Asian healthcare leaders are a minority in healthcare management. A stereotype about Indians is that they are either doctors or computer professionals, so creating a space for myself in healthcare management has been a unique challenge. This is slowly changing, and I am excited to see us take on more prominent roles in management. I am reminded of the quote, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” I want our children to see the possibilities and help us create a more diverse healthcare leadership. We have to create awareness about equity to bring about change.
While exploring leadership programs earlier this year, a colleague suggested that I consider the ACHE Thomas C. Dolan Executive Diversity Program, which aims to prepare qualified, diverse healthcare management leaders advance in their professional journey to close the diversity gap at the C-suite level. I am glad ACHE has recognized the need for more diversity in healthcare leadership, and I am very excited to be part of this movement. To be selected as one of the 2022 Dolan Executive Scholars is both an honor and an achievement for me. I am ever so grateful to ACHE for providing an exceptionally designed and well-rounded leadership program that has added professional richness to my career. The program is funded by generous donations made by leaders like you to the Fund for Healthcare Leadership.
As I wrap up my learnings from this program, below are some of my key takeaways.
Self-Awareness, Coaching, and Mentorship
Through the 360-degree feedback, personality assessment and leadership assessment, I was able to reflect on my development and become more self-aware to achieve my goals.
The program offered an incredible opportunity to receive mentorship and coaching. A mentor was paired with me based on common career paths and my future aspirations. I am truly grateful to have Christina Freese-Decker, FACHE, president/CEO, Spectrum Health, as my mentor. She helped me develop an action plan based on my career development goals. The personalized coaching sessions with Laurie Baedke, FACHE, FACMPE, director, Healthcare Leadership Programs, Creighton University, were very helpful in navigating through the career advancement journey. I value the perspectives and guidance of these incredible women and cherish the long-lasting relationships we have developed.
Professional Development and Site Visits
The program features exclusive leadership learning opportunities via various educational sessions offering up to 40 ACHE In-Person Education credits. In addition, site visits provided the opportunity to see the inner functioning of other healthcare organizations, have open and engaging conversations with their leaders and share best practices. Over six months in three cities, we visited multiple healthcare organizations ranging from world-class destination medical centers; academic medical centers; public, for-profit and nonprofit hospitals; the headquarters of the American Hospital Association; and health technology incubators. The wealth of information I gathered during these sessions is invaluable.
Diversity Dialogue
The discussions and dialogues we had during the sessions were bold, thought-provoking and sometimes uncomfortable! But that’s the idea—challenge the status quo, be uncomfortable and push your biases. I am grateful for the listening sessions where we could be open and vulnerable without fear of judgement. These conversations opened a whole new world that was unknown to me, and I am excited to be an agent of change in my community and my organization.
Networking
As part of the program, the Dolan Scholars had multiple networking opportunities—in person and virtually. In my cohort of 12 scholars, we have developed strong bonds and deep, lifelong friendships. We have shared not only our professional lives, but our personal lives with each other. We laughed and learned together. I would find myself looking forward to our next in-person session. But in between those sessions, we stayed connected via phone, texts and emails.
Having access to the Executive Program and Physician Executive Program participants enriched my network with many more like-minded, forward-thinking leaders who are sure to lead healthcare to a better place.
I strongly believe diversity in leadership ultimately leads to a more inclusive environment and better outcomes for all. The Dolan Executive Diversity Program has given me the power to become self-aware and use my voice to communicate with clarity and intention the value of diversity in healthcare leadership. On Giving Tuesday, please consider making a donation to support future healthcare leaders so they can experience professional development opportunities like I did.
Megha Kachalia, FACHE, is assistant vice president, physician and ambulatory planning, MedStar Health, Washington, D.C./Baltimore. She is one of the 2022 Thomas C. Dolan Executive Diversity Program Scholars.