Name: Jairus Johnson
Graduation Year: 2021
Q: What are you up to now?
A: I’m currently a Project Manager in the Office of Operational Excellence at IU Health. Prior to that, I was a Project Manager in Design & Construction, working on strategic projects within Team & Operations Readiness such as the new IU Health Bloomington and more recently the New Downtown Hospital here in Indianapolis.
Q: What project(s) did you work on at your practicum site? Where was your practicum?
A: I had the opportunity to complete my practicum at IU Health in Design & Construction. During my practicum, the new IU Health Bloomington was being constructed and I had the unique opportunity to build a virtual simulation of a planned patient move of 100+ patients using software called FlexSim. This allowed us to inform leadership and key stakeholders if the move was possible to complete within the timeframe that was given to us, how long the move could take based on census, as well as the resources that would be needed to complete a safe and efficient patient move.
Q: What skills did you use most at your practicum site and/or in your work now?
A: The first thing that comes to mind is the project management skills that we learned about during our Franklin Covey training. In thinking about the virtual simulation work, be able to identify the key stakeholders, and understand any associated risks or barriers while thinking about how we mitigate them. I believe with comes with great communication and having the ability to keep progressing and being cognizant of milestones and deadlines. Also, within that, trying to make sure I utilize the soft skills like showing leadership, being and self-driven, adaptable, and reliable.
Q: Did you feel supported by the program faculty and staff?
A: I do feel supported by the program faculty and staff. Even after becoming an alumni, I’ve still been able to reach back out to them whether it’s for any needs I may have or partnering to be a practicum spot for the program.
Q: What was your favorite part of the MSHM program?
A: For me, it was the relationships that I was blessed to build with my classmates. Our time in the program was completely virtual because of COVID and while there’s nothing like cultivating meaningful relationship in an in-person setting, we were able to do that virtually. We came together over Zoom to work on projects which I thoroughly enjoyed because I’m a true believer in the saying ‘Iron Sharpens Iron’. Even though we weren’t in-person, we were still able to learn and laugh together without feeling like strangers.
Q: Did you feel connected to your peers?
A: I do feel connected to my peers both past and present. There are some that I still keep in touch with to this day and others that may just be a phone call or an email away. I think that was the beauty of our cohort and its size. I’m also able to keep up with my classmates’ accomplishments via LinkedIn as well so I feel pretty connected.
Q: What is some advice you have for the next generation of MSHM students?
A: This might sound simple but I would say take advantage of all this program has to offer, whether it be resources or connections you can make to build your network and pick the brains of those who have been in your shoes or in positions you see yourself in. Take the time to build relationships and get to know your classmates as you will be instrumental in helping each other become transformational healthcare leaders as well as being potential colleagues you may be able to pull on in the future.