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Choi Receives Excellence in Student Leadership Award from Connecticut Chapter of American College of Healthcare Executives.

Shirley Choi, an M.P.H. ’04 in the Health Management Program (HMP), received the Excellence in Student Leadership Award from the Connecticut Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). The award was presented by Steve Merz, Administrative Director, Facilities Planning and Administrative Services at Yale-New Haven Hospital, at an April 27 reception hosted by HMP.

ACHE is an association of approximately 30,000 health care executives and students. The award is given based on applicants’ essays, career goals, character, innovation, ACHE student chapter involvement, academic achievements and community service.

Elizabeth Bradley, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Public Health in the Division of Health Policy and Administration and Director of HMP, noted that Choi is the first student from Yale to win the award. “Shirley leads in a quiet but very effective way. She works behind the scenes and whatever she takes on seems to work out effortlessly. We have been fortunate to have her at Yale and helping to lead ACHE student efforts,” said Bradley.

Choi has been extremely active in HMP’s ACHE Student Chapter, which provides a variety of opportunities for the professional development of HMP students. This year, she served as a chapter co-chair, and her activities included setting up hospital tours and speakers. Along with co-chair Vikram Acharya, Choi launched a mentorship program through which HMP students are matched with recent HMP alumni according to career interests. Nearly all HMP students and more than 25 HMP alumni participated in the program, which was popular with both groups, and will continue.

“It is nice to be recognized for my contributions to the HMP. I am grateful for my time at Yale and have had a great experience working with Betsy [Elizabeth Bradley] and Vikram to enhance the education and opportunities offered to students,” said Choi.

In addition to her activities with the HMP ACHE Student Chapter, Choi served as a school ambassador for EPH, answering questions and offering assistance to prospective students.

Ultimately, Choi hopes to function as a senior hospital administrator, helping to improve the quality and delivery of health care. She is particularly interested in long-term care due to the extreme demands that will be placed on the U.S. healthcare system with the aging of the baby boomers.

-Story by Christy Gordon, based on interview with Shirley Choi on April 29, 2004 and Elizabeth Bradley on May 3, 2004.