For this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams welcomes Craig Nesta, Vice President of Physician Practice Management at Emerson Health, and Mike Tracy, Administrative Director. The discussion focuses on the Emerson Health Administrative Fellowship Program, a key part of their strategy for tackling healthcare workforce challenges. Nesta and Tracy explore how the fellowship program nurtures future healthcare leaders by providing hands-on experience, mentorship and practical steps for building a sustainable talent pipeline.
Building a Fellowship Program from Scratch
Faced with a shortage of qualified healthcare professionals, Emerson Health created a program designed to cultivate leadership talent from within. “We started it from scratch, and anybody can do what we did,” Nesta Said. “It’s all about building relationships with educational institutions and creating opportunities for future leaders.” The fellowship program partners with universities and colleges nationwide, offering participants real-world experience in physician practice management, human resources and healthcare operations.
Emerson Health’s fellowship program now recruits nationally, attracting students from universities such as Virginia Commonwealth University and Boston College. The fellowship program focuses on mentorship and practical learning, giving fellows the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world setting and develop leadership skills.
Internships, Fellowships and Mentorships
As healthcare organizations search for creative ways to recruit and develop talent, internships and fellowships play a critical role in filling these gaps, according to Nesta. Emerson Health has successfully used shadowing opportunities, internships and fellowships to attract new talent. “Given the proliferation of growth, we need people,” said Nesta, referring to the challenge of recruiting healthcare professionals, especially as many workers are choosing remote roles or leaving the field.
Mike Tracy, who completed the fellowship program and now serves as an Administrative Director at Emerson Health, attributes his career progression to the mentorship he received. “Craig’s door is always open—even when it’s closed,” said Tracy, underscoring the value of having access to supportive leadership. During his fellowship, Tracy gained hands-on experience in physician practice operations, working closely with senior leaders and clinicians. “I was embedded in the front lines, and that experience was invaluable in preparing me for a leadership role.”
Succession Planning and Continuous Learning
Succession planning is crucial for creating a sustainable workforce at all levels of an organization. Nesta explained that this long-term planning extends to all roles, not just senior leadership. “We’re always thinking about how we can promote from within and how we can backfill positions,” he said. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, Emerson Health ensures they are prepared for future workforce needs.
Lifelong learning is a priority for Emerson Health, with support for continuing education embedded in the organization’s culture. Emerson Health provides tuition and travel stipends for fellows to attend national conferences, including MGMA-hosted events. “We’re a proponent of lifelong learning,” said Nesta, highlighting the importance of ongoing professional development for all employees. Tracy added that Emerson Health encourages its employees to pursue further education and certifications, which helps with retention and contributes to overall employee satisfaction and growth.
A Win-Win-Win Approach:
The Emerson Health Administrative Fellowship Program is a model for addressing workforce challenges in healthcare. By focusing on mentorship, practical experience and lifelong learning, the organization has built a pipeline of future leaders ready to meet the evolving demands of healthcare. For organizations looking to implement similar programs, Nesta and Tracy provide a roadmap that emphasizes building relationships, fostering a culture of development, and planning for long-term success.
Nesta describes the fellowship program as a win-win-win situation—for the organization, students and educational institutions. “The organization benefits by gaining talented individuals, the students benefit from real-world experience and the educational institutions benefit by placing their students in impactful roles,” he explained. This model helps Emerson Health address its workforce needs while preparing the next generation of healthcare leaders.
Resources:
- Learn more about the Emerson Health Administrative Fellowship Program: Emerson Health Fellowship
MGMA Resources:
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