Local Universities Help Doctor Turned Health Administrator Brings Smiles To Philadelphia Patients
Health care is one of the top industries hiring in Philadelphia at the present time. With some of the best universities and health care resources in the private and public sector, a career in this field will bring positive long-term success for anyone.
As a health care administrator, there are many different paths you can take. Dr. Michael Hoaglin transitioned his medical career into health administration and was involved in a variety of aspects including writing a policy for the US Department of Health and Human Services incentivizing doctors to use electronic medical records. He also worked in the medical unit for "The Dr. Oz Show" as the show's Clinical Director.
Dr. Hoaglin took some time out of his hectic schedule to answer a few questions about his education and career in health administration.
What drew you to a degree and job in health care administration?
"Going to medical school was the long-term plan where I could combine the art and science of healing to augment my engineering degrees. However, immediately after graduating from Northwestern University, I wanted to approach my medical training with a broad perspective of our nation's complicated health care system. I spent two years in health care consulting helping doctors use technology and medical data to take better care of patients. In medical school, I soon realized that there were toxic incentives and wasteful practices in patient care that needed reform."
"Working at the administrative/leadership level in health care, I can use my knowledge to affect the health of millions of patients rather than just one at a time."
What do you do to stay current in your field?
"I use social media, real life conferences and daily reading of thought leaders to stay current."
What are the benefits of working in Philadelphia as a health administrator?
"Philadelphia is chock-full of health care and technology. It has several medical schools and is the birthplace of academic medicine, so top health care colleagues are always around. It is world-renowned for its leaders at the intersection of health care leadership and policy, and it is perfectly located geographically for access to the national conversation on health care administration."
Christina Thompson is a freelance travel writer living in Philadelphia. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
