More Student Profiles . . .
After 16 years working in health care, I was at a turning point in my career where I could either refine my skills and remain in my current position or return to school and advance further into leadership. I could have pursued either a MBA or MHA for this path, but knew that the reputation of the UW Executive MHA Program combined with the diversity of clinical and non-clinical classmates would create a solid educational foundation. This blending of diverse student skills in a collaborative environment with nationally known instructors is the right combination to further develop my transformational leadership skills.
How would you describe your educational background?
Following high school, I attended Evergreen State College for a couple of years and then returned to the work force for 10 years to build some practical experience. I returned to Evergreen as an adult student with a new vision. I was older, more experienced, and more motivated, which allowed me to incorporate the final two years of my bachelor's degree at Evergreen with specific business related classes at Pierce College and in Pacific Lutheran University's MBA program. Before enrolling in the UW Executive MHA Program, 17 years had passed since I last attended an integrated college program.
What is your professional background?
My initial work experience was in the service industry with work in Human Resources and retail. In 1992, I transitioned into health care by accepting a Regional Manager position with Virginia Mason Medical Center's Health Resource Services. The entire focus of Health Resource Services is helping health systems (hospitals, surgery centers, clinics, and nursing homes) reduce supply chain costs and improve effectiveness. In 2005, I was promoted to Vice President. I am responsible for Regional Managers in Washington, Idaho, and Montana while directly supporting key hospitals.
Are there any outstanding or unique experiences that you would like to share with regard to the UW Executive MHA Program?
I have been touched by the professional approach the staff and faculty have towards the students. I have also found the quality of my fellow classmates and the diverse experiences each of them brings to my own learning highly motivational. This exceptional educational experience is exactly what I need to further my career.
What do you feel are the strengths of the UW Executive MHA Program?
This program is designed to develop transformational leaders who come from both clinical and non-clinical backgrounds. It interlinks professional experience learning with traditional topics like Organizational Behavior, Finance, Healthcare Economics, Clinical Systems Management, Strategic Management, and Health Administration. The Program is rated as one of the top accredited MHA programs in the country and is designed for the professional who is working full time. This is a high quality program that rewards self-motivated students.
What are your career goals, and how do you feel the UW Executive MHA Program is assisting you in reaching these goals?
In two years, armed with my Executive MHA degree and a broader understanding of effective leadership, I will seek further leadership opportunities at Virginia Mason Medical Center and Health Resource Services.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience here?
Upon graduation, I will have developed skills in leadership, assembled a great list of textbooks for future reference, and had the chance to work with truly outstanding faculty and staff. But, there is more to consider. The network-building process of working with skilled professionals on class projects is a key opportunity. When all factors are combined, joining the UW Executive MHA Program was the right choice for me.
Student Profile
Austin T. Ross: Executive MHA, 2010
What brought you to the UW Executive MHA Program?After 16 years working in health care, I was at a turning point in my career where I could either refine my skills and remain in my current position or return to school and advance further into leadership. I could have pursued either a MBA or MHA for this path, but knew that the reputation of the UW Executive MHA Program combined with the diversity of clinical and non-clinical classmates would create a solid educational foundation. This blending of diverse student skills in a collaborative environment with nationally known instructors is the right combination to further develop my transformational leadership skills.
How would you describe your educational background?
Following high school, I attended Evergreen State College for a couple of years and then returned to the work force for 10 years to build some practical experience. I returned to Evergreen as an adult student with a new vision. I was older, more experienced, and more motivated, which allowed me to incorporate the final two years of my bachelor's degree at Evergreen with specific business related classes at Pierce College and in Pacific Lutheran University's MBA program. Before enrolling in the UW Executive MHA Program, 17 years had passed since I last attended an integrated college program.
What is your professional background?
My initial work experience was in the service industry with work in Human Resources and retail. In 1992, I transitioned into health care by accepting a Regional Manager position with Virginia Mason Medical Center's Health Resource Services. The entire focus of Health Resource Services is helping health systems (hospitals, surgery centers, clinics, and nursing homes) reduce supply chain costs and improve effectiveness. In 2005, I was promoted to Vice President. I am responsible for Regional Managers in Washington, Idaho, and Montana while directly supporting key hospitals.
Are there any outstanding or unique experiences that you would like to share with regard to the UW Executive MHA Program?
I have been touched by the professional approach the staff and faculty have towards the students. I have also found the quality of my fellow classmates and the diverse experiences each of them brings to my own learning highly motivational. This exceptional educational experience is exactly what I need to further my career.
What do you feel are the strengths of the UW Executive MHA Program?
This program is designed to develop transformational leaders who come from both clinical and non-clinical backgrounds. It interlinks professional experience learning with traditional topics like Organizational Behavior, Finance, Healthcare Economics, Clinical Systems Management, Strategic Management, and Health Administration. The Program is rated as one of the top accredited MHA programs in the country and is designed for the professional who is working full time. This is a high quality program that rewards self-motivated students.
What are your career goals, and how do you feel the UW Executive MHA Program is assisting you in reaching these goals?
In two years, armed with my Executive MHA degree and a broader understanding of effective leadership, I will seek further leadership opportunities at Virginia Mason Medical Center and Health Resource Services.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience here?
Upon graduation, I will have developed skills in leadership, assembled a great list of textbooks for future reference, and had the chance to work with truly outstanding faculty and staff. But, there is more to consider. The network-building process of working with skilled professionals on class projects is a key opportunity. When all factors are combined, joining the UW Executive MHA Program was the right choice for me.
