Nigerian graduates are required to undertake a year of National Youth Service. Because of volunteer experience in hospital administration, I had an opportunity to join the administration team in a non-profit home and clinic for physically challenged children. However, shortly after taking up the role, it was decided to close the home because of funding shortages and serious organizational failures. I made a case for keeping it open, I pleaded for a chance to ‘turn things around’ and the local government officials reluctantly agreed. I organized a successful fund-raising campaign, persuaded pharmaceutical and medical equipment companies to donate, persuaded some physicians to volunteer their services and improved staff training and co-operation. This success resulted in my receiving a state award for exceptional community service.
From both personal and working experience, I am acutely aware of the contrasts in the way hospitals in Nigeria and those in the US operate. Administration in Nigeria is sometimes chaotic and corrupt and this impacts on patient welfare. I spent time in hospitals as a child and I also lost a sibling because of avoidable confusion in a Nigerian hospital. Having given birth in US hospitals, I have observed stark contrasts in the organization of health services. I want to identify and import ‘best practice’ into my country’s pediatric health services and see the fellowship as an excellent way to enable me to do so.
I am undertaking master's degree studies in Health Care Administration and expect to graduate in spring of this year. I have a cumulative GPA score of 4.0 which will provide assurance as to my academic ability and potential, and my passionate interest in the subject. I see the role of health administration primarily as providing a platform to enable healthcare providers of all grades to perform their roles at optimum effectiveness. I see the removal of any administrative obstacles as being a basic matter and one that should be subject to constant monitoring and appropriate action.
I would seek to minimize the administrative demands on clinicians while simultaneously enabling them to have easy access to necessary supplies and equipment and relevant, accurate, reliable, and up to date patient, statistical and other relevant information. I am especially interested in rotations that are relevant to the administrative and clinical interface such as; Clinical & Administrative Operations (which will enable me to effectively manage the medical department’s staff and services to increase efficiency with patient treatment, clinical protocols, and regulatory requirements for safety), Decision Support Services Supply Chain Management (to help me address tactical, strategic and operational problems), Patient quality and safety ( to help me to promote patient safety and measure health care quality delivered), Education Administration (to help me develop the skills needed to be an effective administrator), and Compliance (to teach me how to monitor adherence to regulations and statutes governing healthcare systems).
I know that my goals are ambitious and that leadership skills are going to be vital to their achievement. I have always studied the character and techniques used by good leaders and teachers in my work and studies and seek to emulate them. My direct experience of health administration in the US is limited but much of my work has called for the kind of inter-personal and organizational skills that are directly transferable. I do have volunteer experience in health administration locally which has provided valuable insights into US health administration. I am about to begin an unpaid healthcare internship at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center this spring in the US to gain on-the-job training and exposure to health care management activities and assist the organization to accomplish special projects and tasks.
I understand that fellows are exposed to a wide variety of current and challenging administrative issues and are tested in both interests and skills in several departmental rotations and projects. I am result driven and goal oriented. My personal and professional experiences have prepared me to face and overcome obstacles and challenges and I look forward to demonstrating my commitment, determination, diligence, and passion.
Health Administration Fellowship Personal Statement