CAHL Hosts Inaugural Case Competition, Showcasing Student Ingenuity in Healthcare Leadership

Dec 8, 2024 | Articles, HEN (Higher Education Network)

By Mohit Gulati

The California Association of Healthcare Leaders (CAHL) hosted its inaugural Case Competition on November 16, 2024, bringing together health administration students from across Northern California. This dynamic event, held at Sutter Health’s Sacramento office, provided a platform for undergraduate and graduate students in healthcare administration programs to tackle a real-world leadership challenge while fostering innovation, networking, and professional growth.

The competition, presented in partnership with Sutter Health, asked students to analyze a case study on rural health. Teams proposed actionable strategies to improve patient access and enhance provider recruitment and retention in rural communities. Participants delivered 15-minute presentations and submitted 500-word executive summaries, showcasing their analytical abilities and innovative thinking. Teams were evaluated on their case analysis, responsiveness to the prompt, the quality of their executive summary, and their presentation skills.

A Showcase of Talent

The event featured five undergraduate and two graduate teams, each comprising three to four students. Participants competed virtually and in person, and four out of the seven teams earned cash prizes. Their solutions were assessed by a distinguished panel of judges, including healthcare executives from various organizations. Senior leaders from Sutter Health’s rural hospitals judged the final round of the undergraduate and graduate competitions.

A Platform for Learning and Growth

Beyond the competition, students had the unique opportunity to receive one-on-one career coaching and resume reviews with senior executive leaders, gaining invaluable insights and guidance for their future careers. The day concluded with a networking event open to all CAHL members, allowing participants to connect with industry professionals and build meaningful relationships.

“Case competitions are a time-honored tradition in health administration programs across the country,” said Mohit Gulati, this year’s CAHL Case Competition Chairman. “They provide students with a platform to propose innovative solutions to challenges facing healthcare leaders. This year’s competition was a testament to the talent and dedication of Northern California’s future healthcare leaders.”

Looking Ahead

The success of this inaugural event has inspired plans to establish the Case Competition as an annual tradition. This year’s event was made possible through the dedicated efforts of numerous CAHL volunteers, Sutter Health, and the healthcare executives who served as judges and career mentors. Their contributions were instrumental in delivering a meaningful and impactful experience for the 30 participating students.

As the competition evolves, CAHL aims to further its mission of supporting the next generation of healthcare leaders through meaningful educational experiences. By connecting students with real-world challenges and experienced industry leaders, CAHL continues to make a lasting impact on the future of healthcare leadership in Northern California.

 

Currently a Practice Manager at UC Davis Health, Mohit Gulati oversees operations for nine surgical specialties across his clinics. Before joining UCDH, he spent five years as a DaVita Dialysis Administrator in the greater Sacramento area. He served as the Chairman for the 2024 CAHL Case Competition.