M.B.A. Was A Healthy Choice For Philadelphia Health Care CEO
Kathleen Kinslow, CRNA, EdD, M.B.A. is the president & chief executive officer (CEO) at Aria Health. Before becoming president and CEO at Aria Health, Kinslow worked for Pennsylvania Hospital as director of the School of Nurse Anesthesia, and since that time has held progressive management and leadership positions, including vice president of clinical services/chief nursing officer, chief operating officer, and, most recently, CEO and executive director. In addition, she served as vice president of hospital operations for the University of Pennsylvania Health System and has held the academic appointment of clinical assistant professor of nursing at the University of Pennsylvania since 2006.
Can you describe your duties?
"As president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Aria Health, I am responsible for providing overall direction and strategy for a three-hospital system. It is important to set the vision and work to motivate the team to execute. It is helpful to be knowledgeable about the external environment and help guide the organization to success, and achieving high-quality outcomes with engaged staff is essential."
How has education prepared you for your career?
"I have a varied educational background. I believe my training as a nurse has helped me keep the patient perspective at the forefront. I also obtained an M.B.A., which has given me a business perspective and helped me understand the financial side of the health care industry."
What continuing education is required for your role?
"I believe a business degree is essential in my position. By obtaining my M.B.A., I have gone into the industry with financial understanding and a business perspective that put me ahead of the game in the health care industry."
What advice would you give someone just starting out?
"For people who are first starting out in the health care Industry, I would suggest that you stick to your goals. There are ups and downs in all that you do. Don't give up on those goals. Networking is essential; and it is essential to try to connect outside of your industry. Don't be afraid to fail and always be humble."
Christina Thompson is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.