Are you considering a career in healthcare administration? A healthcare administrative fellowship could be your ticket to success. Just ask Vrushangi Shah, MHA, who completed the UCLA Health administrative fellowship and now manages the Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program. Her journey from undergrad to her current role offers valuable insights for aspiring healthcare leaders.
Vrushangi Shah, MHA's path to healthcare administration wasn't straightforward. She initially struggled as a health sciences major before discovering her passion for health administration. This switch dramatically improved her mental health and academic performance.
"I suddenly loved all my classes. I was doing well in them. My grades were going back up, and I was on an upward trajectory for my GPA," she recalls.
Her experience highlights the importance of finding the right fit in your academic and career choices. For those considering an MHA program, her journey underscores the value of:
Exploring different areas within healthcare
Being open to changing paths if something doesn't feel right
Leveraging internships to gain practical experience
Vrushangi's success in securing multiple fellowship interviews is a testament to her preparation and authenticity. She applied to 12 fellowship organizations, securing nine first-round and six final-round interviews. Her advice for aspiring fellows?
"Be true to yourself," Vrushangi emphasizes. "Know your why. Know why you feel called to this organization. And if you become the fellow, what do you hope to learn and accomplish?"
Key tips for a successful fellowship application:
Research each organization thoroughly.
Develop a specific "why" for each application.
Prepare diverse, concrete examples for interview questions.
Stay authentic throughout the process.
The UCLA Health fellowship stands out for its unique "Dream It, Do It" structure. Fellows submit a wish list of departments they want to work with and projects they hope to tackle. The first month is dedicated to meet-and-greets, allowing fellows to network and identify potential projects.
"I loved that," Vrushangi says. "By the end of the one month or a half month, you literally can say your elevator pitch and introduction in your sleep."
This approach allows fellows to:
Gain exposure to various aspects of hospital administration.
Build relationships with key leaders.
Tailor their fellowship experience to their interests
Vrushangi's multicultural background has been a significant asset in her healthcare career. Born in India and raised in various parts of the U.S., she brings a unique perspective to her role.
"I think having that cultural identity helps me connect with people a little bit more," she notes. This cultural competence is particularly valuable in diverse healthcare settings like Los Angeles.
Vrushangi's current role as program manager for the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Oncology Program at UCLA Health showcases the diverse opportunities in healthcare administration. This specialized field focuses on patients aged 15-39, a group often overlooked in traditional oncology programs.
Her responsibilities include:
Process improvement
Creating content and decision trees
Engaging with various stakeholders
Long-term strategic planning
Vrushangi's transition from fellowship to her current role demonstrates the potential for career growth in healthcare administration. UCLA Health, like many organizations, values retaining fellows and supporting their career development.
"We have many fellows that are part of the executive leadership team at this point, and they did their fellowship seven, eight, nine, ten years ago," Vrushangi shares.
For those considering a career in healthcare administration, Vrushangi offers this advice: "Your story is absolutely your superpower. So don't shy away from it and use that to navigate life and be a genuine and authentic leader in whatever part of healthcare you end up in."
A healthcare administration fellowship is a post-graduate program that provides hands-on experience in various aspects of healthcare management. It typically lasts 1-2 years and allows participants to work on projects across different departments in a healthcare organization.
Healthcare administration fellowships can be highly competitive. In Vrushangi's case, she applied to 12 organizations, received 9 first-round interviews, and 6 final-round interviews. The selection process often involves multiple rounds of interviews and careful consideration of candidates' qualifications and fit with the organization.
The UCLA Health fellowship is known for its "Dream It, Do It" structure. Fellows submit a wish list of departments and projects they're interested in, and the program is tailored to their interests. The fellowship also begins with a month of meet-and-greets, allowing fellows to network extensively before starting their projects.
Cultural competence is increasingly important in healthcare administration, especially in diverse areas like Los Angeles. Understanding different cultural perspectives can help administrators better connect with patients and staff, leading to improved healthcare outcomes and organizational effectiveness.
After completing a fellowship, many opportunities are available in healthcare administration. These can include roles in hospital management, specialized program management (like Vrushangi's role in AYA Oncology), or executive leadership positions. Many organizations value retaining fellows and support their long-term career development.
