Early Careerist
Karan Patel, MHA
CEO, Select Specialty Hospital – Cincinnati
Originally from Los Angeles, CA. Grew up in Dallas, TX and received my MHA from University of Houston – Clear Lake. Started my career at the Texas Institute of Surgery in Dallas, TX as a Fellow in 2013. After completing my Fellowship in 2014, I moved to Houston, TX to work for the Larkin Group as a senior consultant. In my short tenure at the Larkin Group I had worked my way up to VP of Operations and Process Excellence. In 2017, I transitioned to Select Medical’s COO Development program. I was based out of Gainesville, Florida for my training, where I spent learning the operations of one of our Critical Illness Recovery Hospitals. I spent a little over one year in the program and in December 2018, I was promoted to CEO for the Select Specialty Hospital in Cincinnati.
HOW HAS BEING A MEMBER OF ACHE BEST PREPARED YOU FOR YOUR CURRENT ROLE AND PAST POSITIONS IN HEALTHCARE LEADERSHIP?
ACHE’s membership is filled with many talented and knowledgeable individuals. With Healthcare being so fluid, it really takes learning from those that are actively involved in our day to day healthcare systems. Attending events and forums where I could listen to personal experiences of healthcare leaders, was far more beneficial than simply reading about them in the articles and journals. They are able to simplify complex concepts and share how they implemented various best practices into their organizations and what the takeaways are. This allows for all in attendance learn from their mistakes and how we as healthcare professionals can continue providing the best care to our patients.
WHAT ARE THE TOP THREE LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES YOU BELIEVE ARE CRITICAL TO SUCCESS AS A HEALTH CARE INDUSTRY LEADER?
Communication – Everyone in healthcare must be a great communicator. Healthcare is rapidly changing and without proper and effective communication one cannot be successful.
Servant Leadership – Being a healthcare leader isn’t about us, it’s about the patients, the families and the communities we serve. In being a servant leader we must be able to also motivate and inspire those around us to develop this mentality.
Relationship Development – Healthcare is large, but very small. Everyone is connected and having the right relationships developed and having a strong network is essential in being successful as a healthcare professional and leader.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO AN UP AND COMING HEALTHCARE EXECUTIVE?
"Network, Not Work” I was once taught that at an ACHE event in Houston. Professionals part of the health care industry thrive off their connections and relationships with others. One simple way to accomplish that is to simply join ACHE in your local community and get involved. I was taught early on in my professional career, “It’s not what you know or how much you know, it’s who you know!” this proves to be true time after time. So, stop thinking about it, and Join ACHE!