Overview
Cleveland Clinic's Administrative Fellowship Program is a post-graduate management and leadership development experience that unfolds exceptional opportunities across operational, clinical, strategic growth, and international spheres. Guided by the program director and seasoned executive leaders, fellows gain invaluable insights into leading-edge areas of healthcare management.
In this supportive environment of innovation, our program offers a dynamic setting where exploration is encouraged. With diverse opportunities to engage in various aspects of healthcare management, fellows discover and refine their interests. The Administrative Fellowship Program at Cleveland Clinic is not just a training ground; it's a platform for personal and professional growth, where you can navigate through different areas and shape your path in the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare.
What makes the Cleveland Clinic Administrative Fellowship so impactful?
- Innovative and Dynamic Project Portfolio: Our program offers a truly unique immersion into healthcare's cutting edge that you cannot find at other health systems. As a fellow, you'll delve into projects that redefine industry norms, from exploring groundbreaking payor partnerships to harnessing the potential of generative AI in healthcare. With access to diverse geographic markets and the extensive resources of Cleveland Clinic, fellows actively engage in 8-10 concurrent projects. By the end of the program, you'll have contributed to a robust portfolio of approximately 25 projects across our locations, shaping not just your career but the future of healthcare itself. Explore a more in-depth look at the fellow project portfolio.
- International Opportunities: Explore global perspectives with our expanding international presence. Fellows have the chance to work on projects with global components that go beyond the fundamentals of US healthcare systems. Cleveland Clinic's international footprint offers a unique lens into global markets, providing fellows with an invaluable knowledge base to prepare them for the evolving landscape of global healthcare in an increasingly interconnected world. Cleveland Clinic delivers care to patients outside the United States in Toronto, London and the United Arab Emirates.
- A Commitment to Mentorship: At the heart of our program is a steadfast commitment to mentorship. Our program leadership, executive sponsors, and mentors form the backbone of our success. Together, they create a supportive environment that fosters unique learning opportunities and hands-on guidance. This collaborative effort ensures that Fellows are well-equipped to transition seamlessly into leadership roles within healthcare administration. Discover more about our Program Leadership, Sponsors, and Mentors.
- Structured Personalized Leadership Development: In addition to executive mentoring, Fellows participate in structured leadership development sessions, as well as in-depth skills-based didactic sessions. Led by an executive coach or subject matter expert, these sessions encompass a range of tools including thinking rounds, deep dives, case studies, and strength-based assessments. Learn more about the structure and curriculum of the fellowship.
- Competitive Compensation & Benefits: Our program recognizes and rewards Fellows with a competitive stipend, comprehensive benefits, and unique opportunities for growth:
- 28 days of paid time off.
- Medical coverage through the Cleveland Clinic Employee Health Plan.
- Access to educational and leadership development classes.
- Automatic enrollment in the Cleveland Clinic Pension Plan.
Project Portfolio
The Cleveland Clinic Administrative Fellowship offers fellows a diverse project portfolio, immersing them in the inner workings of a global healthcare organization. From clinical operations to cutting-edge technology initiatives, fellows play a key role in driving impactful change alongside leaders in the field. The breadth and variety of this experience allows fellows to make a lasting impact on the future of healthcare while shaping their own futures as leaders.
Throughout the fellowship, fellows engage in a range of dynamic initiatives, collaborating with high-level executives and external partners. This exposure provides invaluable insights into industry trends and the complexities of healthcare delivery. By actively participating in critical discussions and decision-making processes, fellows gain a deep understanding of healthcare systems on both national and global scales. Each project is a gateway to hands-on learning and meaningful contributions, offering unparalleled insight and experience.
Read on to discover some of the recent projects undertaken by our Administrative Fellows.
- Robotics Strategic Plan: Strategic Plan & Business Plan developed to expand Cleveland Clinic's robotic surgery footprint. Served in a Project Manager role, meeting 1:1 with several surgeons and executive leadership - including Dr. Scott Steele, the President of Cleveland Clinic's main campus hospital - to gather a central vision in guiding enterprise prioritization. Granted the opportunity to attend a robotic surgery conference in Chicago to further inform strategic direction.
- Hospital Care At Home: Successfully supported expansion of Cleveland Clinic Florida's Hospital Care At Home Program across Tradition, Martin North, and Martin South Hospitals. Served in a Project Manager role, tracking progress of 15+ workstreams towards operational readiness to launch program. Led education roadshows to inform a variety of front-line caregiver groups on our virtual hospital offerings and expansion plan.
- Cleveland Clinic Florida Supplier Accelerator: Launched and operationalized the new Florida Supplier Accelerator, a program providing training and development to 5 diverse businesses in the Florida market. Led all workstreams, application and onboarding of cohorts, communication with external partners, and managed internal stakeholder relationships.
- Health Equity Index, Human Rights Campaign: Collaborating with the Chief Officer of DEI, co-led Cleveland Clinic's biennial engagement in the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) survey. Oversaw material collection, coordinated 800 hours of education across 16 hospitals, and implemented policy and organizational practice changes. Achieved perfect 100% scores for 14 hospitals, ensuring robust LGBTQ+ inclusion and foundational protection for patients, visitors, and staff.
- Digital AI Strategy: Managed the development and operationalization of three key strategic priorities in the digital strategy for the Enterprise. Including management of key relationships with vendors and cross functional departments to deploy 6 pilots for analysis of generative AI technologies.
- International Operations Business Development Strategy Refresh: In collaboration with the Strategy Office, International Operations Business Development worked to develop a contemporary and focused strategy. This team works to create a proactive business plan for international operations, encompassing key initiatives targeting Europe, LATAM, APAC, Africa, and the Middle East.
Current Fellows
Kaitlyn Apodaca
Kaitlyn grew up in various cities throughout the West Coast between California and Washington. After graduating from Boston College with her degree in Biochemistry, Kaitlyn completed her Master of Health Administration at The George Washington University. In between undergraduate and graduate school she worked at Definitive Healthcare supporting the Customer Success and Sales Executive teams in sales strategy, analytics, and business operations. Kaitlyn interned at the Cleveland Clinic with the Pediatric Institute during her graduate experience and engaged with projects in clinical operations, business operations, and finance. Over time, she has developed an interest in operations and patient experience. During her free time, Kaitlyn enjoys reading new books (including keeping up with her Goodreads goal), finding new restaurants, practicing Pilates and yoga, and trying new activities and hobbies.
Ihunanya Muruako
Ihunanya was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Community & Global Public Health from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. During undergrad, Ihunanya was a participant of the University of Michigan Summer Enrichment Opportunity where she cultivated her understanding of influencing factors in health equity and health management and policy. Her experiences allowed her to understand the dynamic field of healthcare and healthcare management thus prompting her to earn her Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prior to her fellowship, Ihunanya completed her administrative residency at the Cleveland Clinic in International Operations and is excited to be returning this year as an Administrative Fellow. During her time in graduate school, Ihunanya completed projects in the areas of process and quality improvement and operations. She also served as a Public Health Educator at the Franklin County Health Department. Ihunanya is deeply passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion, the caregiver experience, and quality of care. Outside of work, Ihunanya enjoys Pilates, spending time with loved ones, trying new restaurants, and traveling.
Clara Ortega
Clara was born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management & Policy from Georgetown University, and her Master of Healthcare Administration from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Prior to graduate school, Clara worked as a Healthcare Consultant at Guidehouse, specializing in hospital operations and performance excellence. Within two months of starting this role, she was quickly entrusted to serve as the Quality Assurance Lead to support one of the largest clients at the firm, helping to develop a nation-wide contact center during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most recently, Clara worked at Johns Hopkins Medicine International, supporting the Global Services team to forge partnerships across the Latin America market. As a result of her background and experiences, Clara has developed a passion for international operations, strategy, and leadership. Looking ahead, Clara is excited to be joining the Cleveland Clinic as an Administrative Fellow to take a deeper dive on how this world-class institution operates. Outside of work, Clara enjoys trying new restaurants with friends, traveling, and exploring the Tremont towpath trail next to her new home in Cleveland.
Shivang Patel
Shivang was born in New York but grew up in Kentucky. Shivang attended the University of Louisville where he received his Bachelor of Science in Public Health. During his time in undergrad, Shivang gained experience through his time shadowing the Chief Medical Hospital at Baptist Health Hardin and working as a project manager for Trilogy Health Services. In 2023, Shivang graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Master's in Health Administration. In graduate school, Shivang completed an administrative practicum at UK HealthCare. At UK HealthCare, he worked on projects revolving around utilization, case management, and U.S. News and Worlds Report. Last summer, Shivang completed his administrative residency at Norton Healthcare where he gained a broad exposure to hospital operations. Shivang has worked on projects focusing on surgical first cases for the enterprise as well as facilitated and organized contracts for their newly acquired hospital. Shivang is passionate about improving healthcare delivery through innovation and strategic growth. Outside of work, Shivang enjoys spending time with friends and family, exercising, and watching sports.
Katina Porras
Katina was born and raised in Guatemala. She attended Wake Forest University for her undergraduate degree and where she created her own major in Public Health Policy and Communication. After graduating from Wake Forest University, Katina moved to New York City to attend Columbia University in pursuit of an MHA. During graduate school, Katina co-founded Villa, a maternal health startup that aims to close health gaps in maternity care by addressing the social drivers of health. Additionally, Katina completed her Graduate Administrative Internship at Cleveland Clinic Florida, working with the Medical Operations team. Beyond her healthcare career, Katina is a makeup artist, who enjoys the outdoors, travel, and dance.
Hemal Prasad
Hemal was born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in Tampa, Florida. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Emory University. Hemal attended the University of South Florida to complete his Master of Health Administration and a certificate in Health Informatics. He completed his administrative internship at the University of South Florida Health system studying patient readmission rates, conducting patient surveys, and addressing data quality issues to uncover root causes of readmissions. Throughout his graduate education, Hemal served as a research assistant on a project studying Florida hospital’s experience adopting the Levels of Maternal Care as well as a teaching assistant for courses concerning health services management and quantitative analysis. Outside of work, Hemal enjoys working out, playing video games, reading, and traveling to new places.
Mary Tallett
Mary was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Management & Policy from St. Louis University, where she also completed an Accelerated Master of Health Administration. Guided by her personal philosophy of "lift as you climb," Mary co-developed a healthcare speaker series called Med"U"Cation, which aims to provide exposure to a diverse range of healthcare professionals for underserved youth. Mary also worked as a graduate administrative intern at Cleveland Clinic Florida in Clinical Operations, where she project managed the activation of a bariatric practice in a new market region. In her free time, Mary enjoys spending time with her mischievous dog, Theo, practicing yoga, and listening to crime podcasts.
Jessica Yuen
Jessica grew up in Brooklyn, NY. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Biology, Health and Society from Cornell University. Afterwards, she worked at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene as a COVID analyst supporting efforts to monitor community testing volume across nine lab sites. With colleagues, she participated in two American Public Health Laboratory poster sessions - one advocating for asymptomatic community testing of COVID and another on ensuring data interoperability between laboratory and hospital electronic record systems to reduce health disparities. The importance of policy and data analytics to drive equitable health improvements motivated Jessica to pursue a Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management from Columbia University. During graduate school, her team won the 2022 Cleveland Clinic Case Competition on addressing disruptors to primary care. This helped her recognize the innovative and impactful work Cleveland Clinic has done and will continue to do to improve patient access, experience and longevity. She is excited to be an Administrative Fellow to learn how to advance both clinical and non-clinical operations for the wellbeing of patients, caregivers, the community, and the organization. Outside of work, Jessica likes to try new recipes and restaurants, improve her artistic skills, and explore her new home of Cleveland.
