real world learning
| 5
Reaching for the top Student
Tony
Torres
was
awarded
the
prestigious
opportunity to join the University of Kansas Health System (UKHS) administrative fellowship program where he was one of three candidates selected from over 70 applicants. As part of the fellowship, Torres will join a leadership training program for UKHS where he will be immersed in learning the financial, strategic and clinical operations of the business, eventually being assigned to a managerial position within UKHS.
In applying for the position, Torres, a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) student, was up against
grade in order to work and help provide for the rest of their families.
applicants from top-rated MHA programs in the country. “Typically, the
Torres worked hard to seek out a fellowship opportunity that would allow
UKHS program selects two recipients. However, due to highly competitive
him to step into an executive leadership role after earning his degrees.
candidates, three were chosen this year,” he said.
Throughout his education, Torres said he has been actively seeking out
Torres, a graduate of Brigham Young University – Idaho, attributes his
opportunities “to network and find successful mentors. I was proactive during
success to his “innate passion for providing access to healthcare for
my education and training to have meaningful experiences in healthcare.
others.” This passion stemmed from a health condition that caused his
My experiences have exposed me to current healthcare challenges and my
father’s passing at a young age. “I remember feeling helpless watching my
HCA residency allowed me to learn solutions to some of these issues.”
dad battle his illness,” said Torres whose parents emigrated from Mexico.
“I believe we should all aim high. Although any leadership role is an
His strong work ethic was also inspired by his parents’ sacrifices. “[My
honorable one, if we dream of becoming executives then we should take
parents regularly reminded us] of the great opportunity we were given to
every proactive opportunity to get there from the beginning.”
pursue an education,” Torres said. His parents had left school by the sixth
Torres starts this summer upon graduation with his dual graduate degrees.
