Four accomplished young professionals recently graduated from the Mount Sinai Health System’s Administrative Fellowship Program.
The innovative two-year program is managed by the Office for Diversity and Inclusion in collaboration with Human Resources, and strongly supported by system leaders. It is designed to provide administrative and managerial developmental opportunities to advance underrepresented minority graduates of master’s degree programs into leadership roles within the Health System.
Pamela Abner, MPA, CPXP, Vice President and Chief Diversity Operations Officer, congratulated the fellows during a podcast at the Aspen Ideas Festival on June 27.
“I want to say congratulations to all the Fellows on the great work you have done with Mount Sinai,” Ms. Abner said. “I am amazed by your contributions to Mount Sinai Health System and amazed by what you have accomplished to position yourselves as the next generation of health care leaders.”
The four Fellows who recently completed their two-year rotations within the Health System are Precious Nwajei, MPH; Hazel Rogers; MPH; Oladapo Durojaiye, MS/HSA, MPH; and Francisca Ruth, MHA.
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 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.
In July 2022, five new Fellows started the program: Hina Akmal MHA; Cordell Downes, MHSA; Aria Kumar, MHA; Estefania Lanza Rodreguez, MPH; and Ashley Sealy, MHA.
The Mount Sinai Health System is accepting applications for the 2023 Administrative Fellowship Program through Friday, October 7. 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
The Fellows served rotations at Mount Sinai hospitals in a wide range of administrative fields. They expressed their gratitude to their mentors and discussed some lessons learned.
Precious Nwajei, MPH, Senior Administrative Manager at Mount Sinai Downtown
“One of my major lessons learned is to always be open minded and flexible, because that really opens the opportunity for so many different things. Knowing what you enjoy is important, but also being open to learning about new areas and roles–you might be surprised by what you learn about yourself in process.”
Hazel Rogers, MPH, Assistant Director of Patient Experience and Cultural Transformation at Mount Sinai Morningside
“Remember that your journey is unique, and there is no room for you to compare yourself to others. We will face many trials throughout our lives, but whenever obstacles occur, we must remind ourselves that our faith produces perseverance. To grow as individuals, we cannot run away from challenges. Instead, we must welcome these trials and persevere so that we will become mature and complete throughout our personal growth journey.”
Oladapo Durojaiye, MS/HSA, MPH, Associate Director of Administration at Mount Sinai West
“Hold the vision, be open to learning, remember your WHY, and trust the process. Throughout your fellowship experience, ask questions and never be afraid of making mistakes. Every leader in this organization is genuinely interested in your growth and development. Build relationships and leverage your resources to set yourself apart.”
Francisca Ruth, MHA, Senior Manager, Ambulatory Care Operations at The Mount Sinai Hospital
“Agility is key. Being able to adapt to new situations, team members, workflows will be what makes you stand out. It is important to remember that not everything you do will go exactly as planned, so come in with an open mind and a backup plan. Be ready to step up when needed. This will save you a lot of stress and will be appreciated by all. Change fosters growth.”