YOUNG PROFESSIONAL INSIGHTS

October 2024

Beyond the Agenda: Memorable Lessons and Moments from the 39th Annual N.A.H.S.E. Education Conference

Attending the 39th Annual National Association of Health Services Executives (N.A.H.S.E.) Conference in Fort Lauderdale was a surreal and unforgettable experience. I felt honored to be there as the 2024 N.A.H.S.E. Connecticut Education Scholarship recipient, representing Connecticut at the national level, which made the entire event even more personally meaningful.

Though I was thrilled to attend, I must admit the journey started with a bit of anxiety. Hurricane Milton had me feeling nervous about flying, but my excitement outweighed the nerves. When I finally touched down in Florida on October 8th, I checked into my hotel, took a moment to relax, and then went to pick up my conference badge. I remember thinking, "I’m really here!" This was my first time in Fort Lauderdale, and I couldn’t wait to dive into the days ahead. Here are a few takeaways that truly marked my experience not only as an attendee, but as a rising leader in healthcare.

Energetic and Insightful Educational Sessions.
I thoroughly enjoyed attending the opening sessions in particular, which set an energizing tone for each day. There was a palpable sense of purpose in the room. Healthcare leaders and aspiring professionals all gathered to discuss and advocate for health equity and transformational leadership. One of my favorite educational sessions, Positioning Healthcare Technology to Break Ground for SDOH Equity, offered invaluable insights. I learned about the latest innovations that aim to bridge gaps in Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) and empower underserved communities. The presenters shared inspiring real-world applications and success stories that excited me about technology's role in creating a more fair healthcare system. One speaker highlighted the critical role of representative data in advancing health equity. They explained that many health interventions and even some medical equipment are developed based on data drawn primarily from a White-male demographic. This approach raises concerns, as we can’t be confident these interventions are effective for a broad population if the data informing them isn’t representative. To truly evolve and ensure equitable care, it’s essential to gather data from patients and communities of diverse races, ethnicities, geographies, and other backgrounds. By leveraging a more inclusive dataset, we can develop technology and health interventions that are better suited to serve everyone—advancing our mission of equitable health outcomes for all.

Among my other sessions, I also attended a session entitled Catalyzing Change through Mentorship, which made me reflect deeply on the type of leader I want to be. A core mark of a true leader is not just their ability to learn from others, but their commitment to pouring into someone else. Instead of simply taking and receiving, we must nurture what we’ve received into something we can give to another person. As I progress in my career, I want to be that leader who will leverage the lessons I learn to share with others and make a difference in their lives.

Building My Network and Cultivating New Friendships.
Being at a national N.A.H.S.E. event meant meeting people from across the country, each with a unique background and perspective. I had the opportunity to have insightful conversations with high-level healthcare leaders who were not only approachable but eager to share their experiences.  Beyond the formal networking, I bonded with my mentor, Victoria Okyere, and had an opportunity to better get to know my fellow chapter members, such as Elisabeth Michel, Quian Callender, Oladayo Sule, Caleb Green and more. From conversations during our lunch hour about our cultures and backgrounds, to exploring the city and searching CVS for snacks, I found that these moments between sessions helped me build meaningful connections with my fellow chapter members. The friendships and laughter shared throughout the event were just as impactful as the professional insights I gained. They helped me remember that every professional is first and foremost a person. Seeing someone’s humanity and connecting in an authentic way helps to cultivate trust, and that trust provides a foundation for future collaboration, sharing of insight, and much more.

A Celebratory and Inspiring Scholarship and Awards Ceremony.
The Scholarship and Awards Ceremony was one of the highlights of the conference. With the theme of the gala being “Afro-Centric,” attendees wore attire representing the African diaspora. Surrounded by vibrant colors and pattens, we celebrated the diversity of our cultures, the accomplishments of case competition winners and national scholarship recipients, and we applauded the achievements of the inspiring Young Health Executive of the Year and Senior Health Executive of the Year. Altogether, each moment made for an electrifying evening.

Seeing so many accomplished Black healthcare leaders on stage was empowering and affirming. Hearing their stories and advice reminded me that determination is fundamental to reaching our dreams. The recipient of the Young Health Executive of the Year was Dr. Darren Brownlee, Senior Division Chair, Education (Mayo Clinic). Dr. Brownlee shared his story and journey in healthcare, which resonated with me deeply. He emphasized that no matter where we find ourselves, we should prove our value, work hard, and let integrity guide our actions. This wisdom will stay with me as I grow in my healthcare career, reminding me of the importance of authenticity and hard work.

 As I witnessed these leaders taking the stage to receive their awards and heard their stories and remarks, their resilience, passion, and commitment reinforced my belief that we can achieve remarkable things with a clear vision and unwavering determination.

An Unforgettable and Impactful Experience.
Attending the 2024 N.A.H.S.E. Conference was nothing short of magical. One night, I strolled along the beach, capturing breathtaking sunset views and feeling the ocean breeze. As I soaked in the beautiful Florida weather, I reflected on the magnitude of my presence at this conference. Last year at this time, I never would have imagined being at a conference surrounded by hundreds of Black healthcare leaders who are transforming healthcare across the country. I wouldn’t have guessed that I’d be part of a community that would not just help me develop as a leader, but would be a place where I can also participate in meaningful change. This conference did more than deepen my knowledge of healthcare: it fueled my passion to make a difference. I left Fort Lauderdale with renewed motivation, invaluable connections, and a greater appreciation for the power of community and mentorship in healthcare leadership.

As I continue my journey, I will carry these memories and lessons with me, striving to embody the qualities of the leaders I met and to drive meaningful change in healthcare. This experience reminded me that the path to healthcare improvement and access isn’t easy, but we can all make a lasting impact with determination, community, and a commitment to service.

I am deeply grateful to the N.A.H.S.E. Connecticut Chapter for an incredible reception at the conference and an unforgettable experience that inspired me as a future healthcare leader, connected me with invaluable mentors, and created a vibrant community dedicated to healthcare improvement. I look forward to contributing to the organization and helping create similarly impactful experiences for other students.

About the Author:

Darling Dompreh is a rising healthcare professional pursuing a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration at the University of New Haven, driven by her desire to acquire the skills necessary to effect real change in healthcare. She holds a Bachelor of Economics degree with a concentration in International Economics and Trade, from the Shenyang Aerospace University in China. Darling served as the class president and graduated as the overall outstanding undergraduate student, the first black woman to receive this honor from her faculty.

Following her academic success, Darling gained valuable international experience working in China for three years as an administrative and executive assistant for Bell Overseas Company Limited. In 2022, she founded Green Sunset, an NGO dedicated to improving maternal and infant health, advocating for health equity, being a voice of change, supporting underserved communities, and providing healthcare support for children with Autism and Down syndrome.

Alongside her graduate studies, Darling serves as a project intern at Hartford Hospital, where she actively contributes to impactful healthcare initiatives. In her free time, Darling volunteers at Connecticut Foodshare and Hartford Hospital Women’s Ambulatory Health Service, further reflecting her deep commitment to service.

Darling’s career goal is to become a healthcare leader who addresses disparities in access and equity, making a lasting impact in her community and the broader healthcare industry. Her journey is a testament to resilience, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to positive change.