UCLA MHA Candidates Convene on Campus for Summer 2026 Immersion

While the UCLA Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program is fully online, built into the program’s curriculum are immersive experiences bringing the students to the UCLA campus twice during the program.

From August 6–8, 2026, students gathered at UCLA for three days of intensive professional development, strategic networking, and executive site visits during the Summer Quarter Immersion 2026.

Cohorts from both Immersion 1 and 2 kicked off the experience by uniting for collaborative team-building exercises and interactive workshops focused on personal branding and optimizing their LinkedIn presence. “From insightful conversations and new perspectives on healthcare leadership to connecting with so many talented and inspiring healthcare professionals, this experience was truly one to remember, shared MHA Student Jenni Jones on LinkedIn. “I’m leaving feeling energized, grateful, and even more excited for the journey ahead.”

Immersion 1 students focused heavily on foundational leadership and operational dynamics, starting with a campus tour and an introduction to the program’s student and alumni associations. Their itinerary featured high-impact site visits, including a tour of Venice Family Clinic led by CEO Dr. Mitesh Popat and an exploration of the Women’s Guild Simulation Center for Advanced Clinical Skills with Director Russell Metcalfe-Smith. Reflecting on these visits, student Arpine Chakryan posted on LinkedIn, “I especially appreciated the opportunity to tour and learn more about the organizations that welcomed us… It was especially great to connect in person with my cohort, build new relationships, and put faces to the people I’ve been learning alongside.”

To support personal and career development, UCLA MPH Graduate Krisianna Bock, Director of Healthcare at Gensler, presented on health system master planning, while a Gallup StrengthsFinder workshop helped candidates identify actionable management talents for their future roles.

Simultaneously, Immersion 2 candidates advanced their executive skills through targeted preparation and real-world strategy. Dr. Erskine led sessions on public speaking, professional presentations, and Capstone preparation, complemented by an interactive career panel featuring industry leaders UCLA EMPH Grad Leon Cristobal (Oncology Sales Consultant at Bayer), UCLA MHA Grad Gabriela Goldberg (Director of Risk Management and Insurance at UCLA Health), and UCLA MHA Grad Aaron Gunewardena (Senior Program Manager and Technology Solutions Lead at Kaiser Permanente).

The cohort’s experience culminated in a fast-paced mini case competition where teams acted as health network strategists analyzing complex demographic, payor, and clinical datasets. Case competition winner Dr. Syed Haris Huda shared on LinkedIn that the event “challenged us to think critically, work as a team and translate ideas into practical solutions,” adding that “some of the best learning happens when we are challenged to think beyond the classroom.” Dr. Huda, alongside teammates Lexus Landero and Yoko Tanaka, took first place with their strategic proposal.

Beyond the academic rigor, the weekend underscored the strong peer network built across cohorts. MHA student Kevin Gerlach captured on LinkedIn the collective sentiment, sharing, “Joining the UCLA MHA program has been a game-changer, and the cohort I get to learn with is nothing short of amazing. These are the future healthcare leaders who challenge the status quo, think boldly, and support one another every step of the way.”

The immersive weekend concluded with a Farewell Reception at the UCLA Luskin Conference Center, offering students an opportunity to take professional headshots and network with faculty, alumni, and Executive MPH candidates. As required cornerstones of the MHA curriculum, these campus gatherings play a vital role in developing well-rounded, connected healthcare leaders.

The department looks forward to welcoming candidates back for the Fall Quarter Immersion, scheduled for October 22–24, 2026.