Name: Maggie Peck
Graduation Year: 2023
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
Q: Where were you prior to MSHM? (Undergrad major, undergrad university, job?)
A: I recently graduated from Marian University – Indianapolis in May 2022. I majored in Public Health and minored in Biology, Business, and Sociology.
I originally was interested in pursuing a BSN degree and becoming a nurse. I wanted to combine my interest in healthcare and business, and my original intention of pursuing the MSHM program was to have a career in medical device sales. I have always known that I wanted to make a difference in healthcare, but I did not know what career path worked best for me. My mother is an RN with over 40 years of experience, which has fueled my passion for healthcare and opened my eyes to struggles faced within the healthcare system.
Q: What project(s) are you working on at your practicum site?
A: My practicum site is with IU Health Design and Construction. I have been working with the Integrated Project Delivery Team, and I focus on Team and Operations Readiness (TOR). I have gained real-world experience with my preceptor, Jessica Simpson by taking what I learn in the classroom and applying it to current projects. The Histology lab is moving from its current location on the 4th floor to a larger space on the 4th floor in February 2023. IU Health Design and Construction is focused on delivering 21st Century care environments that are in alignment with IU Health’s strategic goals. TOR ensures that team members have a successful first day operating in a new patient care environment. I am working on a project closeout assessment for my Capstone project.
I absolutely love my practicum site because it combines two of my interests: healthcare and interior design. I almost went to school to study interior design after I decided I did not want to pursue a career in nursing. My practicum has offered me a unique perspective on the patient experience. Learning about Integrated Project Delivery has provided me with a brand-new lens on the future of healthcare. I also understand the importance of my role with TOR. Ensuring that team members are ready on Day 1 seems like an easy task, however, there are a lot of moving parts that go into preparing team members appropriately. It is amazing how much information I have learned through my practicum site.
In addition to my current project, I have been able to sit in on meetings for other IU Health Design & Construction projects. This has been helpful to see the difference between the beginning of a construction project and the end. I am participating in events conducted by other Project Managers on the TOR team to see firsthand how workshops and Day in the Life events are carried out for TOR, as well as meet important team members and leaders at IU Health.
This experience has been unique due to my partnership with a fellow MSHM alum, Jairus Johnson. I was able to work alongside Jairus before he transitioned to a new role at IU Health. I appreciate his transparency and willingness to help me during our time together.
Seeing a fellow MSHM alum become successful and continue to grow in their career is exciting to watch and gives me something to look forward to.
I love the team that I am a part of on TOR. I work alongside 4 incredible women who are making a difference in healthcare delivery. It has given me a unique perspective on the accomplishments that I can achieve as a young woman, and further along in my career. Jess, Leah, Claire, and Loretta have been amazing role models for me. Growing up, I was aware of the stigma towards women in certain job fields, particularly women in construction. It is incredibly refreshing to see all the female leaders at IU Health Design & Construction. I look forward to learning more during my time with this amazing group of individuals and continuing to focus on improving the quality of care for patients and providers upon graduation
Q: What skills are you using most at your practicum site (that you learned through your MSHM coursework)?
A: I have been able to apply Franklin Covey’s Project Management Essentials Training to my practicum site. While TOR utilizes certain applications for Project Management, I have been able to showcase the tools Franklin Covey has and integrate them into deliverables for my project.
My time management skills have improved significantly since when I first started the MSHM program. I am able to find a balance between coursework and regular life. This is something I have always struggled with, and I appreciate the foundation laid at the beginning of the program to ensure that I work on improving this skill.
In order to further my professional development skills, I took the initiative to start a presentation series with TOR called “Master It with Maggie.” So far, I have presented three different topics to my team. This has been great practice for me to get used to leading a group and steering a conversation, as well as sharing what I am learning in my courses through the MSHM program.
Q: Do you feel supported by program faculty and staff?
A: I feel extremely supported by the faculty and staff that are a part of the MSHM program. All the professors who teach us are dedicated to ensuring that we are successful in our future as transformational healthcare leaders. I appreciate their willingness to help us inside and outside of the classroom.
This semester [Fall 2022] has been unique for me due to some personal matters. I am grateful for all the support provided to me by the MSHM Program Directors and faculty during this time. I appreciate the empathy that has been shown to me over the last few months, and I will never forget the support that was given to me by everyone in the program.
Q: What is your favorite part of the MSHM program thus far?
A:I am thrilled to be a Graduate Ambassador for the Master Program Office at O’Neill. I have been able to connect with prospective students and speak about my experience with the program thus far. O’Neill Experience Day is on March 31, 2023. This event is where I was able to meet with current students and alumni and ultimately helped my decision in choosing the MSHM as the next step in my career
Connect with Maggie on LinkedIn!