More Student Profiles . . .
When I started working as a public health field researcher, I anticipated that my involvement would promote positive lifestyle changes in the communities being served. However, I discovered a recurring sentiment from community members that hospitals should be held accountable for contributing to poor health conditions because of their failure to deliver sufficient health care services to patients without health insurance. The disheartening testimonies from community members reiterated the importance of compassion in the work of health administrators. Consequently, my experience in the community-based sector of public health has directed me to health administration, a field where I can implement sustainable interventions that will improve the health of communities.
After extensive research into the UW MHA Program, I was confident that it would be a good fit for me. The type of degree conferred, the experience and educational interest of faculty, the mentor program, and the strength of the alumni network all contributed to my desire to attend the UW MHA Program. Upon visiting, I was very pleased with the Program staff. The staff was integral in my decision to attend UW; they are approachable and really care about the students. Most importantly, they are accessible and willing to go out of their way to meet the needs of students.
Lastly, there are many prominent health care organizations in Washington State. This was something that increased my interest in the UW MHA Program because of the possible opportunities for employment upon graduation.
What was your undergraduate major? What other educational experiences did you have before you came to the UW MHA Program?
My initial exposure to public health began with coursework in Ethnic Studies at the University of California at San Diego (UCSD). During my tenure at UCSD, I gained a fundamental understanding of the systematic inequities and bureaucratic barriers that delay, and in some cases, prevent the delivery of quality health care to those who need it. Policies such as racial covenants and redlining have resulted in insufficient resources, and have created disparities in health care among those of low socioeconomic status. I researched the various fields in public health, and decided that health administration was a field in which I could make a positive impact.
What work experience did you have before coming to the UW MHA Program?
As an undergraduate, I had an invaluable experience as a Hospital Administrative Intern at Henry Ford Hospital, a level one trauma center in Detroit, Michigan. I was awarded the internship through the Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) at the University of Michigan's School of Public Health. I assisted in developing effective strategies to improve patient flow and restructure frequent overuse of the Emergency Department, and learned the importance of professionalism and accountability by working closely with the Administrative Director of the Henry Ford Hospital Emergency Department. This internship enabled me to understand how patient advocacy improves the deliverance of quality health care and health outcomes. This experience in a non-profit, integrated health system motivated me to learn more about administration, specifically within the community-based sector of public health.
After earning my degree from UCSD, I was determined to gain further work experience in public health. I was employed by the California Black Health Network (CBHN), the largest and longest tenured organization of African American public health professionals in California. As a research associate, I was involved in projects designed to improve the health status of African Americans who reside in the state of California. I worked to influence policies and programs that advance health promotion and disease prevention through a statewide Tobacco-Related Disease Research Project (TRDRP). Most importantly, I worked with countless members of underserved Los Angeles communities through my research projects.
What do you feel are the strengths of the UW MHA Program?
First, the Program does an exceptional job of recruiting experienced faculty members who provide students with a good balance of theoretical models and practical approaches to solving complex challenges in interdisciplinary health care settings.
Second, the curriculum of the UW MHA Program positions students to be successful upon graduation. Working in a variety of group projects during the course of the academic year has been beneficial for me, because it has enabled me to have a better sense of my strengths and weaknesses.
The UW MHA Program also has an unquestionable commitment to the elimination of health disparities, which I share.
Are there any outstanding or unique experiences that you would like to share regarding the UW MHA Program?
The mentor program has been monumental in my development as a potential administrator and as a person. My mentor, Joyce Jackson, Chief Executive Officer of Northwest Kidney Centers (NKC), understands the value of a mentorship and the potential benefits to both parties involved. She is truly vested in sharing her knowledge and experiences with me. I have been able to attend board and sub-board committee meetings with her. Most importantly, I have taken advantage of the opportunity to be at the table where tough decisions are made and attend community events that positively impact members of the Seattle community.
What goals do you plan to pursue for your career in health care management?
After obtaining my MHA degree, I plan to complete an administrative fellowship program at a not-for-profit hospital. I feel that completing a fellowship program will best prepare me to achieve my ultimate goal, which is to become Chief Operations Officer for a not-for-profit community hospital.
Student Profile
Uzoma Mmeje: MHA Candidate, 2009
What brought you to the UW MHA Program?When I started working as a public health field researcher, I anticipated that my involvement would promote positive lifestyle changes in the communities being served. However, I discovered a recurring sentiment from community members that hospitals should be held accountable for contributing to poor health conditions because of their failure to deliver sufficient health care services to patients without health insurance. The disheartening testimonies from community members reiterated the importance of compassion in the work of health administrators. Consequently, my experience in the community-based sector of public health has directed me to health administration, a field where I can implement sustainable interventions that will improve the health of communities.
After extensive research into the UW MHA Program, I was confident that it would be a good fit for me. The type of degree conferred, the experience and educational interest of faculty, the mentor program, and the strength of the alumni network all contributed to my desire to attend the UW MHA Program. Upon visiting, I was very pleased with the Program staff. The staff was integral in my decision to attend UW; they are approachable and really care about the students. Most importantly, they are accessible and willing to go out of their way to meet the needs of students.
Lastly, there are many prominent health care organizations in Washington State. This was something that increased my interest in the UW MHA Program because of the possible opportunities for employment upon graduation.
What was your undergraduate major? What other educational experiences did you have before you came to the UW MHA Program?
My initial exposure to public health began with coursework in Ethnic Studies at the University of California at San Diego (UCSD). During my tenure at UCSD, I gained a fundamental understanding of the systematic inequities and bureaucratic barriers that delay, and in some cases, prevent the delivery of quality health care to those who need it. Policies such as racial covenants and redlining have resulted in insufficient resources, and have created disparities in health care among those of low socioeconomic status. I researched the various fields in public health, and decided that health administration was a field in which I could make a positive impact.
What work experience did you have before coming to the UW MHA Program?
As an undergraduate, I had an invaluable experience as a Hospital Administrative Intern at Henry Ford Hospital, a level one trauma center in Detroit, Michigan. I was awarded the internship through the Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) at the University of Michigan's School of Public Health. I assisted in developing effective strategies to improve patient flow and restructure frequent overuse of the Emergency Department, and learned the importance of professionalism and accountability by working closely with the Administrative Director of the Henry Ford Hospital Emergency Department. This internship enabled me to understand how patient advocacy improves the deliverance of quality health care and health outcomes. This experience in a non-profit, integrated health system motivated me to learn more about administration, specifically within the community-based sector of public health.
After earning my degree from UCSD, I was determined to gain further work experience in public health. I was employed by the California Black Health Network (CBHN), the largest and longest tenured organization of African American public health professionals in California. As a research associate, I was involved in projects designed to improve the health status of African Americans who reside in the state of California. I worked to influence policies and programs that advance health promotion and disease prevention through a statewide Tobacco-Related Disease Research Project (TRDRP). Most importantly, I worked with countless members of underserved Los Angeles communities through my research projects.
What do you feel are the strengths of the UW MHA Program?
First, the Program does an exceptional job of recruiting experienced faculty members who provide students with a good balance of theoretical models and practical approaches to solving complex challenges in interdisciplinary health care settings.
Second, the curriculum of the UW MHA Program positions students to be successful upon graduation. Working in a variety of group projects during the course of the academic year has been beneficial for me, because it has enabled me to have a better sense of my strengths and weaknesses.
The UW MHA Program also has an unquestionable commitment to the elimination of health disparities, which I share.
Are there any outstanding or unique experiences that you would like to share regarding the UW MHA Program?
The mentor program has been monumental in my development as a potential administrator and as a person. My mentor, Joyce Jackson, Chief Executive Officer of Northwest Kidney Centers (NKC), understands the value of a mentorship and the potential benefits to both parties involved. She is truly vested in sharing her knowledge and experiences with me. I have been able to attend board and sub-board committee meetings with her. Most importantly, I have taken advantage of the opportunity to be at the table where tough decisions are made and attend community events that positively impact members of the Seattle community.
What goals do you plan to pursue for your career in health care management?
After obtaining my MHA degree, I plan to complete an administrative fellowship program at a not-for-profit hospital. I feel that completing a fellowship program will best prepare me to achieve my ultimate goal, which is to become Chief Operations Officer for a not-for-profit community hospital.