More Student Profiles . . .
My desire to serve brought me to the Program. I began to explore graduate education options in medicine and medical research in my senior year at the University of Washington. At the time, I was not very aware of the opportunities available in the field of health administration, but I studied my options, analyzed my natural abilities and past experiences, and began to consider the possibilities. My main question was, "How can I serve best?" I knew for sure that my field of service would be in the health sector. The summation of my previous experiences got me to realize that a career in heath administration was the right fit for my service oriented goals and my lifestyle. I then decided to pursue the Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree. From interactions with UW MHA Program staff and faculty, I knew that the Program would provide me with the academic knowledge, leadership competencies, and tools needed for a successful career.
What was your undergraduate major? What other educational experiences did you have before you came to the UW MHA Program?
In 2007, I graduated from the UW with a Bachelor of Science in Cell & Molecular Biology. I also have a certificate in Project Management, which I earned in 2003.
What work experience did you have before coming to the UW MHA Program?
Before entering UW as an undergraduate, my experiences ranged from working as a customer service representative for a Fortune 500 wireless company to working in different retail sales enterprises. I also started and succeeded at forming my own business consulting firm with a business partner. I specialized in business process improvement for small and medium sized businesses. This venture went on successfully from 2003 to 2004 when I decided to return to school and finish my bachelor's degree.
As a student, I worked as a research assistant and learned basic molecular biology laboratory techniques in a lab that studied the role and regulation of serotonin receptors in rat brains using animal models of psychiatric illnesses. This was one of my best work experiences, one for which I am very thankful because it was the pinnacle of my undergraduate experience.
When I graduated, I was given the opportunity to begin my career in health administration with Sea Mar Community Health Centers as an executive intern. I worked with the Sea Mar Executive Team and fulfilled roles such as Clinic Manager for the Burien and White Center Medical Clinics. I was also a member of the steering committee for the Sea Mar Call Center, and a project manager for the development and implementation of a performance improvement tool. My internship at Sea Mar was a valuable management and leadership experience that prepared me for my first year in the UW MHA Program. It also provided me with the opportunity to serve the Latino community in a long-standing, respected non-profit organization.
What do you feel are the strengths of the UW MHA Program?
The UW MHA Program has several areas of strength. First, I would like to acknowledge the Program's outstanding faculty; they are entirely committed to our success academically and professionally.
Second, the curriculum is strategically designed to develop in students the management and leadership competencies necessary to create change and exceed the demands of the US health care system.
Lastly, the Program is strong because of the range of programs and activities dedicated to the professional success of students; for example, the mentor and internship programs, networking events, and support for participating in case competitions.
Are there any outstanding or unique experiences that you would like to share regarding the UW MHA Program?
The UW MHA Program has been very supportive. During my last quarter as an undergraduate student, I was given permission to take a few Program courses. I was also able to meet with Dr. Will Welton, MHA Program Director, so I could learn about the Program and what it entailed. Finally, the Program facilitated my introduction to Rogelio Riojas, CEO of Sea Mar Community Health Centers, a successful graduate of the UW MHA Program, and a well respected Latino leader in the health care field.
What goals do you plan to pursue for your career in health care management?
My goal is to serve the greater good and make a positive contribution to the delivery of health care services in the US. I would like to focus on providing world class medical care to the Latino population, which is expected to grow in upcoming decades and currently lacks leadership representation in larger medical systems.
I am most interested in high level management at a large health care organization or system. Upon graduation, I would like to pursue an administrative fellowship. This would compliment and further develop the core competencies learned in the Program. Eventually, I plan to become Chief Executive Officer of a hospital or Community Health Center.
Is there anything you would like to share about your experience as a student at the University of Washington?
The University of Washington is a fine institution. There are vast resources and opportunities available here. Whether a student is interested in academia, medical and biological research, law, business, medicine, or health administration, the University of Washington is leading the way with robust and carefully designed programs. All my experiences here have been positive and rewarding.
Student Profile
Jeremy Vargas: MHA Candidate, 2010
What brought you to the UW MHA Program?My desire to serve brought me to the Program. I began to explore graduate education options in medicine and medical research in my senior year at the University of Washington. At the time, I was not very aware of the opportunities available in the field of health administration, but I studied my options, analyzed my natural abilities and past experiences, and began to consider the possibilities. My main question was, "How can I serve best?" I knew for sure that my field of service would be in the health sector. The summation of my previous experiences got me to realize that a career in heath administration was the right fit for my service oriented goals and my lifestyle. I then decided to pursue the Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree. From interactions with UW MHA Program staff and faculty, I knew that the Program would provide me with the academic knowledge, leadership competencies, and tools needed for a successful career.
What was your undergraduate major? What other educational experiences did you have before you came to the UW MHA Program?
In 2007, I graduated from the UW with a Bachelor of Science in Cell & Molecular Biology. I also have a certificate in Project Management, which I earned in 2003.
What work experience did you have before coming to the UW MHA Program?
Before entering UW as an undergraduate, my experiences ranged from working as a customer service representative for a Fortune 500 wireless company to working in different retail sales enterprises. I also started and succeeded at forming my own business consulting firm with a business partner. I specialized in business process improvement for small and medium sized businesses. This venture went on successfully from 2003 to 2004 when I decided to return to school and finish my bachelor's degree.
As a student, I worked as a research assistant and learned basic molecular biology laboratory techniques in a lab that studied the role and regulation of serotonin receptors in rat brains using animal models of psychiatric illnesses. This was one of my best work experiences, one for which I am very thankful because it was the pinnacle of my undergraduate experience.
When I graduated, I was given the opportunity to begin my career in health administration with Sea Mar Community Health Centers as an executive intern. I worked with the Sea Mar Executive Team and fulfilled roles such as Clinic Manager for the Burien and White Center Medical Clinics. I was also a member of the steering committee for the Sea Mar Call Center, and a project manager for the development and implementation of a performance improvement tool. My internship at Sea Mar was a valuable management and leadership experience that prepared me for my first year in the UW MHA Program. It also provided me with the opportunity to serve the Latino community in a long-standing, respected non-profit organization.
What do you feel are the strengths of the UW MHA Program?
The UW MHA Program has several areas of strength. First, I would like to acknowledge the Program's outstanding faculty; they are entirely committed to our success academically and professionally.
Second, the curriculum is strategically designed to develop in students the management and leadership competencies necessary to create change and exceed the demands of the US health care system.
Lastly, the Program is strong because of the range of programs and activities dedicated to the professional success of students; for example, the mentor and internship programs, networking events, and support for participating in case competitions.
Are there any outstanding or unique experiences that you would like to share regarding the UW MHA Program?
The UW MHA Program has been very supportive. During my last quarter as an undergraduate student, I was given permission to take a few Program courses. I was also able to meet with Dr. Will Welton, MHA Program Director, so I could learn about the Program and what it entailed. Finally, the Program facilitated my introduction to Rogelio Riojas, CEO of Sea Mar Community Health Centers, a successful graduate of the UW MHA Program, and a well respected Latino leader in the health care field.
What goals do you plan to pursue for your career in health care management?
My goal is to serve the greater good and make a positive contribution to the delivery of health care services in the US. I would like to focus on providing world class medical care to the Latino population, which is expected to grow in upcoming decades and currently lacks leadership representation in larger medical systems.
I am most interested in high level management at a large health care organization or system. Upon graduation, I would like to pursue an administrative fellowship. This would compliment and further develop the core competencies learned in the Program. Eventually, I plan to become Chief Executive Officer of a hospital or Community Health Center.
Is there anything you would like to share about your experience as a student at the University of Washington?
The University of Washington is a fine institution. There are vast resources and opportunities available here. Whether a student is interested in academia, medical and biological research, law, business, medicine, or health administration, the University of Washington is leading the way with robust and carefully designed programs. All my experiences here have been positive and rewarding.
