorado, shares his journey from public health to hospital administration, providing valuable insights for those considering a similar path.
Ben's experience at UCHealth has been overwhelmingly positive. The fellowship program offers a mix of rotational and project-based learning, allowing fellows to gain exposure to various aspects of healthcare administration. With a cohort of five fellows across different locations, Ben has found the program to be well-structured and supportive of his professional growth.
Ben's journey into healthcare administration began with a bachelor's degree in public health. His early experiences working with local health departments sparked his interest in community health initiatives. Recognizing the potential to make a broader impact, Ben pursued an MHA program at Cornell University.
During his MHA studies, Ben completed an internship at Cleveland Clinic, which further solidified his interest in hospital administration. This experience, combined with his public health background, provided a strong foundation for his transition into a healthcare administration fellowship.
When it came time to apply for fellowships, Ben took a strategic approach:
He applied to 8-10 programs, allowing him to thoroughly research each organization
He prioritized programs that offered a mix of rotational and project-based experiences
He considered factors such as organizational culture, growth opportunities, and geographic location
Ben's advice for prospective fellows is to look beyond the surface-level details of each program. He emphasizes the importance of connecting with current and former fellows to gain insights into the organization's culture and support system.
Ben ultimately chose UCHealth for his fellowship, attracted by the organization's relatively young age (12 years) and its position as Colorado's largest health system. The program offers:
A mix of rotational and project-based experiences
Exposure to various departments and service lines
Opportunities to work on high-impact projects
A supportive cohort model with four other fellows
One of Ben's most significant projects involved managing the transition to a new anesthesia group, showcasing the level of responsibility and trust placed in fellows at UCHealth.
The UCHealth fellowship program has provided Ben with valuable opportunities for professional growth:
Exposure to different aspects of hospital operations
Project management experience in critical areas like anesthesia group transitions
Networking opportunities with healthcare leaders and fellow cohort members
Involvement in program restructuring and improvement initiatives
Ben emphasizes the importance of the cohort model in fostering collaboration and shared learning experiences among fellows.
As Ben looks to the future, he's particularly interested in:
Healthcare support services, recognizing their critical role in hospital operations
The shift from inpatient to outpatient settings
The growing importance of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs)
These areas of focus reflect the changing landscape of healthcare delivery and administration, highlighting the value of fellowships in preparing future leaders for emerging trends and challenges.
Ben's unique background, including his public health education and construction work experience, has shaped his approach to healthcare leadership:
His public health background provides a community-focused perspective
Construction work taught him the importance of effective communication across diverse groups
These experiences have reinforced the value of meeting people where they are and clearly explaining the "why" behind decisions and changes
Ben's diverse experiences underscore the importance of bringing a well-rounded perspective to healthcare administration roles.
For those considering a career in healthcare administration, fellowship programs like UCHealth's offer an invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience, develop leadership skills, and contribute to meaningful projects in a supportive environment. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, these programs play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of healthcare leaders.
Most healthcare administration fellowships last between 1-2 years. UCHealth's program, for example, is transitioning to a two-year model with a mix of rotations and project-based work in the first year, followed by an administrative role in the second year.
These fellowships can be highly competitive, especially at well-known health systems. Applicants typically need a master's degree in healthcare administration or a related field, relevant internship experience, and strong leadership potential.
UCHealth's program offers a unique blend of rotational and project-based experiences, exposure to a relatively young and growing health system, and opportunities to work on high-impact projects. The program also values fellow input, as evidenced by Ben's involvement in restructuring the fellowship program.
Networking is crucial during fellowships. Programs like UCHealth's offer opportunities to connect with healthcare leaders, fellow cohort members, and alumni. These connections can be valuable for career development and future job opportunities.
Key skills include adaptability, effective communication, project management, analytical thinking, and the ability to collaborate with diverse teams. A strong understanding of healthcare operations and a patient-centered mindset are also important.
