With so many issues surrounding the current state of healthcare in the United States, healthcare professionals face a number of challenges on a daily basis. These day-to-day struggles may cause some professionals to become disillusioned with their career path; however the healthcare alumni from Saint Peter’s College got a heavy dose of motivation after attending the launch of the College’s Alumni in Healthcare Network on November 30 at the Hyatt Regency in Jersey City.
A variety of alumni were in attendance, ranging from graduating classes dating back to the 1960’s to current students. Following the success of the Alumni in Finance Network, the College continued efforts with the launch of the healthcare network, which makes up the second largest group of alumni from Saint Peter’s.
The Alumni in Healthcare Network was founded by Angelo A. Caprio, M.D. ’74, chief medical officer and vice president of medical affairs at Hoboken University Medical Center; Nikki Mederos ’07, ’10, director of external relations and patient relations at Palisades Medical Center; Gary S. Horan, FACHE ’70, president and chief executive officer of Trinitas Health and Trinitas Regional Medical Center; and Joseph P. Pieroni ’68, president and chief executive officer at Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. (retired). The Network was designed to unite Saint Peter’s College graduates from all eras to learn and exchange ideas, to expand and explore new professional relationships, and to connect and engage with the College. As Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., president of Saint Peter’s College, explained, “This affinity group not only maintains a connection between the College and its alumni, but also allows for interaction and networking among former classmates in the same field.”
Bruce Davis ’97, graduated from Saint Peter’s College with a degree in healthcare administration, and currently serves as a captain of the East Orange Fire Department. Davis attended the event to maintain awareness of the current trends in the healthcare field. “Healthcare is a growing industry and one that will always be in demand,” said Davis. “I am very happy to have a degree I can fall back on if I am ever hurt on the job and I will always have a special place in my heart for Saint Peter’s College.”
Beyond Davis’s unique situation, the room was filled with a mix of professionals, including experienced doctors, healthcare managers, former business students who made their way into the healthcare arena, and healthcare alumni that, like Davis, are not currently in the field, but interested in staying up-to-date on the latest trends in the industry. Regardless of the mix, the group all shared one common devotion- the concern for the well-being of others.
This was the exact message keynote speaker, Bruce C. Vladeck, Ph.D., healthcare policy expert, communicated to the audience. “Keep your eyes on the prize,” said Vladeck. “The fundamental principle behind this industry is an extremely noble and valuable one. What could be more important than helping others get the care that they need?”
Vladeck is a recognized expert on healthcare financing, healthcare policy and long-term care and formerly served as Administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. His eye-opening address touched on a number of issues currently faced by the healthcare industry along with advice on how to meet these challenges. “We have a rare opportunity on our hands to create positive change in the healthcare system. We must respond successfully to the present issues we face,” explained Vladeck.
Carley Gibson ’11 found the presentation very relevant to her day-to-day experience in the healthcare industry. “The speaker touched on every message I communicate on a daily basis.”
Alumni also had the opportunity to hear about the latest College initiatives, including new offerings such as the B.A./M.D. partnership with Drexel University College of Medicine and Saint Peter’s University Hospital, which will provide valuable opportunities for undergraduate premedical students, including early admission into medical school.
Tesheca La Rose ’03, owner of Enercure Health, is a business school graduate who left the industry to open her own holistic services company. The event provided her with the opportunity to touch base with nursing program faculty, which opened up a potential opportunity for her to return to campus to speak to a class on the practice of holisitic medicine.
With one successful Alumni in Healthcare event completed, the network plans to follow in the footsteps of the Alumni in Finance Network and continue to hold events for these seasoned and young professionals. The next Alumni in Healthcare Network event is scheduled for April 2011. Those interested in contacting fellow alumni in the healthcare industry can join the Saint Peter’s College Alumni in Healthcare group on LinkedIn. To view additional photos from the event and to stay connected with the entire alumni community click here.