Kyle Ellenberger (MHA '24): Overland Park Regional Medical Center

My name is Kyle Ellenberger, and I am a current 2nd-year MHA student. This summer, I had the privilege of completing my administrative internship with HCA's MidAmerican division at Overland Park Regional Medical Center, situated about 15 minutes south of downtown Kansas City. This comprehensive internship encompassed both administrative and clinical operations, offering me a multifaceted understanding of the inner workings of a healthcare institution. Throughout my time here, each day presented new opportunities for learning, from shadowing healthcare professionals in clinical settings to assisting with crucial administrative tasks. Interacting with doctors, nurses, administrators, and other staff members provided invaluable insights into their roles and responsibilities, allowing me to gain a holistic perspective of healthcare operations.

As part of the operations team, I had the opportunity to engage in a diverse range of projects, such as supply chain optimization, physician engagement initiatives, construction and expansion efforts, and enhancing the overall patient experience. Additionally, I had the privilege of shadowing over a dozen clinical and ancillary departments, gaining an appreciation for the collaborative efforts required in delivering top-notch patient care. The access I received to both executive leadership and the clinical environment was an exceptional perk of my internship, enabling me to understand healthcare challenges from multiple perspectives and further cementing my passion for operations-focused healthcare administration.

As my time at OPRMC draws to a close, I reflect on the incredible growth I have experienced in the past 12 weeks. This internship has exceeded my expectations, propelling me forward as a more confident and capable administrator. I will always cherish the fond memories of spending time with our ED's resident pup, Wallace, and witnessing the dedication of our staff in providing exceptional care to patients. The guidance and support I received from the executive team have been instrumental in shaping my career aspirations, and I am eager to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.

In conclusion, I am grateful for this transformative experience and eagerly look forward to the journey ahead. I am excited to hear about the incredible experiences of my fellow cohort members and am confident that the knowledge and insights gained during this internship will play a pivotal role in shaping our future roles as healthcare leaders.