Dallas Medical Director Says Research Is Key In Deciding On Master's Degree
Belinda Tommey is executive director at Dallas Nephrology Associates. She oversees all administrative functions of the medical group including operations, marketing, finance, managed care/third-party contracting, human resources, medical/business information systems, and planning and development. She earned her master's degree in healthcare administration from Texas Woman's University.
Why did you pursue a master's degree?
"I started my health care career as a nurse, working in an intensive care unit and wanted to make a difference for 'nurses,' in terms of scheduling, shifts, compensation, so I pursued a graduate degree in health care administration. My goal was to become a hospital administrator, and apply 'business' concepts rather than continuing to pursue clinical expertise. I learned it was very difficult to make the leap from clinical nurse to hospital administrator without having a graduate degree. I also wanted to improve my earnings potential."
What would you tell someone who is considering returning to school to earn a master's degree?
"Do your research first. Determine what degree you are interested in pursuing and then research the schools that offer that degree. Talk with the head of that program to find out where their graduates usually end up. Find out how flexible the class schedule is and whether your current employer will be flexible with you trying to balance work and school. Figure out how long it will take and how you are going to pay for it. I believe that a graduate degree will pay for itself 100 times over."
What was the biggest challenge you faced when pursuing your master's degree?
"Balancing work and school. I had very little free time. If I wasn't working on something for school, then I was working. It was exhausting. I was also a newlywed so this made the balancing even more difficult."
What was the biggest reward for earning the master's degree?
"I really enjoy my work. I am constantly learning and applying certain research and study skills that I acquired in graduate school to my actual job. I am constantly using my clinical background as well. I feel like I actually make a contribution."
Robin D. Everson is a native Chicagoan who resides in Dallas, Texas. Her appreciation for art, food, wine, people and places has helped her become a well-respected journalist. A life-long lover of education, Robin seeks to learn and enlighten others about culture. You can find her work at Examiner.com
