The new graduates of the Mount Sinai Health System’s Administrative Fellowship Program
The Office for Diversity and Inclusion, along with hospital leaders from across the Mount Sinai Health System, recently hosted a virtual ceremony to celebrate and honor the four young professionals who completed the Health System’s Administrative Fellowship Program in 2021.
The innovative two-year program is designed to recruit, train, and promote underrepresented graduates of master’s degree programs into leadership roles within the Health System.
“This is one of our most impactful programs and one in which we take great pride,” said Pamela Abner, MPA, Vice President and Chief Diversity Operations Officer for Mount Sinai Hospital Groups, at the ceremony on June 29. The graduating fellows were Alia Barnes, MPH, Priya Jain, MHA, Alpha Mansaray, MHA, and Emily Spence, MBA. They sincerely thanked their site leaders and mentors, and described their wide-ranging duties during the fellowship, which coincided with the most challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Fellows served rotations at Mount Sinai hospitals in fields such as medical education, financial planning and resource allocation, real estate management, data analytics, and the patient and staff experience. Fulfilling the mission and promise of the program, the Fellows have all moved into full-time managerial roles within the Health System.
David Reich, MD, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Mount Sinai Hospital, and President, Mount Sinai Queens, said the Administrative Fellowship program played a vital role. “Probably the most important thing about this program is that it builds a bridge to our community, it builds a bridge toward improving diversity, equity, and inclusion within our Health System,” Dr. Reich said. “And it sends a message to everyone in the Health System that we value our relationship with our community and are developing our future leaders.”
In July 2021, four new Fellows started the program: Abiola Baruwa, MS, Loudmila Hassan, MHA, Lenjo Kilo, MHA, and Jairo Munoz, MS.
The Mount Sinai Health System is accepting applications for the 2022 Administrative Fellowship Program through Friday, October 1. All eligible people, including Mount Sinai employees and students, are encouraged to apply. Contact the Office for Diversity and Inclusion at diversity@mountsinai.org for more information.
Mount Sinai Administrative Fellows Share Takeaway Lessons
Four young professionals recently completed the Mount Sinai Administrative Fellowship, a two-year program developed by the Office for Diversity and Inclusion with strong support from top leadership. The Fellows served rotations at Mount Sinai hospitals in a wide range of administrative fields. In a recent graduation ceremony, they expressed their gratitude to their mentors and discussed some lessons learned.
Alia Barnes, MPH, Integration Program Manager, Department of Medical Education
Administrative Fellowship Graduate, Department of Medical Education
“Embrace uncertainty, remain inquisitive, and ask questions. And sometimes we have to understand that change is good. When we are working collectively and collaboratively, it can be really beautiful.”
Priya Jain, MHA, Administrative Manager, Oncology Services, The Mount Sinai Hospital
Administrative Fellowship Graduate, The Mount Sinai Hospital
“Take challenges head on, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. We will not always have all of the answers, but we are lucky to work with people who are willing to help us grow, mentor us, and shape the careers that we strive to achieve.”
Emily Spence, MBA, Real Estate Portfolio Administrator
Administrative Fellowship Graduate, Real Estate Services and Facilities
“It’s not about what you know, it’s about what you are willing to learn. If your current role does not fit who you want to be, don’t force it. Build relationships and create your own seat at the table.”
Alpha Mansaray, MHA, Clinical Integration Manager, Mount Sinai Health Partners
Administrative Fellowship Graduate, Mount Sinai West
“Take ownership. Hold yourself responsible for the success of whatever you are working on. And consider any negative feedback to be an opportunity. This allows you to brainstorm and look for ways to become better—so it becomes a win-win.”