Ashley Joseph serves from July 2018 to Aug. 2 as HASC’s second James D. Barber Administrative Fellow. The fellowship was created following HASC President/CEO Jim Barber’s 2016 retirement. It offers an up-and-coming health care professional with an advanced degree a chance to explore policy, media relations, program management, issue research and public speaking.

Give us an overview.

The fellowship is unique in that fellows own projects tailored to their career interests. The position also provides a great level of independence and interaction with health care professionals at all different career levels. Working at an association, the biggest takeaway has been the ability to think and act proactively, which will serve me throughout my career. What surprised me is how much I learned about health policy in one year, and I still feel like I only peeled off one layer. 

What was one highlight?

I had an amazing opportunity going to Sacramento to attend senate committees. I really saw how CHA works to influence health policy across the state.

How has your view of the HASC region grown?

Southern California’s regional challenges are complex and layered, but not too different from the nationwide issues other hospitals face. We do have additional concerns with seismic regulations and wildfire precautions, but our team has made strides in addressing these challenges.

Feel free to offer any final thoughts.

I would like to thank my preceptor, HASC Chief of Advocacy and Operations Mark Gamble, along with Vice President, Patient Access Services Ana Reza, and Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Reimbursement Paul Young. All were great to collaborate with producing the 2019 HASC Regional Behavioral Health Needs Assessment. And sincere thanks also go to the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital team for providing me with a rotation and essential hospital operations experience.

Joseph’s final day at HASC’s Los Angeles office is this Friday, Aug. 2.

Contact:
Ashley Joseph
(213) 538-0752
ashjoseph24@gmail.com