More Student Profiles . . .
Prior to starting my undergraduate studies I decided that I wanted to work in the health field. Feeling that my strength was more in administration than the clinical side of health, I focused on what I could do in the administrative setting. I have seen how administration can affect a hospital and in turn improve care to the community. I have also seen how a community can unite around a hospital to assist in its improvement. This has motivated me to pursue a career in health administration.
After graduating from Seattle University, I applied to three schools. I researched all three extensively, through visiting and talking to alumni, program directors, faculty, and current students. It was a tough decision, but it really came down to the best fit for me. The genuine interest that the UW MHA Program faculty and staff have for the students is unbeatable. The focus on leadership in combination with practical competencies is excellent. And the location is ideal, because there are so many facilities dedicated to health care in Seattle and the surrounding areas.
What was your undergraduate major?
I earned my undergraduate degree in business administration with a major in management and a minor in finance from Seattle University. The reason I picked Seattle University was because I felt it was in the best location for me to get experience in the health administration field. Living on "Pill Hill" where there are several large health care organizations gave me many opportunities to volunteer, intern, and network with administrators in the area.
What work experience did you have before coming to the UW MHA Program?
I have volunteered at Swedish Medical Center, both in the emergency department and in the Mother Joseph Clinic, a free clinic for patients who are either uninsured or underinsured. I also did a two-summer internship at Virginia Mason Medical Center as a Corporate/Administrative Intern, mainly working in their group-purchasing department.
What do you feel are the strengths of the UW MHA Program?
The faculty is next to none. They have a great diversification of backgrounds and work experience. This is invaluable, because if I have a specific interest, there is a professor I can talk to about it. The faculty are more than willing to talk to students and provide support where needed. The staff is the same, enthusiastic to aid in anyway possible.
The UW MHA Program as a whole is set up to create not only great administrators but also great leaders. The focus on developing leadership skills in students sets this program apart.
Are there any outstanding or unique experiences that you would like to share regarding the UW MHA Program?
Recently, John Nance, author of the book Why Hospitals Should Fly: The Ultimate Flight Plan to Patient Safety and Quality, spoke at a UW MHA Program event. I took advantage of this, and it was well worth listening to Mr. Nance discuss how health care quality and patient safety relates to practices within the airline industry. An event like this is just one of many great opportunities available to students in the UW MHA Program.
What goals do you plan to pursue for your career in health care management?
I am considering pursuing a fellowship at a non-profit hospital to further my education. Following the fellowship, I plan to work my way up to Chief Executive Officer at a non-profit hospital in a rural community, in hopes of creating a better hospital to improve care for the community.
Student Profile
Jacob Davidson: MHA Candidate, 2010
What brought you to the UW MHA Program?Prior to starting my undergraduate studies I decided that I wanted to work in the health field. Feeling that my strength was more in administration than the clinical side of health, I focused on what I could do in the administrative setting. I have seen how administration can affect a hospital and in turn improve care to the community. I have also seen how a community can unite around a hospital to assist in its improvement. This has motivated me to pursue a career in health administration.
After graduating from Seattle University, I applied to three schools. I researched all three extensively, through visiting and talking to alumni, program directors, faculty, and current students. It was a tough decision, but it really came down to the best fit for me. The genuine interest that the UW MHA Program faculty and staff have for the students is unbeatable. The focus on leadership in combination with practical competencies is excellent. And the location is ideal, because there are so many facilities dedicated to health care in Seattle and the surrounding areas.
What was your undergraduate major?
I earned my undergraduate degree in business administration with a major in management and a minor in finance from Seattle University. The reason I picked Seattle University was because I felt it was in the best location for me to get experience in the health administration field. Living on "Pill Hill" where there are several large health care organizations gave me many opportunities to volunteer, intern, and network with administrators in the area.
What work experience did you have before coming to the UW MHA Program?
I have volunteered at Swedish Medical Center, both in the emergency department and in the Mother Joseph Clinic, a free clinic for patients who are either uninsured or underinsured. I also did a two-summer internship at Virginia Mason Medical Center as a Corporate/Administrative Intern, mainly working in their group-purchasing department.
What do you feel are the strengths of the UW MHA Program?
The faculty is next to none. They have a great diversification of backgrounds and work experience. This is invaluable, because if I have a specific interest, there is a professor I can talk to about it. The faculty are more than willing to talk to students and provide support where needed. The staff is the same, enthusiastic to aid in anyway possible.
The UW MHA Program as a whole is set up to create not only great administrators but also great leaders. The focus on developing leadership skills in students sets this program apart.
Are there any outstanding or unique experiences that you would like to share regarding the UW MHA Program?
Recently, John Nance, author of the book Why Hospitals Should Fly: The Ultimate Flight Plan to Patient Safety and Quality, spoke at a UW MHA Program event. I took advantage of this, and it was well worth listening to Mr. Nance discuss how health care quality and patient safety relates to practices within the airline industry. An event like this is just one of many great opportunities available to students in the UW MHA Program.
What goals do you plan to pursue for your career in health care management?
I am considering pursuing a fellowship at a non-profit hospital to further my education. Following the fellowship, I plan to work my way up to Chief Executive Officer at a non-profit hospital in a rural community, in hopes of creating a better hospital to improve care for the community.