More Alumni Profiles . . .
When I graduated from the UW Executive MHA Program, I was Director of Emergency Services for Tacoma General Hospital. I mentioned to my Chief Operating Officer that I had just completed my MHA and was interested in experiencing a broader view of our integrated delivery system. I asked him to keep me in mind if there were projects he felt I was suitable for, and told him that I would appreciate the opportunity to gain exposure to new areas. A few weeks later he called me to his office and said, “Remember our conversation about new opportunities? Well, do I have an opportunity for you!” Although not in my area of expertise, I was promoted to Administrative Director for MultiCare Health System’s five locations, providing surgical services in Pierce and South King Counties. During that time, we replaced our aging surgical suites with two floors of state-of-the-art surgical and cardiac catheterization suites. I served in that position from 1999-2004, and then took the opportunity to add back the Tacoma General Hospital Emergency Department to my Surgical Services responsibilities. In April 2005, I was promoted to Hospital Administrator for TG, and in May 2005, I received a title promotion to Vice President in recognition of the scope of my responsibilities.
What are the unique rewards inherent in what you do?
One of the most gratifying rewards of this position are facilitating the ability of physicians and staff to improve the delivery of patient care in a dynamic and ever changing health care delivery system. I enjoy providing the strategic framework for change that enhances the patient and provider experience.
What challenges do you face in the current health care environment?
The greatest challenge is technology adoption, managing Tacoma General Hospital’s capacity for change, and implementing multiple initiatives.
What impact has the UW Executive MHA Program had on your career?
The Executive MHA Program and earning the MHA was the stepping stone to motivate me and give me the confidence to look beyond the comfortable boundaries I had placed around myself and seek out new challenges.
What aspects of the UW Executive MHA Program have been of greatest benefit to you?
The Program developed my ability to think and plan strategically, establish positive physician relationships, and create workable partnerships. It also gave me an overall understanding of the business of health care.
Name the highlights of your student years
I really enjoyed and got the most out of the classroom discussions and interactions, as well as the group assignments.
What advice do you have for students/recent alums?
Challenge the status quo, use the tools you were given in the Program and don’t be afraid to take a few risks.
Alumni Profile
Shelly Mullin: Executive MHA, 1999
Brief job history, including decisions/choices that led to current career positionWhen I graduated from the UW Executive MHA Program, I was Director of Emergency Services for Tacoma General Hospital. I mentioned to my Chief Operating Officer that I had just completed my MHA and was interested in experiencing a broader view of our integrated delivery system. I asked him to keep me in mind if there were projects he felt I was suitable for, and told him that I would appreciate the opportunity to gain exposure to new areas. A few weeks later he called me to his office and said, “Remember our conversation about new opportunities? Well, do I have an opportunity for you!” Although not in my area of expertise, I was promoted to Administrative Director for MultiCare Health System’s five locations, providing surgical services in Pierce and South King Counties. During that time, we replaced our aging surgical suites with two floors of state-of-the-art surgical and cardiac catheterization suites. I served in that position from 1999-2004, and then took the opportunity to add back the Tacoma General Hospital Emergency Department to my Surgical Services responsibilities. In April 2005, I was promoted to Hospital Administrator for TG, and in May 2005, I received a title promotion to Vice President in recognition of the scope of my responsibilities.
What are the unique rewards inherent in what you do?
One of the most gratifying rewards of this position are facilitating the ability of physicians and staff to improve the delivery of patient care in a dynamic and ever changing health care delivery system. I enjoy providing the strategic framework for change that enhances the patient and provider experience.
What challenges do you face in the current health care environment?
The greatest challenge is technology adoption, managing Tacoma General Hospital’s capacity for change, and implementing multiple initiatives.
What impact has the UW Executive MHA Program had on your career?
The Executive MHA Program and earning the MHA was the stepping stone to motivate me and give me the confidence to look beyond the comfortable boundaries I had placed around myself and seek out new challenges.
What aspects of the UW Executive MHA Program have been of greatest benefit to you?
The Program developed my ability to think and plan strategically, establish positive physician relationships, and create workable partnerships. It also gave me an overall understanding of the business of health care.
Name the highlights of your student years
I really enjoyed and got the most out of the classroom discussions and interactions, as well as the group assignments.
What advice do you have for students/recent alums?
Challenge the status quo, use the tools you were given in the Program and don’t be afraid to take a few risks.