A Guide for the Healthcare Early Careerist

NCHL presents the Career Stories from the Healthcare Perspective, a series part of the Guide for the Healthcare Early Careerist. It provides the early careerists with insights and advice from those in the field in a variety of areas.

This episode focuses on the Blue Cross Blue Shield leadership development program. What is the program all about? | How can I apply to be in the program? | What can early careerists do in the insurance space? are all questions being answered by Haley Joyce of Blue Cross Blue Shield.

NCHL presents the Career Stories from the Healthcare Perspective, a series part of the Guide for the Healthcare Early Careerist. It provides the early careerists with insights and advice from those in the field in a variety of areas.

This episode focuses on healthcare consulting What is healthcare consulting? | What do healthcare consultants do on a day to day basis? | What can early careerists do in this space? are all questions being answered by Shailee Smith of Plante Moran.

What makes you stand out from your peers or colleagues?: I spent a lot of time, especially in my fellowship, learning the importance of perfecting the balance between staying both humble and hungry. Essentially, I am confident in my abilities and strengths, but also recognize that there are many things that I am still learning and acquiring the skillset for. Understanding your own limitations and feeling comfortable raising your hand when you do not know something is a tough thing to do, but I believe that the self-awareness I have of keeping both in check helps me stand out from my peers.

Who needs to know you so you can reach your goals?: The most important person that needs to know you so you can reach your goals is YOU! You have to be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses in both your hard skills and soft skills to move your career forward. You will always, regardless of role, be working on skills in both buckets and they will change over time. But actively reflecting, adapting, and practicing them will help you achieve your goals 10x more than networking will. 

What are your values? (Top 3?)

What’s your ultimate career goal?: To be happy. I know that sounds cheesy, but roles and money do not matter if you are compromising your personal happiness to achieve them. I am a firm believer that if you enjoy what you do and you are happy with the organization that you work for, you will produce great work and the rest will fall into place.

Who makes up your support system?: I have an incredible team of family and friends that root for me every day! I also consider my team at work to be a huge support pillar for me. As I have transitioned from industry to consulting, they have been nothing but supportive of my learning and adaptation.

What brings you joy?: I find joy in relaxation (reading and crocheting), I love adventure (traveling and exploring new restaurants and coffee shops in Chicago), I love being active (golfing is my favorite sport, hiking, going for bike rides or walks, and yoga classes). However, I am brought the most joy when I am spending quality time with my family and friends!

What your superpower – the thing you do better than anyone else?: My superpower is patient access. I have been lucky enough to lead an access center of 80 people to start of my career and it has prompted me to learn a lot. I have been able to leverage that experience to help other hospitals achieve access-focused goals. Knowing that I am contributing to making healthcare more accessible to many communities across the country makes me feel very accomplished!

What’s your favorite way to communicate?: As a former manager, my first question to my employees was always, “how do you best receive communication?” Being able to adapt to the communication styles of others in order for them to really understand my messaging was my favorite way to communication to others. In terms of receiving communication myself, I am very much a visual learner, so I receive communication best by seeing work firsthand before diving in myself.

NCHL presents the Trailblazing Healthcare Careerist, a series part of the Guide for the Healthcare Early Careerist. It provides the perspectives of seasoned healthcare executives and changemakers in a variety of workplace issues that early careerists often need help navigating. This episode focuses on workplace politics, how to navigate conversations on personal and professional beliefs, and ways to tackle poltical charged conversations. Lindsey Pollack, Best Selling NYTimes author and Career Expert shares tips and tricks around politics in the workplace.

NCHL presents the Trailblazing Healthcare Careerist, a series part of the Guide for Healthcare Early Careerist. It provides the perspectives of early careerists, seasoned professionals, and changemakers in a variety of workplace issues that early careerists often need help navigating.

This episode focuses on work-life balance from a millenial perspective. Katie Larin answers all the important questions surrouding work-life balance, or work-life integration as she calls it, and invites others in the healthcare space to do the same in their roles.

• What makes you stand out from your peers or colleagues?

My authenticity. I will never be the loudest in the room, but I will always show up, be an empathetic listener, and be my genuine self.

• Who needs to know you so you can reach your goals?

I believe that at our core, we all have a desire to know and to be known – by our community, friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers. At work, it’s important that my mentors and teams know who I am, what drives me and brings me joy, and what makes me fearful or hesitant. It’s important that they know my whole self.

• What are your values?

Purpose, Health , and Community

• What’s your ultimate career goal?

Leading a team or teams in an academic setting to advance healthcare for both present and future communities.

• Who makes up your support system?

My support system includes my sister, parents, friends (around the country and in Indy), my co-fellows, mentors, and coworkers. It also includes being outside and good books and tv shows.

• What brings you joy?

Having a sense of purpose and accomplishment with a team (at work or outside of work), spending quality time with loved ones, being outside, sports, and travel.

• What your superpower – the thing you do better than anyone else?

I’m an excellent card giver. It’s one way I like to show up for people.

• What’s your favorite way to communicate?

i. Face-to-face or email (even outside of work). My friends tease me, apparently I’m a Baby Boomer at heart.

NCHL presents the Trailblazing Healthcare Careerist, a series part of the Guide for the Healthcare Early Careerist. It provides the perspectives of seasoned healthcare executives and changemakers in a variety of workplace issues that early careerists often need help navigating.

This episode focuses on wellbeing for personal and professional life. Dr. Katherine Meese answers the important questions on implementing a wellness mindset into the workpalce and culivating a culture that appreciates and advocates for the wellbeing of its employees.

What makes you stand out from your peers or colleagues?

The great news is that I don't! I am very fortunate to work with really smart and talented people. They challenge me and keep me on my toes! It is good to be humbled by the talent of those around you.

What are your values?

Faith, Curiosity, Service

What’s your ultimate career goal?

To light up my little corner of the world and make healthcare better.

Who makes up your support system?

My husband and children, great friends, family, colleagues, mentors, babysitters, Shipt grocery delivery and Amazon prime.

What brings you joy?

When I see somebody grasp a concept that will improve their lives and the lives of people around them, then apply it.

What’s your superpower – the thing you do better than anyone else?

I think I tend to be able to take a lot of data and information and distill it down to a pretty simple explanation that is relatable. That comes naturally for me.

NCHL presents the Trailblazing Healthcare Careerist, a series part of the Guide for the Healthcare Early Careerist. It provides the perspectives of seasoned healthcare executives and changemakers in a variety of workplace issues that early careerists often need help navigating.

This episode focuses on engaging early careerists in the important work of health management and operations. How can we best enagge our teams? | How can engagement be monitored and improved upon? are all questions being answered by Tim Olaore of Adventist Health.

NCHL presents the Trailblazing Healthcare Careerist, a series part of the Guide for the Healthcare Early Careerist. It provides the perspectives of seasoned healthcare executives and changemakers in a variety of workplace issues that early careerists often need help navigating.

This episode focuses on work-life balance with CFO Healthcare US for Sodexo, Joe Fraser. What is work-life balance? | How do you say 'no' to projects at work? | How does your support system help with this balance? are all questions being answered by Joe Fraser, CFO Healthcare US, Sodexo.

NCHL presents the Trailblazing Healthcare Careerist, a series part of the Guide for the Healthcare Early Careerist. It provides the perspectives of both early careerists and seasoned healthcare executives and changemakers in a variety of workplace issues that early careerists often need help navigating.

This episode focuses on leveraging internship and fellowship experience post-graduation. How do I leverage my limited experience in job interviews? | How do I relay my skills to potential employers? | What can early careerists do to prepare for interviews? are all questions being answered by Dr. Kristin Wilson and MHA candidate Briani Baboolal from the University of Iowa MHA program.

What makes you stand out from your peers or colleagues?

B: My unique upbringing and experiences are what ultimately allows me to stand out. For example, growing up with a mother with a disability, navigating higher education on my own, and having a biracial identity. In addition to this, during my time in my graduate studies at Iowa, I wanted to be sure I capitalized on internal and external opportunities. These experiences have led me to my career path driven by passion and dedication.

Who needs to know you so you can reach your goals?

B: In my opinion, there are three people that you should know so you can reach your goals and they include yourself, a mentor, and a sponsor. It is truly important to know yourself for you to understand what your interests may be and the goals that you are looking to achieve. You want to strive to have mentors in your life for them to build you because they are the ones who typically will give you guidance, advice and provide professional development. Having a sponsor has importance on your career trajectory because they will assist in promoting you on your behalf for new roles aiding in your advancement in your goals.

What are your values?

B: My top three values would include accountability, integrity, and authenticity.

What’s your ultimate career goal?

B: As an early careerist, my interests tend to be diverse because I am still in the stage of wanting to dip my toes in as many opportunities as possible and would not be surprised if my ultimate career goal were to change over time. However, I have found a significant interest in human resources and equity and would love to purse a director or management role in these sectors which can aid my skills to ultimately become a Chief Operating Officer.

Who makes up your support system?

B: My support system is made up of the people who provide me with support and who aid in my personal and professional development. These include my family, friends, and classmates.

What brings you joy?

B: Having meaningful conversations, helping others to the best of my ability, long walks when the weather is nice, trying new restaurants, and making the time to travel home to see my family and spending time with friends.

What is your superpower – the thing you do better than anyone else?

B: As much as I would love to say my superpower is teleportation, it's not. My superpower is being an empath which leads to my inclusive abilities. I am aware of my own feelings as well as others, I continuously find myself being sure to make those around me feel heard and seen. This fosters the environment to have a sense of belongingness, leading people to feel valued.

What’s your favorite way to communicate?

B: Face-to-face communication is my favorite method because it allows myself and others to communicate verbally and have our conversations include genuineness. I enjoy seeing others and having the experience be more meaningful. However, my biggest tip is to be sure you are actively listening as well.

NCHL presents the Trailblazing Healthcare Careerist, a series part of the Guide for the Healthcare Early Careerist. It provides the perspectives of seasoned healthcare executives and changemakers in a variety of workplace issues that early careerists often need help navigating.

This episode focuses on enagagement in the workplace. What is engagement? | How can early careerists become more engaged with their teams and places of work? | What can we do about lack of engagement in our teams? are all questions being answered by Cheryl Paxton-Hughes of Cornerstone.

NCHL presents the Trailblazing Healthcare Careerist, a series part of the Guide for the Healthcare Early Careerist. It provides the perspectives of seasoned healthcare executives and changemakers in a variety of workplace issues that early careerists often need help navigating.

This episode focuses on wellbeing in the workplace. What is wellbeing? | How is WellSpan addressing wellbeing and burnout? | What can early careerists do in this space to move agendas forward? are all questions being answered by Dr. Michael Diller and Dr. Ridge Salter, members of the dyad leadership team at WellSpan Health.

• What makes you stand out from your peers or colleagues?

Mike: I never really look at myself as standing out from other peers or colleagues, but rather I focus on how I can better myself each day. It’s an open invitation for me to strive toward being and doing better.

Ridge: I think what makes the work that Mike and I are doing a little unique is that the focus of our work is on improving the work life of our people. If we can achieve a significant level of employee wellbeing then we can succeed in so many of our other health system goals like quality, safety, and patient experience.

• Who needs to know you so you can reach your goals?

Mike: I am a big believer in building bridges and fostering connections. With respect to the Wellbeing work, it’s important to connect and grow relationships with many people to include our most senior leaders.

Ridge: Our employees need to know that there is a team dedicated to their work life wellbeing and have easy access to the resources that are available to them.

• What are your values?

Mike: Be kind, Do the right thing, stay humble.

Ridge: Compassion, Growth, Service.

• What’s your ultimate career goal?

Mike: I ultimately want to be a difference maker, a positive light in someone else’s life, in whatever way I can do that.

Ridge: We want this work to make a difference in the everyday work life and careers of our colleagues. If at the end of my career I can feel that our work made a difference in making WellSpan a great place to care for patients and care for each other, then we will have achieved our goals.

• Who makes up your support system?

Mike: I lean into my faith as foundation and I am beyond grateful for the support of my family, friends and colleagues, especially those who Ridge and I refer to as kindred spirits in the wellbeing work we are collectively bringing to life.

Ridge: I am so blessed to have a strong Christian faith foundation. I am blessed to have an incredibly supportive wife, parents, and blessed with wonderful kids and extended family. But I’m also blessed to have groups of friends and a wonderful collection of supportive colleagues.

• What brings you joy?

Mike: A great cup of coffee, a smile and big hug from a friend, catching up with a colleague or friend, seeing someone overcome a challenge and thrive, leaning on a trusted friend when in need, staring up at a beautiful cloudscape, walking along the coast with the ocean breeze and saltwater rushing over my feet.

Ridge: Mostly it’s to be loved and to love. But also, the incredible opportunity to connect with people which provides great meaning and purpose to my life. I believe we were put on this earth to care for each other, so when I can do that, it brings me joy.

• What is your superpower – the thing you do better than anyone else?

Mike: Offering Hope and Light. Lifting others up.

Ridge: Connecting. I believe my gifts lie in the ability to connect with a wide range of people, which is why I was drawn to family medicine.

• What’s your favorite way to communicate?

Mike: In-person, over coffee or fireside chat style. I love sitting down and just being present with and for someone and connecting on a human level.

Ridge: There are many ways to let someone know how you feel but nothing beats in-person where you can use not just utilize the spoken word but eye contact, touch and presence.

NCHL presents Early Careerist's Corner, a podcast series that is part of the Guide for the Healthcare Early Careerist. It is dedicated to providing information and advice to early careerists as they begin navigate the exciting field of healthcare leadership.

This episode focuses on the professional certification, Registered Health Information Administrator. What is the certification? | Am I eligible? | What can I accomplish with my RHIA? are all questions being answered as Manager of the National Council on Administrative Fellowships, Jen Kvasnicka sits down with Privacy Manager Josh Fabugais to discuss these questions and more!

NCHL presents Early Careerist's Corner, a podcast series that is part of the Guide for the Healthcare Early Careerist. It is dedicated to providing information and advice to early careerists as they begin navigate the exciting field of healthcare leadership.

This episode focuses on LEAN Six Sigma Certification. What is LEAN Six Sigma? | What can I do with this certification? | How do you achieve the certification? are all questions being answered as Manager of the National Council on Administrative Fellowships, Jen Kvasnicka sits down with Lance Millburg, System Administrator at Memorial Health to discuss these questions and more!

NCHL presents Early Careerist's Corner, a podcast series that is part of the Guide for the Healthcare Early Careerist. It is dedicated to providing information and advice to early careerists as they begin navigate the exciting field of healthcare leadership.

This episode focuses on the concept of mentorship and the value of a mentorship experience. What is a mentorship? | Do I need multiple mentors? | How do I get a mentor? are all questions being answered as Manager of the National Council on Administrative Fellowships, Jen Kvasnicka sits down with Kyle Underwood and Adam Haas from Cleveland Clinic.

• What makes me stand out from my peers?

Kyle: Perspective and purpose. For me, I think I have a clearly defined why for what I want to do, and through that can help others find theirs. This allows for more intentional relationships to be built and being able to bring a level of energy to my work and life that doesn't become lost when the going is hard. With understanding my why, I'm better able to understand diverse perspectives as well as bring mine to the table.

Adam: My enthusiastic and contagious energy that I carry in all that I do. The positive energy and aura that I try to implement in a room creates a space of psychological safety.

• Who needs to know me so I can reach my goals?

Kyle: It comes down to knowing others first and treating others well. This will create a space where people feel respected and valued, and more willing to help you in reaching your goals. Whether it be the EVS worker taking care of the trash to the CEO, being known for the good human and servant leader you are will take you far.

Adam: I truly think it does not matter who knows me – I hope everybody knows me based off of my genuine intentions, passion, and grit towards changing the world as a whole.

• What are my values?

Kyle: Authenticity, integrity and humility. The trifecta will allow you to be heard, understood and most importantly, respected in any room you walk into.

Adam: My values are centered on the ideology of being a change-maker – These include being a servant leader, putting others first, along with being authentic and honest.

• What’s my ultimate career goal?

Kyle: As an early careerist, I'm looking to build out my toolbox of skills and perspectives for navigating the healthcare industry. Long term, I want to be a role where I can empower teams to problem solve, grow and invest in talent, and at the end of day, have fun while changing lives. Too often we chase titles, instead, I encourage everyone to focus on chasing experiences and the titles will come.

Adam: My ultimate career goal is to be a seasoned-leader in all facets of life; this includes in my career, professional development, and in my personal life. Leaning on the network of individuals that have helped mold me and in turn giving back to others through my personal career journey.

• What brings me joy?

Kyle: Seeing the successes of others and championing them!

Adam: Being a friend to others and seeing them smile – A smile can change a day for someone, get them out of mental battle, and enjoy life more. At the end of the day, seeing others happy is all I want!

• What my superpower – the thing I do better than anyone else?

Kyle: Being able to anticipate needs and responses ahead of time. This is helpful when navigating complex problems, and managing different stakeholder interests.

Adam: I believe my superpower is being a thought-partner with all individuals that I am collaborating with. Utilizing my communication and listening skills have served me well.

• What’s my favorite way to communicate?

Kyle: A phone or in-person conversation often goes much further than an email or text. With the advent of virtual meetings this has become more challenging, but those water cooler chats often are where the best ideas come alive.

Adam: My favorite way to communicate is in-person but with the dynamic of face-to-face interaction fading, I have become comfortable with virtual communication.

NCHL presents Early Careerist's Corner, a podcast series that is part of the Guide for the Healthcare Early Careerist. It is dedicated to providing information and advice to early careerists as they begin navigate the exciting field of healthcare leadership.

This episode focuses on career planning and development. What is a career plan? | How do I keep my plan relevant as my career changes? | Where do I even start? are all questions being answered as Manager of the National Council on Administrative Fellowships, Jen Kvasnicka sits down with Liz Summy, Regional Executive (Region 6) with the American Hospital Association to discuss these questions and more!

Liz is happy and willing to connect with individuals via her email: esummy@aha.org.

NCHL presents Early Careerist's Corner, a podcast series that is part of the A Guide for the Healthcare Early Careerist. It is dedicated to providing information and advice to early careerists as they begin navigate the exciting field of healthcare leadership. This episode focuses on providing insight on the certification available through the American College of Healthcare Executives. What is FACHE? | What are the requirements? Do I need it for my career path? are all questions being answered as we sit down with Julie Weissman.

Learn more about our guest:

What makes you stand out from your peers? I like to bring new ideas and a lot of energy to all of my meetings with colleagues in the office. I also ask probing questions to understand the logic and reasoning behind decisions being made. When I am outside of the office, networking with industry peers, I show an interest in what they are doing.

Who needs to know you so you can reach your goals? This is a challenging question that has me thinking! My career AND professional goals have evolved over time, however my core network has remained the same. Each of us have done new things, taken on new roles in new organizations, etc. Over the years, I’ve continued to expand my network of leaders that I have gotten exposure to and also sought out. I’ve been described as a “networking junkie”. I want to know a lot of people, it keeps me energized. If you do have a particular end-goal in mind, then identify someone who has already achieved it so they can guide you. 

What are your values? Be transparent, genuine, and kind. Strive for what is most important to you. Understand your personal limits to set goals and boundaries. 

What's your ultimate career goal? I honestly do not know the answer to this question. The likely reason is because I either haven’t found it yet, or it hasn’t found me. Since I am not looking, I assume when the ultimate career goal appears, I will grab it. Who makes up your support system? Easy question- My family! My long-time friends! I have an amazing husband who is my biggest cheerleader. He is a great listener. I look to him for advice on many topics, mainly regarding communication, and how to approach difficult situations. It’s important to get an outsiders perspective. I’ve also learned how things are handled in industries other than healthcare.

My 10 year old daughter is a piece to the puzzle as well. She understands if I have a conflict with my work schedule. She is OK with pivoting at the last minute since things can unexpectedly change. She also loves to hear about my international work travel and see my colleagues on calls. She loves to hear different accents and asks lots of questions. 

What brings you joy? Disconnecting = Joy!!  It’s tough, but I am able to accomplish it. When I go on vacation, I never take my laptop. I hide the Outlook app and turn off all notifications on my phone. I set my Out of Office to specifically say that I will respond after the date I am back. I won’t take an hour away from fully being present, relaxing and enjoying time with my family and friends. Traveling and taking a break from work makes me more productive and energized when I return. When I disconnect at home, I am often in the kitchen cooking or baking while listening to music. I love the smell of anything coming out of the oven (if I haven’t accidently burnt it)! What's your superpower - the thing you do better than anyone else? Planning kid’s birthday parties. I put a lot of thought into all of the details.

What's your favorite way to communicate? My preference is talking in person or over the phone. I get overwhelmed by too many emails, long texts and group text chains that blow up my phone. It’s much easier and better for to talk about something quickly rather than go back and forth electronically. Because we are global, the culture at my office now does video updates for several communications. I think this is helpful to see the person deliver the message.

NCHL presents A Guide for the Healthcare Early Careerist. This podcast series covers a wide range of topics to help provide advice and guide current students, prospective fellows, and other early careerists navigate the field of healthcare management.

Listen in as we discuss preparing for administrative fellowship interviews, the process for interviewing for fellowships, and tips and tricks. Jared Stone (Operations Director, Henry Ford Heath Cancer Service Line and Program Coordinator, ) from Henry Ford Health shares his insights from the interviewer, interviewee, and former fellow perspective.

NCHL presents A Guide for the Healthcare Early Careerist. This podcast series covers a wide range of topics to help provide advice and guide current students, prospective fellows, and other early careerists navigate the field of healthcare management.

Listen in as we discuss interviewing prep, interview stories, tips and tricks for putting your best foot forward, and being genuine from start to finish. Cassandra Taft (Manager of System Planning) and Mikayla Schaefer (Director of the Operational Project Management Office) from University of Utah Health share their insights from both the interviewer and interviewee perspective.

Get to Know Our Guests:

Cassandra Taft

1. What makes you stand out from my peers? Ability to be adaptable and diplomatic.
2. What are my values?   Trust, integrity, honesty, and diligence.
   1. What’s my ultimate career goal? If I am serving my community and company in a positive and needed way, I will be happy no matter where my career lands.
   2. Who makes up my support system? My husband, family, and work friends.
   3. What brings me joy? When the people I love and serve are happy.
   4. What’s my superpower – the thing I do better than anyone else? Committing to myself!
   5. What’s my favorite way to communicate? Kindly and directly.

Mikayla Schafer

1. What makes you stand out from my peers? My ability to take very ambiguous situations or information and turn them into an actionable path forward.
   1. What are my values?   Trust, Respect, Compassion, Curiosity, Challenge, Passion, and Honesty
   2. What’s my ultimate career goal? My running joke is that my 5 year plan is to be retired, but that I hope when I get there I’m still enjoying what I do so much that I can’t imagine leaving. I don’t know exactly what is in store for my career, but I do know that the healthcare industry is where I want to be.
   3. Who makes up my support system? I would echo Cassandra’s list and add that I have also been incredibly fortunate to have many wonderful mentors, career coaches, and wellness coaches who have been invaluable members of my support team.
   4. What brings me joy? Getting outside with my pups and seeing their joy at exploring the world.
   5. What’s my superpower – the thing I do better than anyone else? Helping people realize and own their value.
   6. What’s my favorite way to communicate? Get up and walk to your office. I prefer to chat face to face rather than over email or IM.

NCHL presents Early Careerist's Corner, a podcast series that is part of the Guide for the Healthcare Early Careerist. It is dedicated to providing information and advice to early careerists as they begin navigate the exciting field of healthcare leadership.

This episode focuses on personal branding for early careerists. What is a personal brand? | Do I need one? | How do we stand out to employers? are all questions being answered as Manager of the National Council on Administrative Fellowships, Jen Kvasnicka sits down with Danielle Soto, Program Manager for performance Excellence at Children's Hospital Los Angeles to discuss these questions and more!

• What are my values? Integrity, authenticity, self-care
• What’s my ultimate career goal? A leader at an organization where I can positively impact patients and families
• Who makes up my support system? My mentors and, of course, my family and friends. Thank you all!
• What brings me joy? Helping someone; my dogs—hey Dexter and Dizzy if you’re reading this!; a really great sale (I love to shop but I love saving money more)
• What’s my superpower – the thing I do better than anyone else? Responding to change! I think change is good and it doesn’t bother me much.
• What’s my favorite way to communicate? Face to face!