For emerging healthcare leaders seeking robust professional development, mentorship, and hands-on experience in a top-tier integrated delivery and financing system, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Administrative Fellowship stands out as a model program among healthcare administrative fellowship opportunities. Designed to provide in-depth exposure to the complexities of a large health system, the UPMC fellowship blends structured core functional rotations, direct mentorship by executive teams, and opportunities for early managerial responsibilities. To gain insight into this experience, we recently spoke with former UPMC Administrative Fellow and current Senior Practice Manager, Chesna Panicker, MHA.
Panicker's journey toward health administration began earlier than most. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, she realized her passion for the administrative side of healthcare as a high school student—an uncommon path in communities where the clinical track often dominates discussions about healthcare careers. While shadowing a vice president at St. Luke's Hospital, she recognized that the hospital environment thrives on much more than frontline clinical care. This early exposure guided her to Saint Louis University (SLU), where she completed a unique "4+1" accelerated program, earning both her undergraduate degree in health management and a Master of Health Administration (MHA) in just five years.
Before pursuing a fellowship, Panicker's early experiences provided a broad perspective on healthcare delivery. While in graduate school, she participated in a health administration internship at SteadyMD, a telehealth startup providing concierge-like services to underinsured and remote patients. The environment was dynamic and service-driven, enabling her to see firsthand how innovative care models can improve patient access.
Later, Panicker spent a summer residency interning at the Cleveland Clinic, focusing primarily on Cleveland Clinic Children’s. There, she benefited from a cohort-based model that fostered camaraderie and professional growth. These foundational hospital administrative internship experiences cemented her desire to take the next step: an administrative fellowship to further hone her leadership skills and operational understanding.
For Panicker, a post-graduate administrative fellowship provided the ideal next step. Coming from an accelerated program with limited full-time industry exposure, she knew the value of a structured, rotational learning environment. Her goal was to build a comprehensive skill set, gain confidence in multiple functional areas, and accelerate her leadership potential. Fellowships, by design, offer these advantages—enabling early careerists to explore various operational facets and refine their career interests under executive mentorship.
Applying for administrative fellowship programs can be both challenging and rewarding. Panicker's experience was no exception. She applied to about seven programs, focusing on organizations that matched her interests and where she could envision herself living long-term. While she initially leaned toward pediatric health systems—given her positive experience at Cleveland Clinic Children's—she remained open to broader opportunities.
When the time came for on-site interviews, Panicker secured six invitations—a testament to her preparation and authenticity. A notable twist occurred when four onsite interviews were scheduled for the same day. Faced with a tough decision, she turned to a simple sign: a Pennsylvania license plate she spotted after class. Taking it as a positive omen, she chose UPMC's interview in Pittsburgh, a decision that felt immediately right when she met the warm, welcoming fellowship team.
UPMC's fellowship is a two-year program structured to maximize exposure and skill development. During the first year, fellows rotate through multiple areas—ranging from inpatient operations and nursing administration to outpatient clinics, facilities management, finance, and even UPMC Health Plan. These six-to-eight-week core functional rotations give fellows a holistic understanding of the system's complexity and interconnectivity. Panicker recalls that this wide range of experiences empowered her to draw upon established contacts and insights later in her career.
The second year of the fellowship focuses on management experience and leading teams. Panicker served as an administrative resident, overseeing a staff of 14–15 individuals. This hands-on managerial role allowed her to apply the leadership skills and system knowledge gained during her first year. Upon completing the fellowship, she remained at UPMC, advancing to a Senior Practice Manager position overseeing four primary care practices.
One of the hallmark benefits of the UPMC fellowship is the exceptional mentorship. Each rotation pairs fellows with a preceptor—often a senior executive—who provides weekly feedback and guidance. Formal evaluations at the end of each rotation allow fellows to chart their growth, while a dedicated mentor and a robust alumni network offer long-term support. Panicker also received formal executive mentorship in her second year, forging relationships that extend beyond the fellowship's conclusion. She now works closely with one of her former mentors, who is part of her leadership chain.
When asked about her most meaningful assignments, Panicker highlighted three rotations:
Panicker's advice for prospective fellows and graduate level students interested in healthcare administration fellowships is clear:
Panicker's journey underscores the invaluable role an administrative fellowship can play in early career development. UPMC's structured rotations, diverse learning experiences, and commitment to mentorship provided her with a solid foundation to grow as a healthcare leader. The fellowship offered opportunities for networking, developing analytical skills, and engaging in meaningful project work across various service lines.
Today, as a Senior Practice Manager overseeing multiple primary care practices, Panicker's story illustrates that the fellowship experience at UPMC is not just a two-year stepping stone—it's a catalyst for a long-term, impactful career in healthcare administration. For those seeking to understand what an administrative fellowship entails, UPMC's program stands out as an exemplary model within an integrated academic medical center, offering a comprehensive introduction to the complexities of modern healthcare management.
