The Washington Campus Experience is an intensive educational and professional development elective course open to MS in Healthcare Management (MSHM) students. Current MSHM student Amber Zhang completed the course in spring 2023 and answered some of our questions about her experience.
Why did you choose the Washington Campus Experience?
The Washington Campus Experience provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between government and the healthcare industry, as well as strategies for navigating the public policy process. I also see this as a great networking opportunity with policymakers and other field experts, which could benefit my career. Overall, the Washington Campus Experience is a valuable opportunity for those who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of healthcare policy and how it relates to the business world.
What did you hope to learn?
I was hoping to gain a deeper understanding of healthcare policy and how it affects the business world. And I was also hoping to learn the political dynamics involved in shaping healthcare policy, including the role of independent regulatory agencies like the FTC and the FDA.
What organizations and people in DC did you get to learn from and engage with?
We had the opportunity to interact with key players such as Mr. Jeff Myers, the former President and CEO of Medicaid Health Plans of America, and Governor Howard Dean, the former Governor of Vermont and Chair of the Democratic National Committee. I also had the chance to hear from industry experts such as Mr. Greg Crist, the Chief Policy Officer and Head of External Affairs at AdvaMed, and Ms. Angela Riemer, the Vice President of Global Policy and Public Affairs at Pfizer Inc. The program covered a wide range of topics, including the political dynamics of national healthcare policy, the complexities of Medicaid, and the intersection of health, technology, and public policy.
What project did you focus on while you were there?
We were given two major assignments to complete after returning home from Washington DC. One of them was a take-home exam, which consisted of three essay questions, each requiring 750 words. We have one week to complete the exam, and it tests our ability to apply the concepts and knowledge we gained during the program. The second assignment is a group project, which we will have two weeks to complete after the last day of the program. For this project, we are required to identify a current health public policy issue and propose a viable solution for it. This project is a great opportunity for us to collaborate and share our different perspectives and ideas with each other.
What was most interesting during your experience in D.C.?
I have to say the program has been going incredibly well, exceeding all of my expectations. One of the things I found most fun and interesting about learning in DC as part of the program was the opportunity to hear from so many guest speakers from various areas. The president of the Washington Campus told us at the beginning that “we don’t bring what you want to see but what you need to see,” and I couldn’t agree more. It was eye-opening to gain knowledge and insights from all perspectives, not just the ones we were already familiar with.
One of the highlights of the trip was getting to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom. I stayed through the weekend, and my mom flew in to meet me. We took a stroll through the Tidal Basin and enjoyed the stunning cherry blossoms, which was a nice break from the intense coursework.
What did you learn and how has it impacted your thoughts about healthcare, or your career path?
One of the most impactful aspects of the program was the opportunity to interact with industry leaders and policymakers, who shared their insights and experiences with us. I also appreciated the chance to explore healthcare policy from different perspectives, including economics, ethics, and law. One key takeaway for me was the importance of collaboration in healthcare. As we learned throughout the program, healthcare is a complex and interdisciplinary field, and achieving meaningful change requires input from a variety of stakeholders, including patients, providers, payers, and policymakers.
I would highly recommend this program to other students interested in healthcare policy and management. The experience has broadened my perspective and provided me with invaluable knowledge and skills that I can apply in my future career. The program has solidified my passion for a career in healthcare management. I’ve gained a greater understanding of the challenges facing the industry and the importance of working towards solutions that benefit all stakeholders.
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