"No Two Days Are the Same."

Eric Mooss

From the moment Eric Mooss (04MHA) set foot on the University of Iowa campus, he knew he was bound to be a Hawkeye. And, his time at Iowa has set him up for a successful career as president of Bryan Physician Network and vice president of operations for Bryan Medical Center, both based in Lincoln, Nebraska.

We talked to Mooss recently about how his time at Iowa prepared him to lead in health management, policy, and research.

What drew you to the Master of Health Administration program in the University of Iowa College of Public Health?

Mooss: I knew I needed to pursue a master's degree to help launch my career, but I also wanted to be close to my hometown, Omaha, Nebraska, while pursuing a nationally ranked, top 10 program. Upon my visit to Iowa, the choice was easy. The people I interacted with were great, and it was powerful to see the connections of the alumni network across the country.

Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Iowa?

Mooss: I have many fond memories at Iowa. I remember winning the intramural volleyball tournament with my classmates and doing group community service with my classmates at a long-term care facility in Coralville. I also remember the incredible alumni connections with health care executives across the country. I did not appreciate, until later on, that these individuals had been recognized as some of the most influential people in health care.

How did your Iowa education prepare you for your professional life, as well as prepare you for working amid a global pandemic?

Mooss: The MHA program exposes students to great leaders who know the way and show the way in their demonstration of leading teams and making critical decisions that impact communities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed everyone's lives. What is a lesson you have learned during the past year?

Mooss: In order to demonstrate resiliency in our profession, we need to ensure the work we do is rewarding. We need to be rewarded for our work. We need to have pride in our work, and we need to have a reasonable workload.

What would you want a student who is considering a future in health care administration to know about the field today and where it is headed?

Mooss: This is a challenging field—one that changes frequently. No two days are the same. In fact, no two half-days are the same. We have incredible influence, but we also have deep meaning and purpose in what we do. It's not for the faint of heart, but it's also incredibly rewarding.