From Fellow to Chief of Operations: Jeff Butler on Leadership, Curiosity, and the UCLA Experience

From Fellow to Chief of Operations: Jeff Butler on Leadership, Curiosity, and the UCLA Experience

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Butler, the Chief of Operations for UCLA Health’s Community Clinic Network. Jeff’s journey is the ultimate blueprint for fellowship success: he started as a Fellow in 2008 and has spent the last 17 years climbing the ranks, pioneering retail clinics, and expanding patient access across Los Angeles.We discuss why "continuous discovery" is the secret weapon for healthcare leaders. Jeff explains how the vibrant culture of Los Angeles keeps him agile and how that curiosity translates into innovative strategies for the health system. If you are a current fellow, a prospective applicant, or a healthcare professional looking to understand the path to the C-suite, this episode is for you.

From UAB MHA to Apex Fellowship: Mahee Patel’s Path in Value-Based Care

From navigating the transition from Wisconsin to Alabama for her MHA at UAB, to securing an internship at the Mayo Clinic, and now serving as a fellow at Apex Health Solutions in Houston, Mahee Patel shares an inspiring journey through healthcare administration and value-based care. In this episode of The Fellowship Review from the American Journal of Healthcare Strategy, host Vrushangi Shah explores Mahee’s decision-making process, the importance of cultural fit in graduate programs, and how strategic networking with alumni shaped her career path.Mahee provides an inside look at Apex’s unique fellowship model, which allows fellows to tailor their experience as rotational or project-based. She discusses her work on regulatory compliance projects, the skills needed to transition from student to leader, and the critical role of mentorship—highlighting how preceptors and executive sponsors can help fellows thrive without feeling overwhelmed.Listeners will also gain practical advice on fellowship applications, interview strategies, and building an intentional professional network. Whether you’re an MHA student, early careerist, or aspiring healthcare leader, Mahee’s story offers actionable insights into pursuing fellowships, adapting to new environments, and embracing the learning curve in value-based care organizations.If you’re passionate about healthcare leadership and want to learn how to strategically shape your career path, don’t miss this engaging and informative conversation. Subscribe for more episodes featuring diverse voices and fellowship experiences across the healthcare landscape.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:47 Educational Background and Journey to UAB02:55 Transitioning to the South05:11 Internship Experience at Mayo Clinic07:56 Choosing a Fellowship Path17:34 Fellowship Experience at Apex Health Solutions24:05 Living in Houston and Final Advice

Inside Michigan Medicine's 2-Year Administrative Fellowship: Projects, Immersion & Mentorship

00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:50 Meet Trent Garrett01:41 Graduate Experience at UAB03:17 Internships and Early Career07:49 Navigating Fellowship Applications13:26 Michigan Medicine Fellowship Structure16:19 Mentorship and Leadership Access19:44 Highlight Projects and Experiences23:22 Living in Ann Arbor26:42 Final Advice and Reflections

From Patient Services to Strategy: Rachel Gerhardt's Rise from Boston Childrens to Beth Israel Lahey

In this episode of the American Journal of Healthcare Strategy Fellowship Review Podcast, host Vrushangi Shah interviews Rachel Gerhardt, MPH, a post-fellowship professional with an accomplished career in healthcare. Rachel shares her journey from starting her career at Boston Children’s Hospital to completing an MPH at Boston University, her fellowship at Johns Hopkins Medicine, and her subsequent roles at UPMC and Beth Israel Lahey Health. The discussion highlights the importance of being authentic, understanding personal values, and the benefits of gaining management experience. Rachel also offers valuable advice on navigating career decisions, the significance of mentorship, and balancing personal life with professional growth.Timestamps:00:00 Connecting with People: Be Yourself00:31 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest01:03 Rachel’s Background and Career Journey02:08 Graduate School Experience at Boston University03:53 Discovering Healthcare Administration07:47 Pursuing an Administrative Fellowship13:32 Experience at Johns Hopkins Fellowship21:52 Reflecting on Fellowship Experiences22:36 Living in Baltimore: Beyond the Fellowship26:39 Transitioning from Fellowship to Career28:31 Navigating Career Decisions and Mentorship36:27 Returning to Boston: Balancing Career and Family41:21 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

The UCSF Administrative Fellowship with Nicolas St. Cloud

In this episode of the Fellowship Review through the American Journal of Healthcare Strategy, host Vrushangi Shah interviews Nicolas St. Cloud, a first-year administrative fellow at UCSF Health. Nicolas shares his educational background, including his studies at Brandeis University and Emory University, and discusses his diverse experiences in healthcare administration. He highlights the valuable lessons learned from internships in Ghana and Oregon and offers detailed insights into his current projects at UCSF. Nicolas also provides practical advice for those considering a healthcare fellowship, emphasizing the importance of networking, being proactive, and embracing every learning opportunity.00:00 Introduction and Advice for Aspiring Fellows00:29 Meet Nicolas St. Cloud: Background and Education02:21 Transformative Experiences in Ghana03:33 Choosing Emory for Graduate School05:31 Internships and Practical Experience08:37 Why Choose a Fellowship?11:13 Navigating the Fellowship Application Process17:43 Life as a UCSF Fellow22:50 Living in San Francisco24:44 Final Advice and Reflections