Audrey Smith, MPP
The MHCDS program has given me a unique opportunity to learn more about health administration, business, and leadership while surrounded by health care practitioners with invaluable experience and insight. It is hard to imagine receiving this type of education anywhere else.
I am a Deputy Legislative Director for Senator Joe Manchin. In my role I advise the Senator on policy and issues relating to health care, labor and education. I oversee the writing and development of health policies, meet with stakeholders, write legislation, and make vote recommendations for the Senator based off of his positions and the needs of his constituents.
In addition to my Congressional duties, I play bassoon in the Arlington Concert Band, garden, and enjoy cross-country skiing and hiking with my two dogs. One of my favorite new hobbies is skijoring, which is a mixture of dog sledding and cross-country skiing where my dogs wear mushing harnesses and pull me as I ski.
Why did you decide to take the MHCDS program?
As a policy professional, I often look at health care delivery from a high level. I do not actually fill out cost reports, or directly experience the consequences of certain policies. I wanted to better understand the full health delivery process to improve my ability to construct better policies. This program allowed me to look at health care delivery from several angles, practice technical skills, such as accounting, and talk with others in the health care field about their experiences.
Why did you choose MHCDS over another type of master’s program (e.g., MBA, MPH, MHA)?
Given the demanding nature of my job, I was drawn to MHCDS by the practicality of a one-year hybrid program that could work with my schedule. I was also very excited about the subject matter. While I already have a master’s in public policy, the MHCDS program has given me a unique opportunity to learn more about health administration, business, and leadership while surrounded by health care practitioners with invaluable experience and insight. It is hard to imagine receiving this type of education anywhere else.
What has been the best part of the program for you – so far?
I have enjoyed all my classes and professors, but my cohort is probably one of the best parts. We come from across the world and throughout the health care field. It has been a wonderful learning experience to work with my cohort, and discuss class assignments, broader health care issues, and everyday experiences.
Has your job changed since starting the program? How will the MHCDS program prepare you for your new position?
My job hasn’t changed yet, but it will. As happens in politics, Senator Manchin announced his retirement at the end of this year, so I will have to transition to a new role by that time. MHCDS has not only provided me with assistance in my job search, it has also given me the experience and confidence to apply for positions I may not have pursued previously.