Healthcare administration fellowships offer a unique opportunity for aspiring leaders to gain hands-on experience in the healthcare industry. These programs provide a bridge between academic knowledge and practical skills, preparing future executives for the challenges of managing complex healthcare organizations. In this blog post, we’ll explore the journey of Myrna Brignol, an administrative fellow at Jefferson Health, and gain insights into the world of healthcare administration fellowships.

Transitioning from Pre-Med to Healthcare Administration

Like many students, Myrna Brignol initially pursued a pre-med track in college. However, during her junior year, she realized that her true passion lay elsewhere. “My heart wasn’t completely into the hardcore science classes,” Myrna explains. “It seemed like a thing that I was just checking off my list and not what I was really passionate about.”

This realization led Myrna to explore other options within the healthcare field. She discovered healthcare administration, which aligned perfectly with her interests in leadership and working with diverse groups of people. This transition showcases the importance of self-reflection and flexibility in one’s career path.

Discovering MHA Programs and Choosing the Right Fit

After deciding to pursue healthcare administration, Myrna began researching Master of Health Administration (MHA) programs. She chose the University of Pittsburgh for several reasons:

(1) Strong connections with UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center)

(2) Internal residency matching program

(3) Guaranteed residency as a graduation requirement

Myrna’s decision to seek out a program with a required residency highlights the value of practical experience in healthcare leadership development. “I just really wanted to make sure that I was getting as much experience in the field as I could,” she states.

Gaining Experience Through Healthcare Residencies

During her MHA program, Myrna secured a residency at Temple University Health System, focusing on financial operations and revenue cycle management. This experience provided valuable insights into the financial aspects of healthcare administration, an area often overlooked by aspiring leaders.

Myrna emphasizes the importance of learning “to do more with less” in healthcare, particularly in systems serving primarily Medicaid populations. She shares a key lesson from her time at Temple: “Every little thing matters. Everything you do is going to add up to a greater good, so just don’t overlook the little things.”

Securing a Healthcare Administration Fellowship

As Myrna approached the end of her MHA program, she began applying for administrative fellowships. She started the application process in October of her final year, focusing on just two programs that aligned with her goals. This targeted approach paid off, as she secured interviews with both organizations.

Myrna ultimately chose the Jefferson Health Fellowship, impressed by the program’s high retention rate of fellows and the organization’s commitment to fostering future healthcare leaders. Her experience highlights the importance of researching fellowship programs and finding the right cultural fit.

Developing Leadership Skills in Healthcare Administration

Throughout her fellowship at Jefferson Health, Myrna has focused on developing key leadership skills:

(1) Embracing challenges and stepping out of her comfort zone

(2) Building relationships and networking with healthcare professionals

(3) Attending healthcare conferences for professional development

Myrna advises aspiring healthcare administrators to “make connections because I feel that the reason why I ended up in a fellowship is because I really sought out people’s experiences.” She recommends attending conferences, such as those hosted by the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA), to network and learn from industry leaders.

Career Outlook in Hospital Administration

As Myrna approaches the end of her fellowship, she reflects on her career goals and the flexibility of paths within healthcare administration. Rather than focusing on specific titles or roles, she emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adaptability.

“I want to be a well-rounded healthcare leader,” Myrna explains. “Whatever experiences I can do to get there is what I’ll do.” This open-minded approach aligns with the advice of many successful healthcare executives who attribute their success to saying “yes” to diverse opportunities throughout their careers.

Advice for Aspiring Healthcare Administrators

Myrna offers several key pieces of advice for those pursuing careers in healthcare administration:

(1) Don’t be afraid of challenges. Embrace opportunities that push you out of your comfort zone.

(2) Make connections. Network with professionals in your desired field and maintain relationships with colleagues.

(3) Seek diverse experiences. Explore different aspects of healthcare, including finance and operations.

(4) Attend conferences. Start with smaller, more intimate events if networking feels intimidating.

(5) Remember that everyone starts somewhere. Even high-level executives were once in your position.

By following these guidelines and maintaining a growth mindset, aspiring healthcare administrators can position themselves for success in this dynamic and rewarding field.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is a healthcare administration fellowship?

A healthcare administration fellowship is a post-graduate program that provides hands-on experience in healthcare management. Fellows typically work on various projects across different departments, gaining exposure to leadership roles and healthcare operations.

How long does a healthcare administration fellowship usually last?

Most healthcare administration fellowships last one to two years. Myrna Brignol’s fellowship at Jefferson Health, for example, is a one-year program.

What are the benefits of completing a healthcare administration fellowship?

Benefits include gaining practical experience, networking with healthcare leaders, exposure to different areas of healthcare management, and potential job opportunities within the organization post-fellowship.

How can I prepare for a career in healthcare administration?

To prepare for a career in healthcare administration, consider pursuing an MHA or related degree, seek internships or residencies in healthcare settings, attend industry conferences, and network with professionals in the field.

What skills are important for success in healthcare administration?

Important skills include leadership, strategic thinking, financial management, communication, adaptability, and a strong understanding of healthcare operations and regulations.