ACHE's 60th Congress on Healthcare Leadership

By: Morgan Smith

Many in our program had the opportunity to travel to Chicago last week for the American College of Healthcare Executive’s 60th Congress. We registered for learning and networking sessions throughout the week to enrich our learning experience and connect with program alumni and other leaders in the healthcare industry.


Several student colleagues and I reflected on the impressive speakers we had the chance to listen to, with wide-ranging experiences and career trajectories. One of the most enthralling presentations came from Ann Compton, a former white house correspondent. Ann gave the Parker B. Francis Distinguished Lecture on Monday, March 25th. She discussed her time working with several presidents, but ended with a poignant lesson and a call to action. Ann discussed an indelible lesson-learned during her time at the white house: a leader’s true character is revealed in times of crisis. She also mentioned that hospital administrators have the power to influence policy, as they are leaders in their communities. I appreciated and was especially inspired by her talk.


Between educational sessions on the application and interview process for administrative fellowships, working in a multi-generational workforce, and building community health, many of us also attended the American Hospital Association Federal Legislative and Policy Update. We had the chance to listen to two prominent representatives from the AHA (EVP of government relations and public policy, and president/CEO) discuss where they expect health policy to turn in the coming years under the new administration. Their talk was riveting, especially at a time when the legislative landscape feels so uncertain.


I am particularly grateful to have had this experience to supplement my educational career. Attending a graduate program that places such importance on these “real world” experiences is incredibly valuable. It is exciting to see how our education helps prepare us to listen to and participate in conversations about the future of healthcare. This experience certainly aided in our preparation to become leaders in the industry, and I look forward to attending ACHE Congress throughout my career.