Ben Schwartz- University of Iowa North Liberty (MHA '26)

Hello from North Liberty, Iowa

This summer, I joined the University of Iowa’s brand-new UI Health Care Medical Center in North Liberty, a state-of-the-art hospital specializing in orthopedic care, rehabilitation services, and community-focused emergency care. As the first administrative intern at this campus, I played a hands-on role in shaping core operations and observed the hospital’s journey from just after its initial launch into accreditation readiness. 

I have had the privilege to work under Bryan Garter, who has welcomed me to the fantastic leadership team here at North Liberty. On my first day, we had just started Day 1 of the Mock Joint Commission Survey. Within this week, I was tasked with escorting the surveyors around and serving as the scribe for all potential findings. This week, I have developed my core project, creating and implementing Action Plans. These Action Plans were designed to support our leaders in addressing the Mock Joint Commission findings, as well as to provide a template for the upcoming real survey. I am particularly proud of my Action Plans, as they have evolved to further application within post-review operations for the UI Health Care system. 

A patient experience project I am proud to have led was the rollout and implementation of iRound at UI Health Care, North Liberty. We set a couple of initial goals, aiming for 75% rounding overall. Within the first three weeks, we saw over 50% growth in rounds logged by leaders. A key driver of this was my innovative idea of incorporating iRound surveys to make them more accessible by leveraging technology on the floor, which made logging rounds easier for leaders in passing.  

At North Liberty, I attended daily huddles with senior leadership and department managers. In these meetings, I did not just sit back and listen; I became a part of the conversations and strived to be a contributor, especially around conversations related to change management. Working with numerous leaders in huddles and meetings, I was able to take on some ad-hoc projects that continued to have a significant impact hospital-wide. 

The second project that derived from the Mock Joint Commission Review was the development of a Security Risk Analysis matrix with live interactive dashboards. This dashboard enabled our leadership and security team to become more aware of areas where we could improve workplace safety. Following a meeting with the inpatient department leaders, it became apparent how much of the administrative burden was being spent on staffing, as finding the new normal within the new facility was becoming increasingly challenging. I designed and implemented staffing matrices for all clinical departments, enabling leaders to maximize their time and minimize the time spent on creating staffing schedules. 

Aside from working, I have been able to do a lot around Iowa City and travel extensively to see family. I was able to visit Michigan and see extended family for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, in Iowa City, I was able to attend the Block Party and see my first Hay Bail toss. Another highlight was attending a NICU event in one of the club suites in Kinnick Stadium. 

Looking back to when I first started my internship search last fall, I never expected to have landed here in North Liberty, but this has been the best summer internship experience I could have ever asked for. Working alongside leaders who are ready to teach, inspire creativity, and foster growth in a fast-paced environment, blended for a wonderful experience.