Gustavo Alvarez
A junior from Denison, Iowa, worked in the supply chain department. Some days, his responsibilities included working on purchase orders, requisitions, and invoices, while other days, he called vendors and sales reps to gain product information, pricing, or return items. Alvarez also attended meetings with nurses, physicians, and other administrators, including lunch with Trinity Health’s CEO, John Kutch. Lunch with Kutch was Alvarez’s favorite part of the internship. He was able to gain valuable advice to apply to his future career.
Alvarez found this internship opportunity through Healthcare Management 3020: Economics for Healthcare Managers with Natallia Gray, assistant dean and associate teaching professor of management and entrepreneurship. Gray mentioned that Trinity Health had started a partnership with Iowa State University and still had internship spots available.
“I decided to apply for the internship because I wanted to get as much experience as possible in a hospital setting. Also, I wanted to experience a bigger hospital than what I am used to back home, so this seemed like the perfect opportunity,” said Alvarez.
Dawson Hadwiger
A senior from Iowa Falls, Iowa, Hadwiger’s responsibilities as a healthcare administrative intern included working on projects such as cost analysis and implementing a new service offered to patients. These projects involved looking at the cost, reimbursement, and staff training required, in addition to looking at workflows when offering the service, to see where money is lost and where improvements could be made. His favorite part of the internship was attending weekly team and educational meetings, which enhanced his learning experience.
Both Alvarez and Hadwiger mentioned that the topics and skills covered in their healthcare management classes prepared them for their internship. Classes like Healthcare Management 3010: Introduction to the U.S. Healthcare Industry with Clay Thomas, assistant teaching professor of management and entrepreneurship, gave them a background in medical terminology and the healthcare industry to allow them to excel as healthcare administrative interns.
To other students researching internships, Hadwiger advised, “Use the many resources Iowa State provides when pursuing an internship.”
Alvarez said, “Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and relocate to a different state for the summer. It may be difficult at first, but you will adjust to it and get comfortable.”
The partnership with Trinity Health was developed after Gray and Kathy Wieland, former director of Business Career Services at Ivy, visited the facility in the summer of 2023.
To connect with Gustavo Alvarez or follow his collegiate and professional journey, visit his LinkedIn profile.
To connect with Dawson Hadwiger or follow his collegiate and professional journey, visit his LinkedIn profile.
