What’s giving you more of the blues these days – the weather or the future of healthcare reform?  No matter which one you said, I’m sure we all sometimes feel like the best solution is to just crawl under a blanket and binge watch your favorite show.  But alas, the future healthcare administrators are settling back into their spring semesters and are determined to be a part of this disruptive transformation in healthcare.  This means it’s also time to start thinking about summer internships.  Are you offering one or thinking about offering one?  If so, please keep in mind the Wisconsin programs that are part of ACHE’s Higher Education Network, and host a student from one of these great programs.  Please contact three of the state’s healthcare administration program directors to learn more about opportunities to host a student intern this summer:

- Kathleen Olewinski, FACHE (kmo@uwm.edu)
o University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Healthcare Administration and Information undergraduate program

- Jennifer Fink, PhD (jtfink@uwm.edu)
o University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Masters of Healthcare Administration (MHA)

- Erik Hollander (erik.hollander@cuw.edu)
o Concordia University’s Healthcare Management program

These programs ALWAYS have more students to place than programs available to place them in.  And, with a UWM’s MHA program, it’s even more vital that we offer internship and administrative fellowship opportunities.

In addition to the local programs, I am once again reminding you of ACHE’s strategic alliance with the American Hospital Association's Institute for Diversity and Health Equity (IFD).  This program is currently promoting and placing students for its Summer Enrichment Program (SEP). This program is designed to grow and strengthen the pipeline of healthcare leaders from underrepresented groups. The SEP places diverse graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in healthcare administration or a related field into 10-week, paid internships at healthcare organizations across the country.

Follow the hyperlink to the ACHE website for the Summer Enrichment Program, to learn more: http://www.ache.org/policy/IFD_Summer_Enrichment_Program.cfm

Follow the hyperlink to the Institute for Diversity and Health Equity website to register and become a host site: 
http://www.diversityconnection.org/diversityconnection/education/education-SEP-Program-Overview.jsp?fll=S4&sll=S40

Best Wishes for a Safe and Healthy 2018

Andrew M. Hillig, FACHE
Regent for Wisconsin