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 a wide range of 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 many different 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 an in-depth 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 businesses in the Florida market. Led all workstreams, application and onboarding of cohorts, communication with external partners, and managed internal stakeholder relationships.
- 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
Mansi Agrawal, MPH
Mansi Agrawal was born in Norfolk, Virginia and grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Neuroscience from UNC Chapel Hill and a Master of Public Health in Healthcare Management at Boston University. During her graduate studies, Mansi completed a practicum at Northwell Health in their Joint Ventures department, learning more about the for-profit arm and how to form strategic partnerships. She also worked on ambulatory surgical centers (ASC) management and quality metrics for GoHealth credentialing. Mansi is excited to join the Cleveland Clinic as an Administrative Fellow and learn across the enterprise.
Samia Alshammaa, MHA
Samia Alshammaa was born in Alexandria, Virginia, and raised in Ashburn, Virginia. Coming from a Syrian-American background, she developed an appreciation for diverse perspectives and community engagement from an early age. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education, with a concentration in Health Promotion, from Longwood University. She then attended The George Washington University, where she pursued her Master of Health Administration.
During her graduate studies, Samia gained valuable hands-on experience as a Graduate Administrative Intern at Cleveland Clinic. In this role, she supported the development of a strategic roadmap for a new center within the Endocrinology department. She also evaluated caregiver time allocation and contributed to the implementation of an AI-driven solution designed to increase time spent on direct patient care. Through these experiences, Samia developed a strong interest in operations and financial strategy, driven by a passion for efficiency and innovation. She's eager to explore new tools and approaches that enhance healthcare performance, while staying dedicated to supporting both patients and the caregivers who serve them.
Darnisha Augustin, MHA
Darnisha Augustin, originally from West Palm Beach, Florida, earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Virginia. Her studies culminated in an honors thesis focused on healthcare professionals and the impact of their personal behaviors on the quality of patient care. These experiences encouraged her to pursue a career in healthcare administration.
Darnisha attended Cornell University and obtained her Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) degree through the Sloan Program in Health Administration. During her graduate studies, she completed a capstone project that explored opportunities to reduce referral leakage, improve operations, and develop strategy for increasing physician alignment for a leading cancer center in New England. She previously interned within Executive Administration at the Cleveland Clinic. Following graduation, Darnisha has returned to the Cleveland Clinic as an Administrative Fellow, honored to continue working with the organization to grow as a healthcare professional.
Rachel Chiang, MHA
Rachel Chiang was born and raised in College Station, Texas. She earned her Bachelor of Science & Arts in Biochemistry from The University of Texas at Austin and recently obtained her Master of Health Administration (MHA) from Cornell University’s Sloan Program in Health Administration.
During her graduate studies, she collaborated with county governments and nonprofit organizations to promote age-friendly design in healthcare spaces through the launch of a medical respite program for young adult patients in New York. Her graduate capstone project focused on advising a rural hospital system on how to demonstrate patient need, financial viability, and regulatory compliance for establishing a cardiothoracic surgery center. Rachel previously interned with the Cancer Institute at Cleveland Clinic. She is passionate about patient-centered care and community health engagement. She is excited to return to Cleveland Clinic as an Administrative Fellow and is eager to continue contributing to the organization’s innovative work of improving patient access and quality.
Alexa Okada, MHA
Alexa Okada was born and raised on Oahu, Hawaii. She earned a B.A. in Economics and General Science - Psychology from Grinnell College before pursuing a Master of Health Administration (MHA) through Cornell University’s Sloan Program in Health Administration. During her graduate capstone project, Alexa partnered with a nationally ranked children’s hospital to optimize hybrid care delivery models and enhance patient experience. She also spent the summer as a Graduate Administrative Intern at Cleveland Clinic’s Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute. Alexa is passionate about advancing health equity and improving access to care. She is excited to return to Cleveland Clinic as an Administrative Fellow where she looks forward to learning from leaders across the organization while contributing to meaningful work that enhances healthcare delivery for diverse patient populations.
Orisa Patel, MHA
Orisa Patel, originally from Jacksonville, Florida, joins the Cleveland Clinic as an Ohio‑based Administrative Fellow for the 2026–2027 year. She earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Central Florida and her Master of Health Administration from the University of Miami. During graduate school, Orisa served as a teaching assistant for the Chair of the Health Management and Policy Department and held several leadership roles within the MHA Association. These experiences strengthened her passion for mentorship, collaboration, and advancing the field of health administration.
Last year, Orisa completed a graduate administrative internship at the Cleveland Clinic’s Neurological Institute, where she contributed to projects supporting the Brain Study, optimizing surgeon schedules for the Spine and Pain merger, and planning space allocation for the new Neurological Building opening in 2027. She is excited to return as an Administrative Fellow and looks forward to gaining experience across the enterprise while continuing to grow as a healthcare leader.
Alumni Fellows
Gina Cronin, MHA, FACHE*
Previous Program Director
Executive Vice President, Chief People Officer, Children's National Hospital
Cohort Year: 1992 – 1993
“The Cleveland Clinic Administrative Fellowship shaped the trajectory of my entire career. It gave me the confidence to lead through ambiguity, build cross-functional relationships, and think like an owner of outcomes, not just a manager of tasks. That foundation carried me through more than three decades at Cleveland Clinic, from roles spanning institute leadership to enterprise chief development officer. Every role has drawn on lessons first learned as a Fellow: that great leadership starts with focusing on the patients first and ensuring the best outcomes through commitment and collaboration.
Leading the Cleveland Clinic Administrative Fellowship for 15 years remains one of the most rewarding chapters of my career. I had the privilege of doubling the program's size, launching our Florida Fellowship, creating the Cleveland Clinic MBA/MHA case competition, and building the summer administrative internship into a true pipeline for future healthcare leaders. But the real reward was watching Fellows grow: seeing them arrive eager and leave ready to lead. The Cleveland Clinic Fellows are a remarkable group of leaders and a caring and authentic team. Investing in the development, and building programs that would outlast my own tenure, taught me more about leadership than almost anything else I've done. The Fellowship Family is truly enduring.”
Travis Laird, MHA
Chief Operating Officer, Hospital Planning and Operations, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School
Cohort Year: 2007 – 2008
Justin Schmiedel, MBA, FACHE
Regional President, GA, KY, OH Markets, ChenMed
Cohort Year: 2010 – 2011
“The Cleveland Clinic Administrative Fellowship was the foundation of my leadership journey in healthcare. It provided unparalleled exposure to executive leadership, complex health system operations, and strategic decision-making while instilling the values of servant leadership and continuous improvement. The mentorship, challenging project work, and lifelong relationships I developed during the fellowship continue to shape how I lead today. The experience gave me the confidence, perspective, and resilience to embrace increasingly complex leadership opportunities and remains a guiding influence in how I develop teams, drive meaningful change, and serve patients and communities.”
Deanna Stovicek, MHA
Senior Director, Urology, Integrated Surgical Institute, Cleveland Clinic
Cohort Year: 2014 – 2015
"The Administrative Fellowship at Cleveland Clinic laid the foundation for my career. It equipped me with the executive presence, technical skills, and strategic mindset to add value as a team contributor and eventual leader. Just as importantly, it gave me the confidence to lean into ambiguity—approaching complex challenges with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to ask thoughtful questions. The professional network developed through the fellowship is truly unparalleled. The mentors and relationships I built during the program have continued to provide guidance, support, and opportunities throughout my career, and they remain an invaluable part of my journey as a leader today."
McKinley Crisp, MPH, MBA
Client Success Director at Well (Health Tech Company)
Cohort Year: 2016 – 2017
“Although I am currently not working directly within a hospital, I wholeheartedly believe that starting my career in an administrative fellowship, specifically at the Cleveland Clinic, was the best decision of my career. Between my current role at the health tech startup (Well), McKinsey consulting and returning to Harvard Business School, the Cleveland Clinic fellowship prepared me for everything. I can confidently manage multiple projects simultaneously, engage stakeholders at all organizational levels, make executive-level presentations and decisions, while having a deep understanding of how the health industry works.”
Michele Acheampong Hagan, MPH
Regional Service Line Director, Primary Care, Intermountain Health
Cohort Year: 2017 – 2018
“The Cleveland Clinic Administrative Fellowship was foundational to my growth as a healthcare leader. It provided the space to explore a wide range of interests and ultimately sparked my passion for primary care and population health. By working alongside executive leaders and contributing to high-impact organizational initiatives, I developed the strategic perspective and leadership skills that accelerated my own path into a senior leadership role. Equally meaningful were the relationships built through the fellowship. The Cleveland Clinic network provided mentors and sponsors who invested in my growth, including one who helped open the door to my current leadership role in Denver. I am deeply grateful for the people, opportunities, and lasting connections that continue to shape my career.”
Bob Kaleel, MHA
Senior Director, Head & Neck Department and Endocrine Surgery Center, Integrated Surgical Institute, Cleveland Clinic
Cohort Year: 2020 – 2021
“The administrative fellowship gave me the confidence to approach any challenge with resilience and a problem-solving mindset. It also helped me build a strong professional network that I continue to rely on today when navigating complex, cross-enterprise projects. Equally important, it pushed me to take on work in areas I had not initially envisioned for my career, particularly clinical operations. That experience ultimately shaped my professional path and played a significant role in where I am today.”
Kayla Robinson, MHA
Associate Strategy Partner III, Cleveland Clinic
Cohort Year: 2021 – 2022
“The Cleveland Clinic Administrative Fellowship has been an invaluable experience for my professional growth. As an early careerist, I was provided unmatched quantity and quality of opportunities getting to tackle challenging projects in a complex system. This program honed my hard and soft skillsets, helping me transition from academic knowledge to lived experience and applied decision making. There is not just an access to leadership, but a true investment in my development that has continued to shape my perspective and trajectory as a leader.”
Vanessa Santamaria, MHA
Program Manager III, Regional Ambulatory Operations, Cleveland Clinic
Cohort Year: 2022 – 2023
“The Administrative Fellowship at Cleveland Clinic helped shape my career by providing meaningful opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. Through diverse projects spanning local community initiatives and enterprise-wide healthcare operations, I gained valuable experience in leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving. The fellowship also introduced me to an incredible network of mentors and colleagues whose guidance continues to influence my professional journey. The experiences and relationships I developed during the program provided a strong foundation for my career and continue to support my growth as a healthcare leader.”
Kaitlyn Levicki, MHA
Strategy Planning Consultant II, Seattle Children’s
Cohort Year: 2023 – 2024
“The Cleveland Clinic Administrative Fellowship served as a powerful launchpad for my career, and was the best next step following my academic journey. Navigating such a complex organization taught me to be flexible and a quick study in fast-paced environments. Through direct engagement with executive leaders and immersive operational exposure, I gained the confidence to tackle a variety of projects and challenges. This experience sharpened my adaptability, deepened my operational insight, and prepared me to step into my next role both at the Cleveland Clinic and my role outside of the organization.”
Thaila Cooper, MHA
Program Manager, Heart, Vascular, & Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic Florida
Cohort: 2024 – 2025
"As an Administrative Fellow at Cleveland Clinic, I had the opportunity to work with and learn from caregivers across a broad spectrum of roles within the organization. The fellowship program provided me with the mentorship, project work, and exposure that supported my professional growth and expanded my understanding of healthcare leadership. It allowed me to apply what I was learning in meaningful ways while building strong relationships. The experience continues to shape not only the way I lead, but also how I navigate challenges and embrace new opportunities."
David Martinez, MHA
Program Manager, International & Emerging Markets, Cleveland Clinic
Cohort Year: 2024 – 2025
“The Cleveland Clinic Administrative Fellowship provided me with invaluable early-career experiences through enterprise-wide projects, structured learning sessions, and direct collaboration with leaders across the organization. These opportunities deepened my understanding of healthcare strategy, clinical and hospital operations, innovation, and organizational growth. The fellowship challenged me to take on increasingly complex work while providing the support system needed to learn and grow. Those experiences laid the foundation for my current role supporting Cleveland Clinic’s international partnerships and business development initiatives, where I help advance strategic collaborations and healthcare expansion efforts to make an impact around the world.”
Lejla Hamidovic, MHA
Associate Principal, Digital Transformation, Cleveland Clinic
Cohort Year: 2025 – 2026
“The Cleveland Clinic Administrative Fellowship Program challenged me to push the limits of what I was capable of while giving me the opportunity to work across the enterprise and learn how different caregiver groups and stakeholders think and operate. These experiences prepared me for my new role in Digital Transformation where I hope to help position Cleveland Clinic as a continued leader in innovation and the future of healthcare.”
Alexandra Lopez, MPH
Program Manager, Executive Administration – Indian River Hospital, Cleveland Clinic
Cohort Year: 2025 – 2026
“The Cleveland Clinic Administrative Fellowship has served as a powerful launchpad, turning my academic knowledge into practical, leadership driven experience. It strengthened my strategic decision-making, financial acumen, and service line understanding, while deepening my perspective on hospital operations and how their many components intersect. I gained confidence, autonomy, and the ability to navigate complex organizational challenges while engaging directly with senior leaders. This experience has prepared me to step into my next role with a strong foundation and a continued commitment to growth.”
Tydarius Moxie, MHA
Program Manager, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic
Cohort Year: 2025 – 2026
“The Cleveland Clinic Administrative Fellowship provided me with hands-on experience across complex operational and clinical activities, working with diverse teams on high-impact projects in access, quality, and care model innovation. Through this, I developed a strong foundation in transitioning strategy into execution in the enterprise, and I’m excited to carry these experiences into a clinical institute operations role to support high-quality, patient-centered care at scale on Main Campus.”
Vidhi Patel, MSHSM
Program Manager, Cole Eye – Integrated Surgical Institute, Cleveland Clinic
Cohort Year: 2025 – 2026
“Cleveland Clinic’s Administrative Fellowship Program provided us with unparalleled exposure to leadership and enterprise initiatives, allowing us to develop a deep understanding of strategic decision-making processes while making a real impact on the organization, I feel equipped to navigate and influence complex systems alongside a strong network of mentors and colleagues, Overall, this experience was instrumental in shaping my professional growth and setting a strong foundation for my future endeavors.”
Victoria Ortiz, MHA
Program Manager, Operations Administration, Cleveland Clinic
Cohort Year: 2025 – 2026
“Cleveland Clinic’s Administrative Fellowship provided me with the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects that allowed me to both explore my existing interests and exposed me to new areas within healthcare administration. Through my project work, I was able to refine my professional interests while further developing my leadership, project management, and strategic thinking skills alongside accomplished leaders across the organization.”
