澳门老奇人论坛

Mackenzie Hayden鈥檚 connections to 澳门老奇人论坛 are very well established, span roughly a generation and involve multiple members of her family.

Her mother is a Radford alumna from the class of 鈥�95, and her father earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from Radford in 鈥�93 and 鈥�95, respectively. In fact, Hayden says her parents met during their time attending Radford, so without their Highlander experience, she might not be here at all!

That鈥檚 not all, however. Hayden鈥檚 Radford roots go even deeper, with her brother graduating in 鈥�21 and her father returning to Radford five years ago as an employee, currently working in the Dean of Students office.

鈥淲hen it came to where I would go to school,鈥� Hayden says, 鈥湴拿爬掀嫒寺厶� just felt right.鈥�

Hayden says she did spend some time looking at various schools when she was making her college decision, and that the choice was difficult, but that she ultimately knew she wanted something small that catered to students. Enter 澳门老奇人论坛 Carilion (RUC).

鈥淚 was really attracted to RUC鈥檚 size and the student-focused approach,鈥� she recalls. 鈥淚 also was drawn to RUC because of the 100% online programs in the public health and healthcare leadership department. That structure suited me better.鈥�

While Hayden had considered a career as a physician when she was in high school, she soon learned that path wasn't right for her. But she still wanted to be involved in healthcare somehow. As she explored her options, she discovered healthcare administration.

The four-year Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration program at RUC provides a broad base of knowledge and skills to prepare students with general analytical, communication and management competencies for professional roles in healthcare management. This program prepares graduates to work within the fundamental 鈥渂usiness鈥� aspects of healthcare.

鈥淭hrough this degree, I鈥檓 able to combine my love for the medical field and my intrinsic need to be a leader,鈥� Hayden says. 鈥淲hat I love most about healthcare administration is the ability to improve patient care without being directly involved in it. I also respect the level of teamwork needed to have a successful organization and to achieve patient care initiatives.鈥�

As part of her curriculum, Hayden is currently participating in a medical practice internship with Carilion Children鈥檚, shadowing Rachel Smith, the practice manager at Carilion Children鈥檚 Professional Network.

鈥淭he ability to experience the teamwork and communication that is needed on a daily basis to run a medical practice is unmatched,鈥� she says of the experience. 鈥淚 enjoy meeting new patients and creating relationships with the staff. Every day is new and exciting.鈥�

While Hayden鈥檚 enthusiasm for her program is routinely recognized at Radford, she is now beginning to earn accolades externally. Recently, the named her a 2023 recipient.

The goal of the Upsilon Phi Delta Honor Society is to encourage interest in academic preparation, promote activity that will elevate the standards, ideals, competence and ethics of inductees, and recognize academic achievement and outstanding contributions to the profession. The UPD Scholarship Program was established in 2014 to further the goals and mission of the honor society and recognize students for academic excellence.

AUPHA, the organization that administers the scholarship, supports the education of emerging leaders in the healthcare field 鈥� a description that fits Hayden perfectly.

鈥�Over the course of my professional education at RUC, I have worked incredibly hard,鈥� she says. 鈥淓ach semester, class and assignment is an opportunity for me to prove to myself that I am capable of achieving my goals. When I received the scholarship, I felt as though my hard work was being acknowledged, and it will help me achieve everything I dream of!鈥�