Elizabeth Walker, JD, MHA
ECG Management Consultants, Inc.
Senior Manager
I've always been interested in the healthcare industry. I was accepted to IU School of Medicine and intended to begin my studies after a "year off" at law school. I found myself very much at home in the study of the law and stumbled upon the MHA program as I sought ways to broaden my healthcare knowledge.
The quality of adjunct instructors in Indianapolis is hard to beat. I had a wide range of teachers, including a health system CEO and Hall Render attorney. Another benefit of the Indianapolis location is the opportunity to try out meaningful internships. I took advantage of every healthcare-related internship the law school had to offer.
The MHA credential is meaningful in the healthcare field. When I meet with hospital CEOs, I stand out; the MHA degree indicates to other healthcare professionals that I am dedicated to improving our healthcare community. Having an MHA degree in addition to my JD was crucial to becoming a hospital vice president at age 28.
The investment you make now to obtain these degrees will pay huge dividends for the rest of your life. Additional time in school and more tuition are small prices to pay for having a career you love. Having a JD and MHA has given me tremendous flexibility and opportunity as I have progressed in my career.
The foundation this education has provided has prepared me well to handle whatever changes this disruptive healthcare landscape presents now and in the future.