Summer Internship: Mercy Health Network

By: Amber Badolato

I feel very fortunate to be an Administrative Intern at Mercy Health Network.  Mercy Health Network (MHN) was founded in 1998 under a joint operating agreement between two of the largest Catholic, not-for-profit health organizations in the United States: Catholic Health Initiatives, based in Englewood Colorado, and Trinity Health, based in Livonia, Michigan. The network includes:

Major Medical Centers:
Mercy Medical Center—Clinton
Mercy Medical Center—Des Moines
Mercy Medical Center—Dubuque
Mercy Medical Center—North Iowa (Mason City)
Mercy Medical Center—Sioux City
Network Affiliates:  31

Mike Trachta, VP – Network CAH Operations at Mercy Health Network, is an alumnus of the University of Iowa MBA/MHA program, and my preceptor. Mike has done a remarkable job of helping me feel welcome as a new intern. Over the past 10 weeks, Mike has provided me with many opportunities to meet with senior leaders across the network. A large amount of my time has been spent working with Sandra Christensen, Finance Executive on my main project, which focuses on financial analysis and margin improvement opportunities. In addition, I have had the opportunity to work on strategic planning projects with Cynthia Forsyth, Director of Physician Alignment.
 

I have had an amazing internship experience that aligns with my future professional development goals. The Mercy Health Network team has invested a great amount of time to ensure my experience is valuable, while also providing me with enjoyable networking opportunities. Earlier this month I attended the golf outing “Swinging for Scholars,” held by the Iowa Hospital Association. The keynote speaker for the event was Chuck Long, former quarterback for the Iowa Hawkeyes (Go Hawks!) and professional football player. Although I am a very inexperienced golfer, I still had a wonderful time. I was placed on a team with Dave Vellinga, President of Mercy Health Network, who is also an alumnus of the Iowa MHA program.

I really enjoy living downtown Des Moines, just minutes away from the well-known farmers market and Iowa Cubs stadium. My apartment is close to multiple bike trails that run along the Des Moines River. I have dined at many of the great restaurants Des Moines has to offer, and have listened to live music at Jasper Winery.

Overall, I have truly enjoyed my time at Mercy Health Network, and would be happy to speak with any of the incoming or current students about my internship experience. Mike Trachta is a great mentor, who has taught me more than I could have imagined in my short time interning at Mercy Health Network.

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