Alumnus: Gabriel Kolker
Graduation Year: 2021
Q: Where were you prior to MSHM? (Undergrad major, undergrad university, job?)
A: Prior to the MSHM program, I received my Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management and Policy here at the O’Neill School. I graduated in Fall of 2020 and immediately began the MSHM program.
Q: Where are you at now?
A: I am currently working as an Account Analyst with the EHR Integrated Solutions team at Tabula Rasa Healthcare. My role consists of providing ongoing support to customers utilizing our electronic health record software.
I mainly work with PACE (Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) organizations to optimize their workflows in the software. PACE sites are community-based centers where comprehensive healthcare and social services are provided to elderly individuals, allowing them to maintain their independence and quality of life as they age.
I’m proud to be a part of the PACE model for elderly care, providing comprehensive care that enables participants to remain in the community rather than live in a nursing home.
Q: What are your biggest takeaways from the program?
A: My biggest takeaway was probably the project management experience I got from my practicum at IU Health. In my practicum, I had the opportunity to lead a healthcare-related project and apply what I learned in the classroom to a real-world setting.
My project involved implementing a trial of Remote Patient Monitoring to determine if it is a feasible solution to reducing readmissions in patients with pulmonary disorders. During this time, I led the development of business planning documents, such as key stakeholder interviews, project scope statements, communication plans, project schedules, and status reports, to make sure the project achieved its desired results on time.
This experience has definitely helped me during my current role. Specifically, learning how to navigate through a project when the scope is uncertain, as well as working with many internal and external stakeholders.
Q: Is your current job directly related to your college major?
A: I would say that since my current role is in the healthcare space, it’s related to my college major. Some of my undergraduate classes, like Chronic and Long-Term Care Administration were definitely useful to take.
Q: Do you feel our school adequately prepared you to find a job?
A: Yes, I feel the program prepared me to enter the job market, and I think the Master’s degree on my resume helped me secure my current role. The support of GCS and my career coach, Cindy Hosea, also helped tremendously.
Q: Did the curriculum prepare you for your next job?
A: I honestly think the program curriculum has been instrumental in preparing me to enter the workforce. I have been using many of the soft skills I developed through the program, which have proven invaluable in various workplace scenarios. Specifically, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, leadership, and networking skills have been essential for my professional success thus far.
Q: What books are you reading right now?
A: My current “professional reading” book is Corporate Confidential by Cynthia Shapiro. It provides insight into some of the unspoken rules of corporate life, which are not typically covered in formal training or education. I think understanding these rules will help me more effectively navigate sophisticated workplace dynamics throughout my career.
For personal enjoyment, I am currently reading the Southern Reach Trilogy by Jeff VanderMeer.
Q: What are some new industry trends we should prepare our students for during the
Program?
A: I would say one of the largest and most significant trends in healthcare today is the aging population. There is a growing need for long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, assisted living, and home healthcare services, and many elderly people lack the resources to navigate the complex healthcare system on their own.
Working in PACE, I have seen this growing demand for long-term care. Luckily, the PACE program addresses the challenges associated with this demographic shift by providing comprehensive, coordinated, and community-based care. It has a focus on preventive and holistic care, reducing hospitalizations, and ensuring cost-effective solutions.
Q: Did you feel supported by the program faculty and staff?
A: Director Grudi and the rest of the program staff did a fantastic job supporting me throughout my time in the program. Whether it was through their availability for 1-on-1 meetings or constructive feedback on assignments, their investment in student success was evident.
Q: What was your favorite part of the MSHM program?
A: I enjoyed BUS-X 545, which was a business foundations course. It included lessons in core business areas such as accounting, finance, quantitative analysis, operations, strategy, and marketing. As a future leader in the healthcare industry, having a strong background in business will ensure that I am responsible to be put in charge of making decisions and managing
organizational resources.
Q: Did you feel connected to your peers (in your cohort)?
A: Yes, my cohort was very supportive and we helped each other throughout the program. This was the second year of the pandemic, and we were all still taking classes online. We scheduled group study sessions over Zoom every week. Having that human interaction outside of class was very beneficial, and helped foster a strong connection with each other.
Q: What is some advice you have for the next generation of MSHM students?
A: My advice for new MSHM students is to get to know your peers. One of the most valuable aspects of this program is the opportunity to join a network of transformational healthcare leaders. Really make an effort to spend time with your cohort, and keep in touch with them after you graduate. You never know just how much you can help each other in the future!
Connect with Gabriel on LinkedIn!