How an internship led to a career in healthcare leadership

When Chace Crawford enrolled at IU Indianapolis, he envisioned a future in nursing. But it didn’t take long for him to realize that while healthcare was his calling, the clinical path wasn’t the right fit.

“I initially started in pre-nursing but quickly realized the clinical side wasn’t for me,” Chace says. “However, I still wanted to make a difference in healthcare.”

That desire led him to the Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management program at the IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health. There, he discovered a new way to make an impact: through healthcare operations and administration.

“I chose this program because I wanted to learn about the business aspect of healthcare and how it can be used to improve overall quality for the community,” he says. “After learning how vital business professionals and leaders are in this field, I was inspired to pursue a path where I could contribute to positive change in my local community.”

Chace graduated with his bachelor’s degree in 2024 and quickly transitioned from student intern to full-time employee at Riverview Health in the Indianapolis area. His current role as an operations associate places him in the heart of decision-making and problem-solving for the organization’s clinical services.

His passion for operations was sparked during his internship at Riverview Health, where he worked closely with executives and directors. That experience gave him a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of a health system and showed him how meaningful and strategic the business side of healthcare could be.

“Through this internship, I discovered my passion for operations,” he says. “Although I’m just beginning my career, I plan to continue working hard and gaining more knowledge in the field.”

Now juggling full-time work and graduate school, Chace is also a full-time student in the Master of Health Administration (MHA) program at the Fairbanks School. His days are packed, starting with meetings and project planning at work, followed by evening classes to advance his education.

“At work, I usually have multiple meetings where we discuss upcoming projects, onboarding providers, and operational needs,” Chace explains. “Between meetings, I collaborate with directors and managers to find solutions for providers’ and offices’ challenges. After work, I head to IU Indianapolis for my MHA classes.”

The transition from undergraduate to graduate studies was a milestone Chace had long anticipated, and now that he’s underway, he’s more committed than ever.

“The most significant thing that has happened since graduation is my enrollment in the master’s program,” he says. “Now that I’m close to finishing my first semester, I’m more motivated than ever to continue learning how to improve the patient experience in healthcare.”

One of the most important lessons he’s carried with him from his undergraduate studies is a deeper understanding of the healthcare needs in underserved communities, particularly in rural areas. It’s a challenge that many healthcare systems face, including those in Indiana, and one that Chace hopes to help address through his work.

“One lesson I’ve learned is how underserved rural communities are, not just in Indiana, but across the U.S.,” he says. “This is a challenge that healthcare organizations nationwide are working to address by expanding services.”

Looking ahead, Chace has clear goals. In a year, he hopes to be finishing his MHA and stepping into a new leadership role.

“Hopefully, a year from now, I’ll be completing my final semester of the MHA program and be close to becoming a physician’s office manager at Riverview Health.”

His advice to current and future students in health services management is simple: build relationships.

“I would advise my college self to make as many connections as possible with peers, professionals, and professors,” he says. “One thing I’ve consistently heard throughout my journey is how important professional relationships are in this industry.”

Reflecting on his undergraduate experience, Chace is grateful for the friendships and shared journey with his fellow students.

“My favorite college memory is simply making lasting friendships and memories through the HSM program,” he says. “We taught each other new things, worked toward the common goal of graduating, and supported one another through tough times.”

From pre-nursing to operations, from undergraduate to graduate studies, Chace’s journey is a testament to how health services management can open doors and make a lasting impact on both patients and communities.