Generous donations to ACHE’s Fund for Healthcare Leadership help support scholarship opportunities for future healthcare leaders, including Yuri Campbell, FACHE, and Michael Dexter.
Campbell and Dexter are both 2023 scholars of ACHE’s Career Accelerator Program. This program is wholly supported by donations to the Fund. Learn more about Campbell’s and Dexter’s stories and consider making a donation today.
Yuri Campbell, FACHE
Senior Director, Clinical Solutions Delivery
WellMed Medical Management, Inc., San Antonio
The Career Accelerator Program proved to be an invaluable investment of our time in the cohort. Led by expert facilitators Marty Martin, PsyD, and Richard Greenhill, DHA, FACHE, who brought their extensive industry experience to the table, the program guided us through a transformative journey of self-discovery and goal setting. By exploring our short-, medium- and long-term aspirations, we gained clarity and direction in our professional paths.
One of the most memorable aspects of the program was the immersive exercises that allowed us to define a vision for impact. From within our organizations to the broader community and society, we explored the possibilities and strategies for creating meaningful change. These exercises not only inspired us but also instilled in us a sense of purpose and motivation to pursue our goals with determination.
A crucial focus of the program was on understanding the "why" behind our actions. By delving into the underlying motivations and personal drivers that influence our professional endeavors, we established a deeper connection to our work. This connection, rooted in purpose, has the power to drive us forward even during challenging times.
The program also addressed critical topics that are essential for healthcare executives in today's rapidly evolving landscape. We engaged in thought-provoking discussions on organizational stereotypes, code switching and navigating difficult conversations. These conversations became particularly engaging when we explored the notion that not everyone may be inclined to advance diversity, equity and inclusion. Sometimes in our respective organizations, there are leadership stereotypes that one must fit in order to be chosen for advancement. We were challenged to examine our own biases and assumptions, fostering a more inclusive and equitable approach to leadership.
One of the most powerful takeaways from the program was the quote, "Vision without execution is just hallucination.” This quote served as a powerful reminder of the importance of translating our aspirations into tangible actions. It motivated us to develop concrete plans and strategies to bring our vision to life.
The experience was not limited to lectures and theoretical discussions. The program encouraged active participation and collaboration through group activities. We had the opportunity to break into smaller groups, facilitating deeper discussions and exploration of the topics at hand. These group interactions allowed us to learn from each other's experiences, perspectives and strategies, enriching the overall learning experience.
Throughout the program, the faculty shared practical examples and real-world case studies that brought the concepts to life. The facilitators ensured that the content was informative, engaging and relevant to the challenges faced by healthcare executives. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, the program equipped us with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in our roles.
Beyond the educational aspects, the program provided a unique platform for networking and building connections with like-minded professionals. The cohort consisted of people from diverse backgrounds and experiences, creating a rich and dynamic learning environment. The program fostered collaboration and encouraged us to learn from each other, establishing a strong professional network that extends beyond the program's duration.
Being part of the Career Accelerator Program was a transformative experience that left a lasting impact on our professional growth. Through expert guidance, thought-provoking discussions and immersive exercises, we gained the clarity, motivation and skills necessary to excel in our healthcare leadership roles. This program is highly recommended for those seeking to make a meaningful impact in healthcare while building a robust network of industry professionals. Being part of it is a valuable investment that will pay dividends throughout your career journey.
Michael Dexter
Manager, Clinical Quality Improvement
The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore
The Career Accelerator Program addresses the well-documented gap between the diversity of the C-suite and the diversity of the communities being served. Research suggests that improved diversity and inclusion in healthcare leadership results in more equitable healthcare outcomes for all communities.
The program is wholly supported by the Fund for Healthcare Leadership, a foundation of the American College of Healthcare Executives, which provides scholarships that allow people like me to participate in the program. These generous donations allow the next generation of diverse healthcare leaders to receive necessary leadership training to provide a valuable service to underserved populations.
Highlighted below are a few takeaways from my experience as a scholar.
Networking and Connections
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Career Accelerator Program experience is the opportunity to network and connect with other scholars throughout the year. Through small group sessions, I have formed meaningful connections with other scholars that will be beneficial in providing mentoring, accountability and support. One such person is Lingda Hou, who works at the Deanna and Sidney Wolk Center for Memory Health and is on a similar professional journey. Lingda and I have developed a connection in which we provide mutual support and guidance to each other as we grow in our career paths. I look forward to building more relationships and supporting my fellow scholars on their professional journeys.
Professional Development
The program offers exceptional leadership learning opportunities via various educational sessions extending over 22.5 ACHE Face-to-Face Education credits offered throughout the year. Not only did it provide educational opportunities, there were also activities for group peer monitoring, one-on-one resume review and leadership assessment. One exercise in particular, the Change Management Effectiveness assessment, assisted in developing leadership self-awareness and provided recommendations on how to thrive effectively in this constant climate of change in healthcare.
Coaching and Mentorship
An amazing concept of the program is that mentorship and coaching are offered throughout. Dr. Rich Greenhill provided me with remarkable coaching during a one-on-one session and helped me map an approach to my desired career path. I look forward to being matched with a former Thomas C. Dolan Executive Diversity Program scholar and building a mentoring relationship to positively impact my career trajectory. The program recommended the concept of developing a personal board of directors—a group of unrelated individuals who can help you achieve your goals, provide feedback and hold you accountable. Through the networking opportunities and the coaching programs, I am well on my way to doing so.
I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to be a CAP scholar. The program has helped me achieve several of my goals, improved my leadership skills and allowed me to establish lasting relationships—all of which represent a long-term investment in myself and the communities I serve. I encourage anyone to support the Career Accelerator Program by donating to the Fund for Healthcare Leadership.