Yevgeny Ostrovskiy is involved with two CAHL committees related to career growth. He shares how networking with CAHL has led to meaningful connections have driven his own career and industry relationships forward.
Please tell us a bit about what you’ve been doing as a volunteer, and why you chose to take that particular role.
“I split my time between the Career Development and Transition (CDTC) and Higher Education Network (HEN) committees. I have been particularly enjoying moderating and managing the CAHL HEN Scholarship assessment process. Selecting scholarship winners is not an easy task, as we receive submissions from a very competitive pool of applicants; therefore, my purpose is to guide our judges through the selection process while serving as their resource until winners are announced in each category.
My reason for choosing to dedicate my time to these committees is twofold. First, CAHL provides so much to its members and volunteers; therefore, giving back is the right thing to do. Second, my role within CDTC and HEN committees allows me to share industry knowledge through organizing educational events. I personally try to learn something new every day so that I can share it with friends and colleagues. I believe that knowledge empowers us to make a positive impact within our communities and our places of work. Volunteering for CAHL has been very rewarding and meaningful.”
Could you share a “CAHL Moment” with us? We’d love to hear a story of a meaningful relationship you’ve developed and why it matters to you and those you serve, or an anecdote about how volunteering with CAHL has made an impact in your role or your personal life.
“I would like to highlight three major “CAHL Moments” that were very meaningful for me.
My first “CAHL Moment” took place when I decided to make a career change from Population Health to Hospital Operations and Management. I did not know where to start. It felt impossible at that time to make such a transition; however, my research led me to ACHE/CAHL where I had the pleasure of connecting with David Bettencourt. David encouraged me to apply to the very first CAHL Mentor Program cohort which I found very valuable for my early career development. David demonstrated the impact volunteering has on CAHL and its members. Shortly after I met David, I decided that I will give back to CAHL by mentoring a new professional looking to transition into a healthcare industry.
My second “CAHL Moment” happened during one of the CAHL Networking events where I met Baljeet Sangha. When I met Baljeet I did not have relevant experience working in a hospital. Without hesitation, Baljeet connected me with incredible healthcare champions and leaders as I continued to attend CAHL in-person events. In addition, he nominated my candidacy for a position on his team and, after completing the interview process, I joined his organization. That life-changing moment jumpstarted my career in hospital operations and management. Baljeet demonstrated the ability to see potential in an individual which reinforces the impact CAHL has on its members.
Last but not least “CAHL Moment” goes to Andrew James. Andrew and I met through CDTC where we collaborated on writing an academic research paper. Andrew went out of his way to educate me on how successful leaders define strategy and methodologies they use to execute such strategies. Andrew demonstrated qualities of an empowering leader. He dedicated his time to share his knowledge and experience to make a positive change on my professional development. Also, Andrew helped me prepare for my most recent job interviews which resulted in job offers.
I am deeply grateful to have experienced “CAHL Moments” and to share moments with such inspiring mentors. I hope I will be able to offer similar experiences to my fellow CAHL colleagues.
What motto or quote resonates with you as a leader?
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” – Maya Angelou.
What didn’t I ask that you’d like to share?
I highly encourage our CAHL members to volunteer when/if they can. It is a time commitment but you’ll find out that in the end it’s a surprisingly rewarding experience.