University of Iowa Health Management & Policy

By: Kate Quigley (MHA '18) I’m surrounded by mountains, lakes and completely new faces. As one of three administrative fellows for MultiCare Health System, and the first in the Inland Northwest region, I’ve been afforded incredible opportunities to not only shape my experience, but the experience of future fellows and interns in Spokane.  As a predominantly project-based fellowship, I’ve learned and lead meaningful, system-level initiatives and projects. The main project of my fellowship included developing our region’s rural health strategy, including gathering and presenting market data, road trips with my preceptor to Eastern and Central Washington state, and developing system-level strategic retreats. With this project, I collaborated with system and community leaders to keep patients in local communities, while building direct partnerships for seamless patient care.  Kate Quigley (MHA '18) Current Administrative Fellow - MultiCare Health System  Additio...

Christiana Care Fellowship Experience By: Weston Reissleman (MHA '18)      The Christiana Care Fellowship has been an all-access pass to whatever experience I can get my hands on. The fellowship began with meet and greets and several months of rotations through the essential services and service lines. During this time I was able to begin understanding service line workflows and the value proposition each service provides to our patients and caregivers. Additionally, I was able to pick up projects in several of the service lines which take up a majority of my time now the rotations have phased out.       Many of the projects that I have been able to pick up relate to efforts to make care less expensive.  I have been part of a creating a new Teamlet model of primary care to expand access, developed a system wide partnership with a company to facilitate transportation for vulnerable neighbors, lead a Lean Six Sigma Gre...

By: Loralyn Werkmeister (MHA/MBA '19)   In February, my colleagues, Ben Mohr and Marisa Polonsky, and I, had the opportunity to compete in the 13 th  Annual UAB Health Administration Case Competition. This was a great  opportunity to apply what we’ve learned through our academic course work and professional experiences throughout the past two years. Our task was to develop a short and long-term strategic plan for a growing health system in the southeast region of the U.S. The case allowed our team to explore both traditional business functions and innovative strategies to pursue financial and patient population growth. Many hours went into preparing for the case, but the effort was well spent; our team achieved a top 6 finish. In addition to competing, we enjoyed meeting peers from other MHA programs, as well as meeting industry leaders from across the country. This memorable experience wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our awesome alumni, dedicated...

By: Katie Fredricks (EMHA '18) Overview of Projects and Experiences:  Some of the projects I’ve worked on lately include an Emergency Department Lactate Pilot to identify septic patients as soon as possible in the waiting room. We performed a 2-week pilot and quantified that 100% of patients during the pilot survived sepsis and were eventually discharged home. My favorite part of this project has been working with nursing and physician leadership to ensure positive outcomes for our patients. As my team presented the results of the pilot to our Quality Leadership Committee, I thought to myself “This is the reason I went into healthcare! Finally!” After many years of working and studying, I feel like I’m  finally  a part of the team that helps save lives. By far, this has been the most rewarding project. It makes the challenging days worth it. Katie Fredricks (EMHA '18) - Administrative Fellow at Kaiser Permanente I’ve also been working closely ...

By: Brayden Longnecker (MHA '19)              Kim Ogden MHA '18 Current Administrative Fellow - University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics  As the only Administrative Fellow at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics this year, Kim Ogden (’18) has taken her role in stride. From providing guidance to the graduate assistants who work in hospital administration, to reviewing contracts with the legal team, and everything in between, she has no problem staying busy. Following in the footsteps of past fellows at Iowa, Kim has also been a teaching assistant for two courses in the MHA program: Legal Aspects of Healthcare and the Integrative Capstone. Former Administrative Chief of Staff, Michael Baca (’15) accepted a new role within UIHC and Kim also received some of his responsibilities in the interim. Despite her extremely busy schedule, she has thoroughly enjoyed the vast number of opportunities that come wit...

By: Alexa Saco (MHA ’20) Case competitions offer healthcare administration students a valuable experience to apply knowledge, think critically, network with students and professionals, and make an impact by providing feedback and innovative ideas to real challenges happening within the healthcare industry. The University of Iowa Master of Healthcare Administration Program recognizes such values and has responded by continuously increasing participation in case competitions.  Our students are eager to test their knowledge and capabilities though case competition particpation.  This year alone, 96% of students who either wanted to participate or observe in a case competition, had the opportunity to do so. None of this would be possible without the University of Iowa’s MHA Program Director, Dr. Dan Gentry. His commitment to student success and providing them equal opportunities to improve their skills is unprecedented. Before his arrival, students...

By: Mackenzie Schutz (MHA ’19) Like many of my classmates, the last six years of my life were primarily spent in classrooms and coffeeshops learning, applying, discovering, and inquiring; packing boxes and bags to create a temporary home in new apartments and new cities; acquiring new part-time job titles to mitigate the burden of accumulating student loans; and learning new lessons through successes and failures. For me, the time has come to drop my shoulders, take a deep breath, and admit that the cliché is spot on: “Hard work pays off”.  I am filled with excitement to be joining Allina Health for my administrative fellowship after graduation in May. Allina Health is a not-for-profit health system based in Minneapolis, MN, serving both Minnesota and western Wisconsin. I feel very fortunate to be beginning my career as the Administrative Fellow for the Allina Health Group under the guidance of Executive Vice President, Chris Bent.  As graduation approaches I a...

By: Garrett Danelz (MHA ’19) Students pursuing administrative fellowships dedicate countless hours to researching prospective institutions, initiating informational phone calls, leveraging connections, and interview preparation. Throughout my fellowship search, I prioritized organizations that matched that level of dedication, demonstrating a truecommitment to recruit and develop future healthcare leaders. Loyola Medicine’s enthusiasm and devotion to me as an applicant was unrivaled and served as a keycontributor in my decision to complete my administrative fellowship at this institution.  The Loyola Medicine Administrative Fellowship is a one-year program structured to develop robust leadership and management skills within a Chicago-based nationally ranked academic health system. The program promotes curiosity, innovation, and application of practical skills in operations, strategy, and front-line management to prepare fellows for dynamic careers in healthcare. ...

Name: Claire Fleming Hometown: Iowa City  Undergraduate University / Degree: Iowa State University, BS in Management  Current Program: Master of Health Administration  Areas of Interest: Rehabilitation, Long-term care, Pediatric Oncology  Why Iowa?  I have always enjoyed the idea of attending graduate school at such an amazing school with many opportunities, and being connected to the academic medical school of UIHC is a wonderful attribute.  In kindergarten, what did you want to be when you grew up? A dance teacher and studio owner. What would we be surprised to know about you? I am allergic to all fruit besides berries :) 

Name: Carly Correll Undergraduate University/Degree: University of Iowa, B.A. in Health and Human Physiology Current Program: Master of Health Administration  Areas of Interest: Patient Experience, Health System Operations Why Iowa?  Everyone is genuinely nice. I rarely pass someone without saying hello or smiling. I also think the pride alumni take in the University of Iowa speaks for itself.  Why Healthcare? It's fast-paced, always changing, and challenges me to think strategically and in an innovative manner. This, combined with being able to improve patient care, is what motivates me each day.  Favorite Graduate School Experience: My favorite experience has been getting to know my classmates and see how much we've grown in our short time as graduate students.  In kindergarten, what did you want to be when you grew up? I told my parents I wanted to be a doctor, but I really just wanted to be a professional nap...

Name:   Nabil Natafgi Hometown:   Beirut, Lebanon Undergraduate University / Degree:   American University of Beirut / BS in Medical Laboratory Sciences Graduate University/Degree:  American University of Beirut / MPH in Health Management and Policy Current Program:   PhD in Health Services and Policy Areas of Interest:   Quality of care and patient safety; Performance measurement and reporting; Telehealth effectiveness and evaluation; Health services outcomes and evaluation Why Iowa?   A good program for health services research / funding / recommended by alumni of the program who are doing great in their career Why Healthcare?  A very complex system with so many entwined challenges and opportunities for improvement Favorite Graduate School Experience?  "When Patience and Jure entered my office" - Jure Baloh (September 9, 2016) P.S. Jure was next to me while I was answering these questions! In ki...

Name:  Kim Ogden Hometown:  Bettendorf, Iowa Undergraduate University/Degree:  B.B.A in Business Management and B.A. in Psychology from the University of Iowa Current Program:  Master of Health Administration Areas of Interest:  Currently, I do not have any specific areas of interest, although I cannot wait to find mine over the next two years! Why Iowa?  During my time as an undergrad at Iowa, I had opportunities to grow inside and outside the classroom in ways I never imagined. I wanted to continue to receive that top notch education while pursuing my graduate degree. Why Healthcare?  Growing up, I experienced the healthcare system through my own injuries and illnesses, as well as those of my family members. There were countless times where I was unimpressed by the lack of timeliness and care quality, and I saw the way it could affect a patient's well being. These experiences put a fire in me to improve the healthcare ...

Name: Khusbu Patel Hometown: Algona, IA  Undergraduate University / Degree:  University of Northern Iowa, BA Biology Current Program: Masters of Health  Administration   Areas of Interest: Working in a children's hospital or mental health facility  Why Iowa?  Why not?  :)   There are just so many great things to say!     In kindergarten, what did you want to be when you grew up?  Barney What would we be surprised to know about you?  I've spoken on the phone with Tim Allen. (I was hoping to talk to Beyonce...but it just wasn't meant to be.)                                       

Name:   Joe Kim Hometown:   Wilmette, IL Undergraduate University / Degree:   Pre-Med & Music Current Program:  MHA Areas of Interest:   Individuals with special needs, end-of-life care Why Iowa?   I came here for my undergraduate degree and couldn't find a reason to leave. The people, culture, and environment are top of the line. The kind, generous, and hardworking mentality of Iowans are contagious.  Why Healthcare?  I've always had an interest in medicine. Through two organizational leadership opportunities in undergrad, Founder & President of the University of Iowa Special Olympics Organization and Founding Father of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, I realized that the best way I can be utilized is through health administration. In the end, what's most important to me in my work is that I have the chance to help people.    Favorite Graduate School Experience?  Holiday ...

Name: Lauren Waggoner   Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa   Undergraduate University / Degree: Iowa State University – BS in Marketing   Current Program: Masters of Healthcare Administration   Areas of Interest: Business Development and Patient Experience   Why Iowa? The University of Iowa has one of the top MHA programs in the country, and working in a hospital setting has always appealed to me. Favorite Graduate School Experience?  MHA 2nd-year vs. 1st-year kickball game In kindergarten, what did you want to be when you grew up?  Flight Attendant   

Name: Madeline Sherman Hometown: Evergreen, Colorado Undergraduate University/Degree: University of Iowa, BS Human Physiology and a certificate in Entrepreneurship Current Program: Masters of Health Administration Areas of Interest: Working with kids and general health care Why Iowa? I attended Iowa as an undergrad, so I absolutely love the University of Iowa. I feel that it is my home away from home because of the lively atmosphere and the fun, friendly people that come here! In kindergarten, what did you want to be when you grew up? In kindergarten I wanted to be a children’s book illustrator. What would we be surprised to know about you? A fun fact about me is that I performed at Red Rocks Amphitheater when I was in high school.

Name: Weston Riesselman Hometown: Boone, IA Undergraduate University / Degree: University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Health Promotion: Global Health and Health Disparities Current Program:   Master of Health Administration Areas of Interest: I am someone that loves to move, run, lift weights, and cook meals with others.  I enjoy cool weather outside, and a football game with some of my close friends. Why Iowa?   Iowa has an absurdly strong reputation in the areas of health, and I wanted to be able to be a contributor to that reputation.   Why Healthcare?  Healthcare is a mix of service, sales, and customer experience. It has business decisions mixed with moral decisions, and how they are intertwined is extremely interesting to me. There are many ways that healthcare has failed individuals and families, and I want to be part of the process that makes healthcare better than it currently is. There are so many ways to mak...

Name: Catherine Gehlsen Hometown: Ankeny, IA Undergraduate University / Degree: Luther College; Biology and French Current Program: Masters of Healthcare Administration Areas of Interest: Rural Health, Women’s and Children’s Health Why Iowa? Iowa has one of the best alumni networks in the country, and it offered me a chance to be a part of something great in my home state. Favorite graduate school experience?  My summer internship at Mercy Health Network really gave me a wonderful perspective of what is in the healthcare field. I had so many valuable experiences this summer, and I am really itching to get back! In kindergarten, what did you want to be when you grew up?  Definitely a dancer. That ended when I went to my first dance class. What would we be surprised to know about you?  I was a soccer player through college and had the chance to play at Luther! I played center-mid, and that's where I get my love of running. I ran ALL the time. I don't...

Name: Jure Baloh Hometown: Domzale, Slovenia, EU Undergraduate University / Degree: University of Ljubljana, BS in Management and Organization Graduate University/Degree: University of Missouri, MHA Current Program: University of Iowa, PhD in Health Services Areas of Interest: Patient Safety and Quality Improvement, Organizational Theories, Implementation Science Why Iowa? The people at the department. Of course, the reputation and rankings matter, but other programs have that too. What really tipped the scales was my interaction with the people when I came for a visit. I knew this place would be a good fit for me. Why Healthcare? I find healthcare both challenging and meaningful. Its complexity and the range of intriguing issues keep my mind engaged. But there is something for the heart too – health and healthcare undeniably make a difference in people’s lives, which keeps me going. In kindergarten, what did you want to be when you grew up? Bricklayer/cons...

Name: Ryan Callahan Hometown: Beaver Dam, WI Undergrad Degree: B.S. Human Physiology & Certificate in Writing from the University of Iowa. Current Program: MHA and MS in Policy Area of Interest: Consulting Why Iowa? I chose Iowa because they were one of the only programs that offered a dual degree, pairing the MHA with the MPH or MS in Policy. Iowa's College of Public Health building is also incredibly nice. I also did my undergrad at Iowa and am very fond of Iowa City and am extremely happy to finish my formal education as a Hawkeye. In kindergarten, what did you want to be when you grew up?  When I was in kindergarten I planned to join the army and be a soldier.  What would we be surprised to know about you?   I have auditioned for both American Idol and Survivor. Not because I like those shows or have the talent for them, I just happened to have the opportunity to do so and thought I might as well go for it. I did not m...