A group of MHA students recently attended the Advancement League’s first Young Health Leader Summit in Orlando, FL. The summit brought together individuals from multiple healthcare organizations and healthcare administration programs to network, build community and work in groups on challenges and projects. The theme of Learn, Share and Do was woven throughout each day of the conference.
Our students were impressed with the experience, saying that they enjoyed the structure of the conference. They felt each theme was executed effectively, enjoyed the opportunity to work in breakout groups and welcomed the open-minded approach the summit took to healthcare.
The students also appreciated the selection of panel discussions and keynote speakers. Christian Purnell, first year MHA student, said, “The organizers set a tone where participants could meet someone to get to know them and then afterwards find out what they do. That form of networking proved exceptionally effective in prioritizing relationships and then finding opportunities. No one was trying to put on a show. Discussion and working together in breakout groups organically led to opportunity.”
On the final day of the conference, attendees were given a unique and creative challenge: attendees were grouped into teams and given $300 to make a difference in the local community. At the end of the day, each team presented their efforts and results to a panel of judges, who evaluated each project and chose a winner. Our students noted the different ideas from the teams were quite creative, given the limited funds.
Our students returned enriched and ready to contribute what they learned to their professional and educational environment. Overall, they judged the conference a success with effective networking, professional development and a focus on driving change for a better healthcare tomorrow. Our students are now actively plugged in to a very inclusive new group with shared values and drive to improve the health industry.
