OCS Conference Funding Submission

Event Photo:

Team receiving 3rd place award

Name: Reika Oshima

Degree Program: MPA IN PUBLIC & NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT & POLICY

Specialization: HPM-Health Services Management

Conference Host Organization/Institution: Cornell University

Conference/Competition Name: Fifth Annual Sloan Program in Health Administration Case Competition

Conference Term: Spring Conference Start Date: 2025-03-20 Conference End Date: 2025-03-22

What were your takeaways from this conference/case competition?
While we are all in the MPA-HPAM program, Olivia and Smrithi have a Policy specialization with really enriching work experience from Mathematica, and I am a Health Management specialization currently at Mass General Brigham’s quality improvement team. This opportunity to merge our unique backgrounds to come up with creative and thoughtful solution really highlights what’s great about the interdisciplinary Wagner program. I’m grateful for such bright, hardworking classmates to learn and grow with.

How will your participation in this conference/case competition support your professional development?
The competitions truly challenged us to take a real situation and successfully apply the skills learned in our various Wagner classes, including public speaking, data visualization, strategic thinking, leadership, and financial analysis. As someone who works in a large health system, it was very enriching to learn about how other organizations are striving to grow towards system-ness while staying close to their local community. We had to present feasible, concrete solutions to real problems health systems are facing across America, like workforce shortages, timely and appropriate mental health services, and providing care in the community.

What are some next steps or action items this conference/case competition inspired?
The competition was an opportunity for me to apply my strategic development skills, and I'm very interested in exploring a career in strategy.

What are some tips or best practices that you would like to share with other Wagner students who attend a conference/case competition?
For case competition, block out dedicated times for the entire week in advance. Think about how your ideas will actually translate into a singular patient's care, and the provider's experience as well. At the same time, zoom out into the impact on the system and the community of your idea.

Wagner Areas of Impact: Health