The MHA program was able to catch up with one of our most recent alums, Vincent Brown, MHA, 2018. See how the program impacted him below.
What was your path to the MHA program? What were you doing before enrolling?
My family and I were living in North Salt Lake prior to joining the MHA program, and I was preparing to apply to physician assistant programs. In preparation for that, I gained healthcare experience as an EMT and provider paneling coordinator. However, after not getting along with chemistry, I switched gears and worked for a couple banks doing underwriting and commercial real estate. I attended an information session for the MHA program and realized that I would enjoy healthcare administration, and this was how I could marry both my healthcare and finance backgrounds.
What was your interest in earning an MHA?
Early in my life, I saw what a difference a strong healthcare team can make in the lives of their patients. I wanted to be a part of a group that really made a positive impact on families and communities.
Why did you decide to pursue the dual MHA degree?
I was among the first class to graduate from the stand-alone MHA program in 2018. What really caught my attention with the program at the Eccles School was the leadership team and the professors. Not only were they highly skilled and experienced, but they were passionate about healthcare and about students’ success.
Where did you complete your internship?
I completed my first internship with Granger Medical Clinic in Salt Lake City, where I had the opportunity to be mentored by their CEO and executive leadership team. After completing my internship, I realized that I wanted start my career in a clinic/medical group setting. My second internship was at the University of Utah Orthopaedic Hospital, working with their clinical and administrative teams on value driven outcomes.
What was your biggest challenge navigating the program?
My biggest challenge navigating the program was ensuring that I balanced my graduate work with networking and other activities that would help me obtain my first post-graduate position.
What was the biggest reward from completing the program?
By far the biggest reward was the relationships that were established with my classmates and the MHA leadership team and professors. All of them made a positive impact on me, and continue to do so now.
What professional opportunities have you had since graduation? How important has the MHA been to your career advancement?
Besides my currently role at Granger Medical Clinic, I am the Education Chair the UMGMA 2019 Conference. I also am on the Membership Committee for UHE, as a Student Membership & Engagement Ambassador.
What are you doing now?
I am the inventory manager for Granger Medical Clinics, one of the largest independent physician-owned medical clinic groups, who are primarily based in Salt Lake County, Utah.