YNHHS Administrative Fellowship
Watch a 22-minute webinar about the YNHHS Administrative Fellowship
Fellowship Program Structure
The YNHHS Administrative Fellowship is a two-year program that provides the fellow with a valuable, broad-based, health system experience. During the fellowship, the fellow gains exposure to Yale New Haven Health’s Office of Strategy Management and overall corporate services. Fellows are also exposed to Yale New Haven Hospital, Greenwich Hospital, Bridgeport Hospital, Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, Westerly Hospital and Northeast Medical Group. From working with small community hospitals, a mid-sized urban hospital, one of the largest academic medical centers in the country to a geographically expansive medical foundation, the fellow is afforded a uniquely diverse experience.
The program begins in July with various rotations lasting between three and six months. During each rotation, administrative fellows are assigned an executive preceptor to guide them, select projects and provide feedback.
Fellows will be exposed to high-level executive meetings and senior-level decision making processes during each rotation. They will also be given the opportunity to participate in key projects that align with YNHHS strategic priorities. All rotations will provide fellows with experiences that touch on different aspects of healthcare and hospital administration including, but not limited to:
- Academic Medicine
- Community Health Equity and Population Health
- Financial, Budget and Capital Management
- Human Resources
- Inpatient Service Lines and Ambulatory Network Operations
- Marketing, Communications and Public Affairs
- Nursing Operations
- Patient Experience and Performance Improvement
- Patient Safety, Quality and Clinical Redesign
- Regulatory and Compliance
- Strategy, Business Development and Project Management
Projects
YNHHS fellows have the opportunity to manage numerous projects throughout their tenure. Project assignments are made at the system and delivery network level, where fellows can get involved in some of the highest-priority initiatives. Preceptors work with fellows to identify project opportunities that align with the fellows’ interests and career objectives.
Examples of former fellowship projects include:
- Management of the project team for the launch of a 100,000-square-foot ambulatory center
- Response to and due diligence for strategic affiliation Requests For Proposal
- Management of Northeast Medical Group’s Quality Measurement Program
- Implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery clinical redesign initiatives
- Business plan development for an international patient program
- Data analysis around observation patients and strategic planning for the development of a new 10-bed observation unit
- Emergency Department data analysis to determine the need for care coordination and referrals to the Primary Care Center
- Implementation of YNHHS’ telehealth, employee wellness and patient engagement platforms
- Development of a community health improvement plan for nearby communities
In addition, fellows have the opportunity to participate in operational committees and other activities throughout YNHHS. These activities offer valuable experiences in the development of a healthcare executive. Some examples include:
- Attending system, delivery network and joint board meetings
- Attending the ACHE and AAMC COTH Administrative Fellow national conferences
- Attending delivery network senior management team meetings
- Participating in Certificate of Need or new site development public hearings
- Participating in the launch of new clinical programs
- Attending System Leadership Group, System Operating Committee, system retreats, system directors trainings and system strategy sessions
- Facilitating Chief Nursing Executive meetings
- Writing articles for renowned journals in the research arena
- Participating in search committees for chair/chief positions
Mentorship
YNHHS invests significantly in its fellows and is committed to furthering fellows’ leadership development. Reporting to YNHHS’ Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President/President of YNHHS and Yale New Haven Hospital, fellows are offered high-level coaching and mentorship. Fellows have professional development opportunities through YNHHS’ Institute for Excellence (IFE), which provides unfettered access to management training courses. With only two system fellows selected annually, fellows have substantial access to YNHHS’ most senior executives’ guidance, initiatives and resources.
Qualifications
YNHHS seeks fellowship candidates with proven records of academic and professional excellence who demonstrate alignment with our values of patient-centered care, respect, compassion, integrity and accountability. A master’s degree in healthcare management or administration, public health or related field is required. The YNHHS fellowship experience requires self-motivation and willingness to step forward and engage with leaders and team members on projects throughout the system. Therefore, relevant healthcare work experience is strongly preferred. A strong record of leadership and teamwork and clear demonstration of excellent verbal and written communication skills are also essential.
Applying to the YNHHS Fellowship
The application process and interviews for the Fellowship occur in the fall each year, and fellows begin their two-year program each July. Yale New Haven Health participates in the National Council on Administrative Fellowships (NCAF) national fellowship process and follows their guidelines and schedule. Fellowship applications are accepted through the National Administrative Fellowship Centralized Application Service (NAFCAS).
Required components of the application process include:
- Complete the online administrative fellow application, found at www.ynhhs.org/careers (available August through October).
- Submit required materials (due in early October each year) through the NAFCAS online application system: cover letter, resume, personal statement, essay question response, official graduate transcripts (in the Academic History Quadrant of NAFCAS) unofficial undergraduate transcripts (under Program Materials Quadrant), and three letters of recommendation (in the Supporting Information Quadrant of NAFCAS).
For additional information or questions, please contact Lyn Salsgiver, vice president, Community Health Equity, Administrative Fellowship Program Director at carolyn.salsgiver@ynhh.org or 203-200-3719.