Career Exploration Essay

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communicator, train and empower employees to be excellent decision makers, flexible/able to embrace change and be passionate about the business (FWR, 2015 Feb 26).

- Tell me what you like and dislike about your job. “I like the challenges, the opportunities learned every day, and the people I work with, and the physicians I work for. I like that there is professional and personal growth, various Healthcare mentors, and the many different roles I have that keep me engaged in the company” (C. Overcash, COO, 2016 Feb 5). “There are not really any dislikes…maybe the one dislike I have being in this position is the significant government involvement in healthcare which usually adds cost without commensurate value” (D. Overcash, COO 2016 Feb 5).

- What critical skills and qualities are needed for this position? How about entry-level position? “Always listen to others, give your full attention. Be positive, empower, and encourage. Have willingness to accept change; the healthcare business is very fluid. Have business and finance skills and also, be a detail-oriented individual. Facile with computers, especially Microsoft Office, learn to work with people, understand rules and the regulations for Human Resources, and always build trust with your staff, peers, colleagues, and employers.” “For an entry-level job, have the willingness to learn any part of the job or business and do anything asked, understand all aspects that your job is requiring and take initiative as opportunities arise, and have computer skills (which many individuals have being technology is more used and taught in schools)” (D. Overcash, COO, 2016 Feb 5).

- Do you have any recommendation to students who want to become a health services administrator? “Obtain degree(s) that will open doors in healthcare. Get as much experience as you can by obtaining internships, shadow jobs, or finding a person in healthcare to be a mentor. Focus on healthcare business specifically, become proficient in finance, and always be willing to accept new opportunities” (D. Overcash, COO 2016 Feb, 5).

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Part III: Final Reflections

After interview the Chief Operations Officer of Fort Wayne Radiology, I was overwhelmed with the responses on how to prepare yourself to be as successful as her. I asked my own personal question pertaining to what do I need to do to prepare for my future career. She responded, “If you know the area(s) in which you are interested, research and find ways to get experience in those specific areas. If you are unsure, immerse yourself in as many aspects as possibly through volunteering, shadowing, internship, or perhaps a job in one of the hospitals or practices. Healthcare has lots of opportunities, so you may want to research today’s healthcare needs and what the pundits believe will be the future needs so you can mold your studies to those positions. Understanding the clinical side is not necessary but it is helpful” (D. Overcash, COO 2016 Feb 5).

After learning all of this I have been researching internship possibilities, and I have responded to two job ads that I found on craigslist for an office assistant position that would be dealing with medical billing, filing, and scheduling appointments for doctors and therapists. I have heard back from one, and an interview is set up to be completed. I also plan on finding volunteer opportunities within hospitals, practices, and anything related to community health. I have learned that I need to immerse myself in my studies, and learn more of the financial/business aspects instead of throwing those to the side (finances were not that interesting to me). Hopefully after obtaining my B.A, I am offered many opportunities to further my career, and be in a head position of an organization and add positive value to what the organization has to offer.

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References

Overcash, Deb. (2016, Feb 5). Personal Interview.

Fort Wayne Radiology. (n.d.). Welcome to FWRadiology. Retrieved from http://www.fwradiology.com.

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Appendix

FWRadiology, LLC is the primary company which employs 27 physicians and has a wholly owned subsidiary, medical management services which employs 52 full time and 9 part time staff and administrators. FWRadiology has ownership of Breast Diagnostic Center, P.E.T. Fusion Imaging, Parkview Open MRI, and Nuvena Vein Center.

Mission of FWRadiology:

Our mission is to enhance the patient experience by delivering superb customer service, to build productive, collaborative partnerships with our customers, to embrace tomorrow's innovation for a cutting-edge work environment, to profitably grow our business, to provide a challenging, yet rewarding workplace for our employees and to provide intrinsic satisfaction to our owners.

Vision:

Our vision is to be recognized as the premier provider of advanced imaging services for both our patients and customers and to be valued by the communities that we serve... internally, we will strive for excellence and embrace change. (FWRadiology, 2016).