August Member Spotlights

Kaitlin Roderick
Master’s Candidate in Health Care Policy & Management
Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College

Member Spotlight Q&A: Kaitlin Roderick

Current school, program, and any extracurricular affiliations:

I am a second year master’s candidate in Health Care Policy and Management at Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College. I am the president of the Heinz Health Care Club and a volunteer with Global Links.

Prior School(s)/Degree(s):

I obtained my Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington and Jefferson College in Washington, PA. My major was sociology, and my minor was in chemistry.

What do you enjoy most about being a student?

I enjoy the networking events that I get to attend as well as the courses that I can take. I also enjoy being able to participate in new opportunities. I had the chance to become a volunteer at Global Links as well as become a part of the Heinz Health Care Club. There are many opportunities that I have been able to take advantage at Heinz College!

What academic or professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

My most proud academic achievement was being accepted to graduate school. My professional accomplishment that I am most proud of is working with the Jewish Healthcare Foundation as an intern this summer.

Why did you decide to join ACHE?

I decided to join ACHE to increase the number of individuals in my network and take advantage of the many benefits that they offer such as the Administrative Fellowship Guide.

What is your role in ACHE (committees, responsibilities, etc.)?

My new role as the student representative on the ACHE WPA Board is to be an active participant in the Western PA chapter. To do this, I will attend board meetings, chapter events, and serve on the Early Careerist Committee.

What is your favorite thing to do in Pittsburgh?

My favorite thing to do in Pittsburgh is to visit all the museums! There are so many different museums scattered throughout Pittsburgh, and it is so incredible to look through all of their exhibits. My favorite is Phipps Conservatory around the holidays!

Ways to connect with you (LinkedIn, email, etc.)

Emails: kroderic@andrew.cmu.edu or kaitlindroderick@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlin-roderick/

Jordan McBride
MHA/MBA Candidate
University of Pittsburgh

Member Spotlight Q&A: Jordan McBride

Current school, program and any extracurricular affiliations:

University of Pittsburgh

MHA/MBA Candidate

Administrative Resident at Emanate Health

Extracurricular affiliations: GSPH Health Policy & Management Association, Katz Healthcare Club, Katz Operations Club, Katz Strategy Club

Prior School(s)/Degree(s):

University of Georgia

BS Nutrition Science

What do you enjoy most about being a student?

I enjoy getting to work with my peers who all come from different backgrounds. Everyone is able to contribute different insights based on previous experiences, and it has helped me develop an even greater appreciation for project-based school work. 

What academic or professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am most proud of completing a risk adjustment data validation CMS audit during my summer internship in the MHA/MBA program. It was my first experience on the payer side and opened my eyes to other areas of healthcare.

Why did you decide to join ACHE?

I decided to join ACHE to have the opportunity to meet individuals that are passionate about healthcare, and to learn about their experiences and paths throughout their career.

What is your role in ACHE (committees, responsibilities, etc.)?

Member of the Marketing and Management Committee

I create the invites for our events, manage the ACHE Western PA website, and perform other marketing and management functions as needed

What has been your favorite ACHE event and why?

My favorite ACHE event is the annual ACHE Congress because it brings together all chapters across the country. As a student, it is incredibly beneficial to meet other graduate students in various programs and to share our experiences and ways to improve our programs.

How have you applied your ACHE experience in an academic or professional setting?

The ACHE Newsletter gives me a lot insights into what is happening in the healthcare world and I often use stories and thoughts from those articles in both academic and professional settings.

What is your favorite thing to do in Pittsburgh?

I simply cannot pick a favorite. Here are my top 5:

  1. Attend any Pittsburgh sporting event
  2. Walk along Grandview Avenue in Mount Washington
  3. Get shaved ice from Gus and Yiayia’s on the North Shore and walk around the park
  4. Go to the Strip District and explore the different restaurants and shops
  5. Walk around and explore Frick Park

Ways to connect with you (LinkedIn, email, etc.)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordandmcbride/

Email: Jom182@pitt.edu