May Alumni Spotlight with Erick Vidmar
Erick Vidmar, age 26 of Mentor, Ohio, received an MHA from the College of Public Health in 2006, and a bachelor’s in Economics from Denison University in 2004. His CPH academic adviser was Sharon Schweikhart. He currently works as a senior analyst and project manager at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi, the capital and second most populous city in the United Arab Emirates. The 500-bed hospital employs 4,000 people and is managed by the Cleveland Clinic. Vidmar’s responsibilities include budgeting, strategic planning, physician productivity, revenue cycle and joint commission international preparation.
What do you enjoy about your current job?
Being in an international environment has allowed me to experience so much on both a personal and professional level. Working in a hospital situated in a culture completely different from that of our own has challenged me to think outside the box and approach problems with an entirely new perspective and outlook. The problems are extremely similar, but the solutions are much different. The whole process of working with a multicultural team and learning from each other’s background and experiences is fascinating and humbling.
What’s challenging about it?
The most challenging component of my job is continuously reminding myself that I am not in the United States. We may not have all of the answers back at home, but we are much more equipped with the appropriate tools and resources to make informed decisions. Abu Dhabi is moving in the right direction, but fairly primitive in data collection and availability.
Do you have a fond OSU memory to share?
Introductions! We probably introduced ourselves to teachers, administrators, physicians, etc. over a dozen times during our first year in the HSMP program. After the first few introductions we could each recite each other’s background and experience. It was always good for a laugh.
What’s one thing you learned at the College of Public Health that’s helped you in “the real world?”
I am sure that there is more than one, but I think the greatest lesson I took away from my time at the College of Public Health is that everything we do is for the good of the patient. Whether the patient is a millionaire from the UAE or a poor laborer, everyone deserves the highest quality of care.
What public health issues concern you the most?
The issues most prominent in my life today revolve around health education. The people of Abu Dhabi face significant challenges because of scarce or false information, cultural barriers and insufficient resources. The women of this part of the world have just recently had enough confidence and support to approach a physician with questions about breast cancer and awareness.
What advice do you have for others who are interested in pursuing a career in public health?
Keep an open mind and never choose a path because it is easy.
Anything else?
I would by no means call myself an international expert, but I am available and willing to speak with any current or past students about my experience and potential opportunities that may be available in the Middle East. My time over here has truly made an impression that I will never forget.
