The Varied Paths of Health Law: Sophie Crane's Summer at BJC HealthCare and Navvis

Going into the summer, Saint Louis University Law student Sophie Crane knew she wanted to explore health law. What she did not yet fully appreciate, however, was how many ways attorneys contribute to the healthcare industry.

Through summer experiences with BJC HealthCare, a leading St. Louis-area health system, and Navvis, a healthcare performance and population health company, Crane worked on projects involving regulatory research, contracts, compliance questions and operational issues. The experience offered a firsthand look at the many ways legal teams support healthcare organizations and the communities they serve.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the summer was realizing that her work had a direct impact on real decisions made by healthcare organizations.

"Whether I was researching regulatory requirements, reviewing agreements, or helping answer legal questions, I knew my work was contributing to projects that mattered beyond the legal department," Crane said.

Working at both BJC HealthCare and Navvis also allowed Crane to contribute to organizations focused on improving healthcare for the communities they serve. She gained a greater appreciation for how research, compliance and contract work ultimately help providers deliver safe, high-quality patient care and meet their legal obligations.

At BJC, she observed attorneys helping navigate issues related to healthcare delivery, regulations and operational challenges. At Navvis, she saw attorneys support business relationships, contracts and strategic initiatives. Experiencing both perspectives in a single summer showed her how broad the field of health law can be and how many paths exist within it.

The experience ultimately confirmed Crane's interest in pursuing a career in health law while helping her better understand what makes the field so compelling.

"My experiences at BJC HealthCare and Navvis showed me that health law offers the opportunity to contribute to a constantly evolving field with a meaningful impact on individuals and communities," she said.

Crane also came away with a better understanding of the role healthcare attorneys play as both legal advisors and practical problem-solvers.

"I appreciated how healthcare attorneys must understand not only the law, but also the practical realities of the organizations and people they serve," she said.

For Crane, the summer provided more than exposure to the day-to-day work of healthcare attorneys. It offered a clearer picture of the many ways legal professionals support healthcare organizations and affirmed her desire to build a career in a field that combines complex legal issues with meaningful impact on patients, providers and communities.