Ayer Neuroscience Institute Administrative Fellowship

The Hartford HealthCare Ayer Neuroscience Institute Administrative Fellowship Program is designed to provide an exceptional foundation for a career in healthcare management.

Recent graduates from The George Washington University Master of Health Administration (MHA) Program are invited to apply to the Fellowship Program to advance their leadership potential.

About the Program

Hartford HealthCare President and CEO Jeffrey Flaks talks about the Ayer Neuroscience Institute Administrative Fellowship Program.

The Administrative Fellowship Program is a challenging and fulfilling experience working in a fully integrated health system dedicated to excellence and innovation. The fellowship program provides an opportunity for recent graduates of The George Washington University MHA Program to advance their leadership potential through project management, shadowing, leadership rounding, structured learning, mentorship and key relationships with senior executive leaders.

The 12-month program, created by Hartford HealthCare President and CEO Jeffrey Flaks, is coordinated under the direction of Ayer Neuroscience Institute Senior Vice President, Wendy Elberth, and Director of Specialty Programs, Maria Shimer

During the project-based fellowship, the Fellow will lead high-profile, system-level projects within their functional area while simultaneously contributing valuable work to many organizational initiatives. These projects allow the Fellow to develop verbal, written, interpersonal and analytical skills, and provide the opportunity to integrate theory into practice.

The preceptors and executive sponsors of this dynamic fellowship consider the specific interests and goals of the Fellow, along with the needs of the organization when selecting projects that offer a comprehensive, challenging and rewarding learning experience.

Meet the Preceptors

Wendy Elberth, MBA, OTRL

Senior Vice President, Ayer Neuroscience Institute, Hartford HealthCare

Wendy Elberth earned the 2013 Preceptor of the Year Award for Health Services Management and Leadership from The George Washington University. She has served as the preceptor and primary professional mentor for 12 administrative fellows for over 10 years. Wendy brings a tremendous amount of institutional knowledge to the Fellowship Program, having served more than 30 years at Hartford HealthCare. She has a natural ability for recognizing each fellow’s unique leadership potential, coaching for results, and positioning the fellow for success.

Maria Shimer, MHA

Director of Specialty Programs, Ayer Neuroscience Institute, Hartford HealthCare

Maria Shimer obtained her bachelor’s degree in Business and Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh and went on to complete her Masters of Health Administration at the George Washington University. In 2013, she started her career at Hartford Hospital as the Administrative Fellow. Maria is committed to helping the Institute’s clinical leaders achieve their visions for excellence, remaining a fierce advocate for the services and programs that benefit the community. She is also dedicated to developing the next generation of healthcare leaders and serves as a mentor and preceptor to many newcomers in the field.

Living in the Greater Hartford Area

Hartford, the capital of Connecticut, is considered “New England’s Rising Star”, as it continues to boast beautiful landscapes, an exciting culture and arts scene, and a growing sports and music following.

Why Connecticut?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Ayer Neuroscience Institute Fellowship Program a hospital-specific fellowship or a system-level fellowship program?

It is a 12-month system-level fellowship.

Is the Ayer Neuroscience Institute Fellowship Program a project-based or rotation-based fellowship?

It is a project-based fellowship.

How many prospective Fellows are accepted each year?

The Ayer Neuroscience Institute Administrative Fellowship Program accepts one or two fellows per year.

Where is the Fellow’s physical office location?

The Fellow’s office is located at Hartford HealthCare’s flagship facility, Hartford Hospital. Here, the fellow has the opportunity to gain operational experience in an academic teaching hospital.

Is Hartford Hospital an academic medical center?

Hartford Hospital is the main teaching affiliate hospital for the University of Connecticut, with a number of residency and fellowship programs.

Will there be exposure to executive leaders?

The Fellow has access to senior leaders not only at Hartford Hospital but throughout the Hartford HealthCare system. The Fellow is given the opportunity to participate in executive leadership meetings, strategic planning, budget preparation, operations, philanthropy, community engagement, and highly visible initiatives.

What sort of projects have previous Fellows worked on?

See testimonials.

How many past Fellows were offered employment at Hartford HealthCare after completing the Fellowship Program?

Many past Fellows successfully parlayed their fellowship into future leadership positions at Hartford HealthCare.

What is the application and interview process like?

Prospective applicants are welcome to schedule informational phone calls with the current Fellow to learn more about the program. Email [email protected] to schedule a phone call.

Application materials must be submitted by September 22, 2023.

Zoom interviews will occur during the month of September. Onsite interviews will occur during the month of October.

Please email us at [email protected] if you have any questions about the application and interview process.

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Application Information

Step 1: Download the application information for the Ayer Neuroscience Institute Fellowship.

Download the Application

Step 2: Candidates must complete an application packet, including:

  • Resume
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation (one graduate faculty and one professional)
  • Official graduate school transcript
  • A one-page narrative/personal statement, discussing:
    •    Applicant’s interest in healthcare administration
    •    Career objectives
    •    Reason for seeking an administrative fellowship
    •    Explanation of desire to work at Hartford HealthCare and Ayer Neuroscience Institute

Step 3: Application Submission

  • Email completed information no later than September 22, 2023 to: [email protected] 
  • Subject line: Full Name – Ayer NSI Administrative Fellowship Program Application.
  • Directions: Scan all documents in the order listed above into one file and attach them to the email.

If you have any additional questions and would like to learn more about the Fellowship, please email [email protected]. 

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Ayer Neuroscience Institute Administrative Fellows

Meet our current and past Ayer Neuroscience Institute Administrative Fellowship Fellows and find out about their experience while in the fellowship program.

Find Out More

Additional fellowships currently offered by The Ayer Neuroscience Institute.

All fellowships include hands-on training from experts across numerous disciplines and receive exposure to multiple patient settings: emergency, inpatient and outpatient.

Explore the links below to learn more about the current fellowship opportunities and the applicationprocess.

Ayer Neuroscience Institute