The Kaiser Permanente Administrative Fellowship: Justin Moon

Are you considering a career in healthcare administration and looking for a unique opportunity to kickstart your journey? The Kaiser Permanente Administrative Fellowship Program Administrative Fellowship could be your gateway to success in this dynamic field. This prestigious program offers aspiring healthcare leaders a chance to gain hands-on experience across various aspects of one of the nation's largest integrated health systems.

In this comprehensive review, we'll explore the ins and outs of the Kaiser Permanente Administrative Fellowship, drawing insights from Justin (Jungsuk) Moon , a current fellow. From the application process to the program structure and career opportunities, we'll provide you with valuable information to help you determine if this fellowship aligns with your professional goals.

Applying for the Kaiser Permanente Healthcare Administration Fellowship

The application process for the Kaiser Permanente Administrative Fellowship is rigorous and competitive. Here's what you need to know:

• Educational background: Candidates typically hold a master's degree in health administration, public health, or a related field.
• Application timeline: The process usually begins in the fall for positions starting the following summer.
• Interview stages: Expect multiple rounds of interviews, including phone screenings, virtual interviews, and in-person final rounds.

Justin Moon, a current fellow, emphasizes the importance of preparation: "The interview process for me was... I will say the struggle that I had during interviews was knowing how detailed to get within the case questions."

When preparing for interviews, focus on showcasing your problem-solving skills and ability to think strategically. Remember, interviewers are more interested in your thought process than finding a perfect answer to case questions.

Kaiser Permanente Career Opportunities: Fellowship Structure and Rotations

The Kaiser Permanente Administrative Fellowship offers a unique structure that sets it apart from other programs:

• Regional programs: Northern California (12-18 months) and Southern California (24 months)
• Rotational model: Fellows experience different entities within Kaiser Permanente
• Cohort-based: Fellows progress through the program together, fostering collaboration and networking

Justin explains the Southern California program's structure: "It's rotations-based and... Kaiser Permanente has three different entities within the organization, and so the fellowship is designed to give you experiences in all three entities."

These rotations typically include:

1. The Permanente Medical Group, Inc. (physician-owned, ambulatory care)
2. Regional projects (strategy, HR, support services)
3. Kaiser Foundation Hospitals or Kaiser Health Plan

This comprehensive exposure allows fellows to gain a holistic understanding of Kaiser Permanente's integrated model and identify areas of interest for their future careers.

Healthcare Leadership Development Through Mentorship and Networking

One of the most valuable aspects of the Kaiser Permanente Administrative Fellowship is the mentorship and networking opportunities it provides. Fellows benefit from:

• A primary preceptor (usually a senior executive)
• Program directors and sponsors
• Access to senior leadership across the organization
• Peer mentorship from second-year fellows
• Alumni mentors matched based on interests and expertise

Justin highlights the open-door policy and encouragement to network: "Administrative fellows are viewed very favorably within this organization... I've been talking with various senior leaders just, you know, trying to pick their brain about how they got to where they are and what kind of advice they would have for somebody like an administrative fellow."

This level of access to leadership is a unique feature of the program, allowing fellows to build relationships and gain insights from experienced healthcare executives.

Healthcare Strategy and Operations: Key Focus Areas

The Kaiser Permanente Administrative Fellowship provides exposure to various aspects of healthcare strategy and operations. Some key focus areas include:

• Long-term strategic planning
• Healthcare automation and AI implementation
• Program development and management
• Talent acquisition and development

Justin shares his current project: "My key project right now revolves around program implementation within Cardiology of my service area... My project is to implement a LACES clinic and then three different forms of stress testing."

These hands-on experiences allow fellows to contribute meaningfully to the organization while developing critical skills in healthcare management.

Tips for Success in Healthcare Fellowship Interview Process

To stand out during the Kaiser Permanente Administrative Fellowship application process, consider these tips:

• Practice case interviews: Focus on articulating your thought process clearly.
• Balance detail and high-level thinking: Be prepared to provide both strategic overviews and specific tactics.
• Showcase problem-solving and communication skills: These are key attributes that interviewers look for.
• Demonstrate cultural fit: Kaiser Permanente values authenticity and well-rounded candidates.

Justin advises: "Being genuine and authentic is very important to Kaiser Permanente."

Remember, the fellowship selection process is designed to identify candidates who not only have the skills but also align with the organization's culture and values.

Making the Most of Your Administrative Fellowship Experience

To maximize your fellowship experience at Kaiser Permanente:

• Take advantage of networking opportunities
• Seek out projects that align with your interests
• Be open to exploring different areas of the organization
• Actively participate in cohort activities and collaborations

Justin emphasizes the importance of being proactive: "We're encouraged to reach out and network with different people within the organization... I've been working very closely with the director of strategy here in Kern County, where I'm shadowing her slash assisting her with some of the projects that she has going on."

By fully engaging in the fellowship, you'll be well-positioned for career growth opportunities within Kaiser Permanente or other healthcare organizations.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What makes the Kaiser Permanente Administrative Fellowship unique?

The fellowship offers exposure to Kaiser Permanente's integrated model, including rotations across different entities (medical group, hospitals, and health plan). This comprehensive experience is rarely found in other fellowship programs.

How competitive is the Kaiser Permanente Administrative Fellowship?

The fellowship is highly competitive, with a rigorous multi-stage interview process. However, Kaiser Permanente looks for well-rounded candidates, considering both professional and personal attributes.

What career opportunities are available after completing the fellowship?

Fellows often find opportunities within Kaiser Permanente in areas such as strategy, operations, or program management. The fellowship's alumni network and exposure to various departments create numerous pathways for career advancement.

Is prior healthcare experience required for the fellowship?

While prior healthcare experience can be beneficial, it's not always required. Kaiser Permanente values diverse backgrounds and experiences that can bring fresh perspectives to the organization.

How does the fellowship support ongoing learning and development?

The fellowship provides mentorship, access to senior leaders, and hands-on project experience. Fellows also benefit from peer learning within their cohort and opportunities to attend conferences or training sessions.