A.J. Baggio, M.H.A. 2014
A.J. Baggio, M.H.A. is making an impact in health administration. An alum of the 2014 M.H.A. class, Baggio is the Assistant Director of Pediatrics for SLUCare Physician Group in St. Louis, Missouri. In this Q&A, he discusses his career, why he chose SLU for his master of health administration, and the future of health administration.
Why did you pursue a degree from SLU?
Healthcare was a field I always knew I wanted to get into. I already had a few years of professional experience, so I looked at MBA/MHA programs. During my research, I found SLU had one of the top Executive MHA programs in the nation. I immediately knew that obtaining this type of graduate degree from such a nationally recognized program would open doors I never thought possible.
Which course(s) were most beneficial to your career goals?
My career path has taken me into the financial aspects of healthcare, so those classes were very beneficial. But the most beneficial classes for me professionally have been the ones with a group project. Anyone can learn the technical aspects of a job such as creating a spreadsheet. But how we interact with the people we work with is just as important (if not, more so). It's also more difficult to learn. These group projects taught me how to effectively interact with people that didn't always see things the way I did and when/where I should compromise.
I believe how healthcare is reimbursed and technological advances are the two most important topics to keep an eye on.
-A.J. Baggio, M.H.A.
What have you enjoyed most about your career?
The thing I enjoy most about my career is being a part of an organization that brings so much positivity to the community it serves. It is especially rewarding to help bring these positive experiences to the lives of children.
What do you think will be a crucial topic or issue regarding healthcare over the next 10 years?
There are many topics I believe will have huge impacts on healthcare in the next 10 years. However, I believe how healthcare is reimbursed and technological advances are the two most important topics to keep an eye on.
If you had a motto or words to live by, as they relate to the evolving field of healthcare, what would it be?
Healthcare is an industry that is evolving at a much faster pace than most other industries. Evolve with it. If you think you're done learning once you put on the graduation gown and your name is called to go stand on that stage, you're wrong. You will always learn something on the job and you should actively seek out opportunities to learn. And as part of that learning process, you will encounter mistakes and failure. Remember that being a leader doesn't mean never making mistakes. It means being accountable for those mistakes and doing something about it.
About SLU's Department of Health Management and Policy
Established in 1947, the Department of Health Management and Policy at the Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice is among the oldest academic programs of its type. It is home to the Master of Health Administration, which was awarded Program of the Year by AUPHA, and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education.
SLU’s M.H.A. program is ranked No. 13 by U.S. News & World Report and the Health Law program ranks No. 1 in the country. Click here to learn more.