Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/692604
58 58 EXECUTIVE NOTES James Burkhart, DSc, President & CEO of Tampa (Fla.) General Hospital "A valued education is absolutely critical. In our business today, a master's degree is a prerequisite — it's seldom that we look at anybody without that. Beyond that, I have a bias: Individuals who have had at least an internship — or more particularly, a fellowship or residency — within the framework of healthcare are a much better fit into an organization straight out. Stay open-minded, and don't fit yourself into a box when you first come out. People used to say they wanted the CEO's job. But what I say to people now is that the horizons of things you can do are so much more varied than when I graduated. Don't pin yourself down too early because you might miss an opportunity." Robert Ross, COO of MedStar Washington Hospital Center (Washington, D.C.) "'You are who you are since you were five years old.' My first health management professor said that to us on the first day of class. You see a lot of people trying to mirror someone else's style, but you have to build on who you are. You are who you are, and using your strengths is going to make you more successful. You own your own career, not your boss and not HR. e more you can open yourself up to geography and have flexibility to move will help open doors for more opportunities. Your future role and title may not have been created. Oen, young healthcare careerists look at the traditional hospital hierarchy and aspire to those roles. I hear a lot of young people saying, 'I want to be a COO.' As we know, healthcare is in the midst of substantial change and therefore the structures, roles and titles will change. Lastly, never, ever forget what an honor it is to serve as an administrator in healthcare to support the professionals who care for patients." n AS FEATURED IN: FEELS BETTER ALREADY. TM We've made healthcare easier. A lot easier. Explore the world's first healthcare marketplace for patients, providers, employers and payers. Call: 888.425.7108 | Email: info@mdsave.com | Chat: MDsave.com LEARN MORE halfPage ad_Beckers FINAL.indd 1 5/3/16 10:38 AM