Why did you choose the Yale School of Public Health?
I chose the Yale School of Public Health because of the curriculum flexibility, allowing me to individualize my educational experience. The opportunity to garner a world-class education by taking courses at YSPH, the School of Management, and Law School drew me to this program. During my graduate school search, it was evident that this program’s collaborative and innovative culture would provide me the tools to become an effective hospital administrator. Additionally, the long history Yale has in developing transformative health care leaders solidified my decision to attend.
It was evident that this program’s collaborative and innovative culture would provide me the tools to become an effective hospital administrator. Additionally, the long history Yale has in developing transformative health care leaders solidified my decision to attend.
Kamali Akii-bua Clora
What were you doing before enrolling at YSPH?
Prior to YSPH, I spent time as a patient access specialist in radiology, ensuring that patients received timely diagnostic testing. I had the privilege of engaging with patients during pivotal junctures in their ambulatory care journey, where their narratives often unveiled the daunting challenges they encountered in accessing health care. I distinctly recall families on the brink of medical bankruptcy due to inadequate insurance coverage, limited health literacy, and chronic illness. Their stories urged me to think critically about the systemic factors underpinning existing care gaps and instilled a resolute desire to expand my reach to those affected by our fragmented health care landscape. These experiences guided me toward a career in health care management, leading to my first administrative internship at Massachusetts General Hospital, in the Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, before coming to YSPH.
What are your favorite aspects of the YSPH academic program?
My favorite aspect of the program is the above-and-beyond support from faculty and staff members. Dr. Howard Forman and Claire Masters have been particularly instrumental in providing academic resources and networking opportunities for my post-graduate success. [Editor’s note: Dr. Howard Forman is a professor of radiology and biomedical imaging, and of economics, management, and public health (health policy) at Yale. He is also director of Yale’s Health Care Management Program and MD/MBA Program. Claire Masters is associate director of the Office of Health Care Management Education.]
What was your most impactful experience outside of class?
The most transformative experience I’ve had at Yale has been at the HAVEN Free Clinic (HFC). As one of three executive directors at HFC, this role cemented my capacity to manage people and crystallized my passion for providing patients access to quality care. Leading the clinic's operations and strategic direction, we ensured provision of care to more than 600 uninsured patients in Greater New Haven. This included overseeing a diverse volunteer base of more than 350 individuals from different Yale schools, and coordinating 55 directors spanning 22 departments. My most rewarding contribution was launching our Vaccine Department, where we have administered over 200 vaccinations to patients since mid-July.
Do you have a favorite Yale place or New Haven food?
One of my favorite places at Yale is Hendrie Hall at the School of Music. As a trombonist in the Concert Band, I've enjoyed sharing my love for collective music-making in this space.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
After graduation, I’ll be working as an administrative fellow at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago. Using the experiences from this program, I plan to continue learning and leading in this next chapter of my career.