Cothern appointed administrative fellow at WVU Medicine
Haley Cothern says she didn’t discover a career in public health, the profession found her. Now, the two-time West Virginia University School of Public Health graduate has been appointed as an administrative fellow at WVU Medicine, setting her on a path to impact healthcare across West Virginia and the region.
“During my experience as an emergency department scribe, I quickly realized the clinical setting was not for me,” she recalls. “Although I have always wanted to care for individuals and assist in improving my community, I discovered there are other ways of improving the quality and delivery of patient care such as through health administration.
“Enhancing public health initiatives truly interests me, as it connects everything and everyone throughout various fields. It focuses on populations rather than the individual, which makes it not only unique, but also significant.”
During the two-year administrative fellowship program, Cothern will learn from partners across the health system through rotations, projects and mentorship designed to prepare her for a career in healthcare leadership. She will also have opportunities to tailor the experience to her personal career goals.
“As a fellow, you spend valuable time with key and senior healthcare leaders to gain perspective on daily challenges, decisions and strategic initiatives,” she said. “You are exposed to the intricate workings of a health system, promoting a platform to learn and grow exponentially. These opportunities enable mentorship and constant interactions with healthcare leaders.
“WVU Medicine’s impressive focus on attaining excellent patient care, research and education for West Virginians and all those they serve is something that I wanted to contribute to as an administrative fellow.”
A native of Parkersburg, Cothern completed the B.S. Health Services Management and Leadership program in May 2022 prior to earning a Master of Health Administration.
Throughout her undergraduate and graduate studies at WVU she was involved with numerous activities, including Delta Omega Gamma Mu Honorary Society, the
American College of Healthcare Executives West Virginia Chapter and the School of Public Health Executive Council, and she served as a dean's ambassador for the school and was a graduate assistant at WVU Health Affairs Institute. She also completed internships at WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center and two community hospitals within the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center health system.
She says her experiences at WVU helped her build strong connections and realize her passion for healthcare leadership.
“The relationships built with faculty and staff in the School of Public Health have allowed me to build a better understanding for why public health is omnipresent in today’s world. Through their insights and course concepts, I feel that my experiences and knowledge thus far will prepare me to lead healthcare systems of the future.”
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