Arthur Edwards is ACHE’s 2025 summer intern. Arthur is pursuing his master’s degree in healthcare administration at Xavier University and is expected to graduate next May. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical sciences from the University of South Florida. Get to know him in the Q&A below.
How did you become interested in healthcare management?
My journey into healthcare began with a deep-rooted interest in public health and service growing up in a military family. As an undergraduate public health student, I was drawn to the intersection of systems, people and policy, particularly how decisions influence access, quality and outcomes.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I saw how critical healthcare leadership is executed in times of crisis. One keynote memory is following news reports about the U.S. Navy hospital ship that docked in New York City aiming to relieve pressure on land-based hospitals during COVID. That experience affirmed that the work behind the scenes in operations, strategy, logistics and planning is as essential to patient outcomes as the clinical care itself.
My exposure to public health principles gave me a solid foundation in data, equity and population-level thinking. I wanted to understand how health systems function from the inside out. That’s when I turned to healthcare management. I realized that strong leadership and efficient administration can scale solutions, mobilize resources and ultimately make a larger impact. It was a natural step forward to explore the field more intentionally.
What are your career goals?
My goal is to commission into the U.S. Navy’s Medical Service Corps as a healthcare administrator. I’m motivated by the values of honor, service and mission-driven leadership. I believe the military healthcare system provides an unparalleled opportunity to lead under pressure, manage complex logistics, and deliver care in dynamic environments whether on land, at sea or in humanitarian aid missions. Go Blue!
Over the long term, I aim to blend my public health training with operational leadership. I want to focus on improving access, quality and health system resilience. Eventually, I hope to lead a hospital or regional health network where I can apply lessons from both military structure and civilian healthcare innovation.
Why did you join ACHE, and how did you engage with the organization as a student?
I joined because I wanted to learn directly from the people who are driving change in the broader healthcare system including executives, administrators, advocates and innovators. I saw ACHE as a professional home where I could grow my network, gain access to high-impact content and develop the leadership mindset needed for my future.
As a Student Associate, I immersed myself in ACHE’s learning opportunities. I attended Congress as a program assistant this past year and continued to attend webinars and panel discussions on key topics. I follow ACHE publications like Healthcare Executive and Futurescan, which helped me connect classroom concepts to real-world practice.
When I secured a summer internship with ACHE, I viewed it as an opportunity to go beyond observation and become an active contributor. Working with the Learning department has been an incredible way to see how programming is developed and how it equips healthcare leaders across the country. It’s also given me insight into how intentional design and feedback loops help ensure educational offerings stay relevant and actionable.
How can Student Associates make the most of their ACHE membership?
Take the initiative! I love the saying “be the captain of your own rocket ship—don’t wait to be handed the controls” because Student Associates can make the most of ACHE by being engaged wherever they are. You can take off from anywhere at any point. ACHE isn’t just a passive resource, it’s a community. I recommend being proactive about:
- Attending local chapter events to meet early- and mid-careerists who can offer mentorship.
- Participating in virtual panels and case discussions (especially those outside your core discipline) to develop a systems view of healthcare.
- Leveraging ACHE's career development tools and the Career Advising Network.
- Reading ACHE publications to stay current with national trends and challenges.
- Seeking out volunteer roles or internships with ACHE.
Most importantly, don’t shy away from asking questions. Reach out to speakers after events. Follow up with alumni. Engage in LinkedIn conversations. The more you show up, the more value you’ll get from this network.
Who and what do you credit for your own professional growth?
I credit my growth to a combination of mentors, opportunities and mindset. My professors at Xavier challenged me to think critically about healthcare strategy, systems design and the ethics of care. My internship preceptors gave me real responsibility and encouraged me to approach problems with both creativity and professionalism.
I’ve also had the privilege of working with veterans and military health system leaders who embody a servant leadership model. Their example shaped how I want to lead—with integrity, accountability and respect for both people and mission.
Equally important has been my willingness to say yes to new opportunities even when they felt unfamiliar or intimidating. I’ve grown the most when I stepped outside my comfort zone.
What are your hobbies and interests?
Outside of healthcare, I’m passionate about fitness and water sports, which ties closely to my goal of serving in the Navy. I was a competitive swimmer growing up and am currently exploring my creative side through theatre, especially improv theater, which is a hobby I picked up during the pandemic.
I also like hiking, biking and spending time outdoors because these activities help me stay grounded and disciplined. When I’m not moving, I love watching historical dramas, especially anything that captures the human experience during times of adversity.
Ultimately, whether through my hobbies or my career, I’m drawn to purpose-driven work and community. That’s what keeps me motivated and focused.