After recently obtaining your FACHE credentials, how do you reflect on the process of preparation for the exam?

Great question! Once I had the necessary study resources, I focused on learning the basis of concepts discussed in the course and the study set. I wanted to study how these concepts were applicable to situations or scenarios. I was passionate about achieving FACHE and wanted to apply what I’ve learned to my future as a healthcare leader. Furthermore, I used the experience I’ve gained in my career to synthesize the best course of action when answering the questions on the exam. This is what prepared me to think through the exam’s questions and answers and to choose the most appropriate answer.

Could you tell me about your educational background and your family?

Yes, I graduated from Miami Central Senior High (Home of the Rockets) and attended Florida International University for undergraduate and graduate studies. Due to my incredible academic and life experiences, I love giving back to the community through volunteering, mentoring, etc.

I was born in Haiti, grew up in Miami, FL, and I have one sister. My family is so important to me because of the values and character they instilled in me at a young age. When I was young, my mother taught me the importance of education. She also ingrained in me to be kind, and to strive to be the best version of myself. My upbringing focused around church, school, spending time with family and close friends, and playing sports. I am grateful for the wonderful journey God has provided me with thus far and for the kind souls who have helped me along the way. I am also excited about the future because the best part of this journey is yet to come.

How has your experience in the US army influenced your career path?

I joined the US Army because I relished in the honor of protecting our country and its citizens, like many others who sacrifice and put their country first. Moreover, the army offered me the chance to explore surgical specialties. I worked at the Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic, as the clinic manager. I realized that as a manager I had a bigger platform to affect broad change and to impact lives. After that realization I decided to pursue an undergraduate degree in business management. Upon graduation I decided to pursue a graduate degree in Health Services Administration. This experience has also given me different values that I bring to the organizations in which I serve. I bring a combination of CIQ, EQ, AQ, work ethic, and an insatiable desire to use my platform to positively impact the community.

You mentioned that as a manager you had a bigger platform to affect change, what led you to pursue a career in healthcare?

I’ve always been fascinated with human anatomy and physiology and how the practice of medicine can help decrease human suffering. Throughout the years, I’ve watched countless medical documentaries, films, and TV shows that emphasize the need for various health interventions. Ultimately, my passion was driven by the way that I felt every time I was in the OR! It was marvelous because after assisting with a facial reconstruction surgery or other emergency surgery I was given the assurance that I was making a difference. I started out wanting to be a surgeon but ended up pursuing a career in a management role. I did not imagine that my professional journey would unfold as it has. However, I have found myself in an extremely rewarding position. These different experiences have all served as contributing factors that help fuel my ultimate intentions to leave a legacy and make an indelible difference in a healthcare setting.

What has been one of the most favorite or memorable moments in ACHE this far?

One of the most memorable moments in ACHE thus far was attending the ACHE-SETC Annual Healthcare Leadership Conference with my friend Luis Antonio Choy. We had a splendid time learning, sharing, and connecting with various people who attended the conference. My favorite part of being an ACHE member is the learning opportunities: whether I am learning via podcasts, webinars, conferences, networking opportunities, or through volunteering.

What would be one piece of career advice that you would share with an early careerist?

I am not sure that one piece of advice is enough. I think that it is better to discuss what I have come to understand thus far as a careerist. I think that being kind and forgiving to yourself when you make mistakes is important. I would also advise an early careerist to dream big and to never give up. Another important bit of advice is to focus on how you make people feel because that is what people will remember. I would suggest to seek the happiness of pursuit (as a state of being) instead of seeking the pursuit of happiness. I say this because the journey is the most important part. Lastly, in any endeavor, always act beyond the egotistic desire of the moment.

-Interview by Ayke Hoppenreijs