Accelerated MHA student Lejla Hamidovic Finds SLU While in Pursuit of Contributing to Meaningful Change

07/12/2024

Accelerated MHA student Lejla Hamidovic is determined to improve the delivery of care and impact patient outcomes on a large scale.

Hamidovic has always been interested in healthcare and found a passion for contributing to solutions after experiencing the system firsthand and observing its gaps and needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I recognized the critical role of effective administration in addressing issues such as resource allocation, operational efficiency, and healthcare equity,” Hamidovic said. “It became evident that by working on the administrative side, I could contribute to meaningful change, improve the delivery of care, and ultimately impact patient outcomes on a larger scale.”

Through her passion to enact positive change in the administrative realm, she found the Master of Health Administration program at Saint Louis University.

Hamidovic was drawn to SLU’s commitment to community engagement, service, and emphasis on various types of learning deliveries.

“The university's emphasis on experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, research projects, and service-learning initiatives, has provided me with valuable real-world experience and skills that will benefit me in my future career and personal life,” she said.

At SLU, Hamidovic enrolled in the BSHM/MHA accelerated program.

What made the decision to enter the program so easy for her was the valuable academic and professional networking that was made possible through SLU’s expansive alumni network.

“Our alumni network is truly one of SLU MHA’s strongest assets. I have had the opportunity to interact with SLU alumni from all over the United States, and everyone has been more than happy to connect with me and share their experiences and advice,” she said. “These connections were particularly useful in my internship search, where I sought advice and had alumni review my application materials to ensure that I was putting my best foot forward.”

In addition to the vast alumni network available to Hamidovic and other students, the internships and placements are a large piece of the program.

The alumni network helps develop relationships and conduits between students and the alumni.

This summer, Hamidovic will be fulfilling her graduate administrative internship in the international operations department at Cleveland Clinic. Prior to this internship, she gained other relevant experience working at St. Luke’s Hospital and West County Psychiatric Care as an administrative assistant. In addition, she has also volunteered at various healthcare organizations in the area.

Beyond this summer, Hamidovic, who will graduate with her MHA degree in 2025, is keeping an eye on the future.

“I hope to use opportunities such as my upcoming internship to help me dive deeper into the different facets of healthcare and explore the ways powerhouse organizations such as Cleveland Clinic capitalize on and expand their international presence,” she said. "10 years from now, I envision myself continuing to grow and explore various opportunities within the field while making meaningful contributions to the communities I serve.”

For aspiring students interested in following a similar path, she suggests taking advantage of networking opportunities and staying in contact with mentors and advisors.

The mentorship, resources, and experiences provided by the faculty, staff, alumni, and my peers have been instrumental in shaping my growth and preparing me for future success in healthcare administration,” she said.

College for Public Health and Social Justice

The Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice is the only academic unit of its kind, studying social, environmental and physical influences that together determine the health and well-being of people and communities. It also is the only accredited school or college of public health among nearly 250 Catholic institutions of higher education in the United States. Guided by a mission of social justice and focus on finding innovative and collaborative solutions for complex health problems, the college offers nationally recognized programs in public health and health administration.