Name: Leah Freeze

Title: Practice Administrator, Tiger Pediatrics

Mode of MHA degree: Executive

What have you been up to since graduating from the MHA program at Mizzou?

I very recently accepted a new position as Practice Administrator for Tiger Pediatrics here in Columbia, an independent practice with a well-loved history. Prior to that I was the practice manager for an adult primary care practice with Boone Health for 8 years.

When it comes to your career so far, what are you most proud of?

It’s been such a privilege to support people in the day-to-day work of caring for others. I have loved what I’ve been able to do, and it is very humbling to have received some incredibly kind words of thanks as I transitioned to a new role most recently. Departures give a unique opportunity to hear these kinds of things.

How did your experiences in the MHA program prepare you for your career?

The MHA program provided a great overview of the US healthcare system, not only from the content of the classes, but from the experiences of the people. My co-hort consisted of physicians, nurses, therapists, billing/coding specialists, dieticians, IT professionals, and others…. all of whom brought unique perspectives to the material.

What advice do you have for MHA students who want to follow a similar career path?

Practice Management allows you to touch so many areas including human resources, operations, risk management, compliance, and more so if wearing lots of hats and managing people is appealing, seek out this kind of role. If you’re not certain what you want to do, find a position that lets you learn and grow. Recognize there is a strong possibility of change in whatever you first set out to do. I have continued to find resources from professional organizations to hone skills and network with others in my particular field. There are a lot of great resources and learning is so important, but also – you know stuff (or you will eventually) and sometimes your best ideas will come from you.

What is a favorite memory from your time in the program or a class that you really enjoyed?

Taking walks around campus on executive weekends; anything taught by Brian Hensel; David Moxley’s genuine caring for every student by way of snacks 🙂

Why should potential students get their MHA from Mizzou?

This program is not a pop-up online school that started recently to meet the demand for online learning; this is a well-established university with competent professors, professional guest speakers and an appropriately competitive application process to create beneficial co-horts of students who want to learn. I’ve never regretted taking the time to pursue this degree.