MHA Program Hosts 2024 Graduate Case Study Challenge

Seton Hall’s Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program hosted current and future healthcare leaders from the region at its fourth annual Graduate Case Study Challenge on  November 2 at the Interprofessional Health Sciences campus in Nutley, NJ, confirming its commitment to advancing collaboration in healthcare management.

The 2024 Graduate Case Study Challenge, held as a hybrid event, featured six teams from MHA programs including Seton Hall,  the University of Pittsburgh, Lehigh University and Rutgers University.

Judges from organizations including Premier Sponsor Hackensack Meridian Health,  Mount Sinai Health System, RWJ Barnabas Health, Delaware Valley ACO, Vanguard Health Solutions and others lent their professional expertise to evaluate the students’ presentations. Anthony Stanowski, president and chief executive officer of the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education, was the keynote speaker, inspiring participants with insights into healthcare innovation and leadership.

The Challenge tasked teams with analyzing a real-world healthcare management case  provided to participants in advance. The students’ preparation included crafting detailed strategies and presentations to address the case’s challenges.

The competition emphasized practical problem-solving, a key competency for future healthcare leaders. Judging criteria included the creativity and feasibility of solutions, presentation quality and teamwork. 

Department chair and program director Nalin Johri, PhD, a key organizer of the event, explained the purpose of the Challenge. “This event gives students a platform to tackle real-world issues they may face in their future careers as healthcare professionals,” said Johri. “It’s not just about the competition but about building skills in critical thinking, collaboration and public speaking." 

Seton Hall MHA student and participant Kruti Lotia shared her thoughts on the experience. “The Case Study Challenge was an incredible learning opportunity,” said Lotia. “I was able to gain firsthand insight into real healthcare issues, develop solutions and receive feedback from a panel of healthcare professionals" said Lotia. She also highlighted the event’s collaborative atmosphere. “It was inspiring to network with professionals and exchange ideas with peers from other universities.”

With generous prizes, professional feedback and a focus on collaboration, the Graduate Case Study Challenge reaffirmed Seton Hall’s commitment to preparing future health leaders through meaningful experiential learning.

Categories: Science and Technology