Spotlight on Mentoring
Early in 2008, Career Development Committee Co-chairs John Kiernan and Chuck Walczak were contacted by Carlton Alouidor who expressed interest in the HLNDV Mentorship Program. As a graduate student in health care administration at St. Joseph’s University who hails from Jamaica, Carlton was seeking a mentor who could provide perspective on career paths in health care management and who understood the regional market. Based on his interest in identifying a mentor, Carlton subsequently joined ACHE/HLNDV as a student member.
HLNDV member Dan Strauch, MHA, CMPE, Administrator at The Center for Kidney Care in Mt. Laurel, NJ agreed to work with Carlton. Dan’s background in both hospital and large physician practice management roles offered Carlton a unique and broad-based career perspective. Dan and Carlton shared feedback on their participation in the HLNDV Mentorship program:
Dan Strauch - The Mentor Perspective
“I have really enjoyed the opportunity to become a mentor through HLNDV. Carlton Alouidor is a great guy and has a bright future in healthcare administration. He has been a pleasure to meet and get to know, and I have tried to help give advice and support as I am able.
“When John Kiernan and Chuck Walczak asked me whether I was interested in becoming a mentor, I was both intrigued and a little apprehensive. I wondered who I would be ‘matched’ with and whether we would be compatible. I am happy to say that Carlton and I have met several times and we have had very good, productive conversations. He has a lot of potential and is preparing to advance his career.
“I have enjoyed the chance to be a Mentor and I look forward to continuing our interactions and our friendship. It is a unique way to contribute to the success of HLNDV and to our profession.”
Carlton Alouidor - The Mentee Perspective
“A year ago I was somewhat lucid about the health care industry. Having completed my first semester in the graduate program at SJU, I decided to seek out an experienced health care professional in an effort to develop relationships and provide guidance with regards to professional development. The HLNDV Mentorship Program granted me that opportunity.
“In March 2008, Dan Strauch and I met in person and discussed what our goals were for our mentorship program. We have developed an exceptional experience ever since, interacting via telephone, email, over breakfast and dinners to discuss issues as it relates to our careers and to monitor my career progress. The experience with Dan has been very positive! The encouragement and advice I have received has enabled me to be more confident, improve my awareness and make more informed decision on possible career paths. We have not only developed a professional relationship but also sound friendships based on mutual respect.
“The HLNDV Mentorship Program has been a rewarding experience for me. I do hope to one day provide the same opportunity as a mentor to an individual in search of their own professional growth and development. I wish extend my thanks to Chuck Walczak and John Kiernan for taking the time to seek out and provide me with Daniel Strauch, an individual with a diverse leadership background in health care, for his advice and guidance.”
If you are interested in mentorship, please visit www.hlndv.org to learn more and register your profile.
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