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VHA training program helps prepare the next generation of health care administrators

Graduate Healthcare Administrative Training Program

As a child in rural South Carolina, Brandon Martin saw the challenges his family faced getting medical care for a cousin with autism, and the impact helped shaped his career interest.

“[My family] would have to travel upwards of an hour to get to medical appointments. That just didn’t sit well with me,” Martin said. “I wanted to make a difference and work with underserved populations.” 

After receiving his bachelor’s degree in public health, he was interested in working for a non-profit.  While studying for his master’s degree, Martin saw himself fulfilling a broader goal of helping to lead change within health care systems.

Working as a healthcare administrative trainee in Fayetteville is affording him and another trainee that opportunity.

The VHA’s Graduate Healthcare Administrative Training Program (GHATP) is giving him that chance as one of two program participants at the Fayetteville NC VA Coastal Health Care System.  GHATP is a one-year appointment and includes comprehensive rotations throughout the various departments which offer valuable information and excellent opportunities for growth.

Kayla Remboldt is Fayetteville’s other GHATP trainee, and like Martin, her health care focus changes during an internship in women’s health as part of her master’s degree program.

“I did some data collection and analysis and put together presentations for them. That really got me thinking that I have a skill set that would apply well in healthcare administration.”

Managers across the health system say their leadership and professional skills are assisting in a variety of programs.

Remboldt has made a significant impact facilitating HRO discussions, according to Anthony Martin, the health care system High Reliability Organization Coordinator. “She has a knack for engaging our employees and helping foster open communication which has yielded opportunities for improvement to provide valuable and efficient healthcare to our Veterans,” said Martin.

Starting the training program during the COVID pandemic gave Brandon Martin a unique opportunity to make an immediate impact supporting the need open a new ward to accommodate a surge in COVID patients.

“He pulled all of the administrative, clinical and nursing staff together to design a time and task-oriented plan to successfully activate the ward,” said Sharon Henderson, Acting Chief of Development and Community Engagement, who also served as Health System Specialist for Employee Engagement.  “Brandon was able to accomplish this in a COVID constrained environment when the key players were being pulled in multiple directions.”

The one-year appointments will end in the summer, but both are hoping to continue their pursuit of opportunities as health care leaders and change agents.

“Many steps are being taken to improve the culture of the organization and the care we provide to veterans.”

Remboldt agreed. “Oftentimes, it can be difficult for administrative staff to see our impact since we often do not work directly with patients, she said. “However, through my interactions with front line staff and participation in process improvement initiatives, I feel that my work has indirectly demonstrated a positive impact to Veteran care at the Fayetteville VA,” she said.

Executive Director Dan Dücker said that GHATP program is a benefit to not only the trainees but the organization.

“I think we have given them a great opportunity to work with a wide range of services--clinical and non-clinical and staff at every level from front line to executive leadership. Kayla and Brandon have helped us look at things through a different lens, they've shared their technical skills and innovative ideas to help us better support our Veterans and staff. I think we are better for having them here."

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