What brought you to the UW MHA Program?
While working for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW), I found no matter what program I was working on or what group I was talking to everyone had concerns about health care. It is frustrating that so many people don't have access to care and can't receive basic medical attention. My position at IDHW exposed me to both the Medicaid and Medicare systems. I became convinced that better organizational management and structure were key to improving these programs. I eventually found out about the MHA degree and decided it was the perfect program for pursuing my interests.

What was your undergraduate major?
I was a History major at a small liberal arts college.

What work experience did you have before coming to the UW MHA Program?
Upon graduating from college, I become an AmeriCorps volunteer. In my AmeriCorps position, I was placed at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare where I worked on a project that linked people in need with community services. After my year of service, I accepted a position within IDHW. I worked on various assignments ranging from database management to answering questions about client benefits. I subsequently worked for the National Crime Victim Law Institute as an administrative coordinator where my primary focus was on grant management.

What do you feel are the strengths of the UW MHA Program?
The UW MHA Program does an excellent job linking students with health administrators in the community. There are numerous networking opportunities, a well thought out mentor program, and a successful internship program. Faculty and staff within the UW MHA Program are always willing to meet with me to talk and answer questions. Because the program is small, I am able to get to know my instructors and fellow students really well. I like how the program works to create an accessible MHA community.

Are there any outstanding or unique experiences that you would like to share regarding the UW MHA Program?
This spring I participated in a professional development program at Stevens Hospital. The experience was a great complement to classroom work and was extremely interesting and informative. I had the opportunity to meet with all of the people in the executive suite and candidly ask them questions about their positions, and the challenges and triumphs they face on a daily basis. The program provided an opportunity for me to learn in a hospital setting which I felt was really important for my education, as I lack experience working in a hospital.

What goals do you plan to pursue for your career in health care management?
I am interested in both rural health care and health care policy. Hopefully, I can combine these interests and pursue a career that advocates for improved health care quality and access in rural areas.

Abbie graduated June 2009. She plans to move to Cincinnati, OH and begin her career there.