The Clinical Leadership and Management (CLM) program at the UK College of Health Sciences (CHS) is helping to prepare students who may become our next health policy leaders. Current CLM major Courtney Hagn received a chance to put her knowledge to the test during an internship in Washington, DC courtesy of WilDCats at the Capitol. 

WilDCats at the Capitol is the University of Kentucky’s federal government program that offers any UK student the opportunity to intern, earn course credit, and gain experience at the highest levels of government while living in the nation’s capital for a semester.

Hagn is originally from Chicago and plans to pursue a career in hospital administration. She is also the first College of Health Sciences student to participate in WilDCats at the Capitol. “CLM really is the best of both worlds,” she said. “It’s a major that combines clinical science and the business side of health care which is what I am passionate about.”

Hagn’s time in D.C. was another opportunity to gain experience with the administrative and policy side of the health care industry. “I interned for Congressman Brett Guthrie of KY-2,” she said. “My day to day work included the responsibility of sitting in on Congressional policy briefing for the legislative aides, providing customer service to constituents, drafting constituent letters and giving tours of the Capitol.”

When I got to Washington D.C., I learned that I don’t have to be an elected official to influence the actual policy,” Hagn continued. “Understanding what happens on the lobbying side will be extremely beneficial for when I go into the workforce.”

Both the College of Health Sciences and her internship gave Hagn the real-world skills she needs to achieve her goals. “Taking the theory of what I am learning in the classroom and putting it into practice in the ‘working world’ at the United States Capitol provides invaluable experience that I will take with me for the rest of my career.”

After graduation, Hagn plans to pursue an MBA or MHA and is hoping to move back to Chicago and work at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. When asked what advice she would like to give to students who are interested in joining the College of Health Sciences, Hagn said, “Follow your passion. “There are so many different paths you can take in CHS. Make sure you’re doing something you’re excited about.”