Student Stories & Testimonials

Hear from a UofL Health Surgeon and UofL Online MBA Graduate!

By Conner Mackowiak | October 8, 2024 | Comments 0 Comment

We had an opportunity to speak with Dr. Kellen Choi, a surgeon with UofL Health and the Advisory Dean for UofL’s School of Medicine. Dr. Choi also completed UofL’s online MBA program, and offered some interesting insights as to how the program can be beneficial for students at any stage of their careers. Read Dr. Choi’s insights below!

Please provide your full name, title, and any credentials.

My name is Kellen Choi DO, FACOS, MBA.

Could you please share your current employer and occupation?

I work as a Urologic Surgeon at UofL Health, and serve as an Advisory Dean at the University of Louisville School of Medicine.

Why did you choose to pursue UofL’s online MBA?

I chose an online MBA at UofL to be part of the Cardinal family. I have been part of UofL Health and have also been teaching our students over the years at the University of Louisville, School of Medicine. I was impressed with how Cardinal students are proud of their school and thriving in life. As the medical field is becoming more complex and innovative ways to maximize our healthcare are crucial, I wanted to learn how to be an effective leader in our healthcare. I am a second-generation Aggie (Whoop!) and have also met several Aggie-Cardinals in our community, helping others and making the world a better place!

Did you complete the Business of Healthcare certificate?

I took business healthcare electives courses before the certificate was available but have thoroughly enjoyed taking valuable courses, which I use daily in my practice. I look forward to teaching as a faculty member for such an amazing program!

What was your favorite part of the online MBA experience?

I loved learning about different aspects of the business world that I was not familiar with as a physician, but the real joy was making connections with my professors and colleagues I still keep in touch with.

How has UofL’s online MBA helped you advance your career?

The UofL online MBA helped me be a more well-rounded physician who helps patients and healthcare in more innovative ways.

How does earning the online MBA through UofL fit into your life story?

My husband helped me navigate MBA classes while our two daughters saw me studying all the while working full time as a urologic surgeon. Now, my husband is getting his MBA while our two daughters see him study and work full time as critical care physician. Our girls love to see us study and grow as a family and help each other reach our goals to help others effectively!

What would you tell others considering pursuing an MBA?

Just do it! You will love it!

Thank you for your answers, Dr. Choi! You can learn more about UofL’s online programs here.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: BS IN OLL STUDENT FROM ALASKA SHARES HER STORY

By Conner Mackowiak | September 16, 2024 | Comments 0 Comment

More than 3,875 miles away from Louisville, KY, Jen Hankins is heading toward the finish line, diligently working to complete her online courses at the University of Louisville (UofL) in preparation for graduating in May 2025. From beautiful Alaska, Jen is pursuing UofL’s online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning (BS OLL) degree, taking advantage of a top UofL program from almost 4,000 miles away. This is her story.

When Jen decided to return to college after a 28-year hiatus, her lifelong dream of obtaining her bachelor’s degree was the goal. While she was not sure which degree to pursue or which school to attend, she recalled her time spent with her husband in Fort Knox, and her love for the state of Kentucky as well as the Louisville area. Plus, her former brother and sister-in-law were professors years ago at UofL – in the College of Business and School of Nursing, respectively – and they spoke highly of UofL.

Since she loved the area and had relatives who taught at UofL, Jen enrolled in two classes and rediscovered her love for learning, and proceeded to enroll in the online BS OLL program. When we asked her about her experience, Jen stated, “The coursework is comprehensive and is highly relevant to my current professional role as a Corporate Paralegal, where I support the many entities my organization owns, and maintain compliance while providing support to the General and Deputy Counsel and Corporate HR department. What I learn today, I apply on the job tomorrow.”

Jen has not only reignited her passion for learning but has also discovered a community of support. She shared, “While interacting with many of my professors, Dr. Thomas Teague has been incredibly inspiring by fostering a learning environment with a sense of community, showing that he cares, encouraging engagement among classmates, and providing a safe space to collaborate. I have seen firsthand how this sense of community has created a cycle of interconnectedness and support among students. Dr. Teague also provided immense inspiration each week and just when I needed it most. His attentiveness to students is precisely what adult learners need to remain motivated to press on to the finish line.”

Jen’s lifelong goal of graduating is around the corner, and she already has plans of pursuing graduate school next. She credited English Department instructor Steve Smith as he reminded her that, “Completing the degree wasn’t just checking a box on a life goal but rather one that should be continued.”

As Jen prepares for graduation, she notes, “I am a better person for having pursued UofL’s OLL program. Through the coursework and a critical thinking approach to organizational challenges, I have sharpened my skills and added robust experience to my professional tool bag.”

Thank you, Jen, for sharing your story. Best of luck as you approach graduation in May 2025!

You can learn more about UofL’s online OLL program here.

UofL Online Certificate in Accounting Program Graduate Shares Story

By Conner Mackowiak | August 7, 2024 | Comments 0 Comment

Meet Kelly Casey! Kelly recently completed the accounting certificate, one of UofL’s fully online accountancy programs (check out our nationally recognized Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Accountancy here!). In the following video she details her experience with the online accounting certificate, and shares what students can expect during their time in online courses.

UofL’s online accounting certificate delivers knowledge that can help you to pursue or grow a successful career in the accounting field, especially for those looking to gain new skills and tools. The nine-course certificate covers key areas including financial accounting, managerial accounting, taxation, information systems and auditing. All these courses are offered online with no set class times, so you can complete this certificate from home whenever it works for you and your schedule!

Thank you to Kelly for sharing her story! You can learn more about our Online Certificate in Accounting in the link below.

Learn more!

Nurturing Hope: The Role of Social Workers on Healthcare Teams

By admin | July 11, 2024 | Comments 0 Comment

Cancer is a word we all fear because at some level we understand its inherent magnitude—when an individual receives a cancer diagnosis their world changes completely. Cancer not only affects the physical health of individuals but also deeply influences their emotional and social well-being. Coping with a cancer diagnosis involves navigating a complex web of challenges. Within the realm of social work, a concentration in psychosocial oncology can equip practitioners with the tools and knowledge to provide comprehensive support to individuals and families facing cancer.

What is Psychosocial Oncology?

Psychosocial oncology is a specialized field within social work that addresses the biological, psychological, social, spiritual, sexual, and cultural aspects of care needed for managing any chronic or life-limiting disease. Professionals in this field understand that cancer and other life-limiting conditions affect more than just the body; it touches every aspect of a person’s life. From diagnosis through survivorship or end-of-life care, oncology social workers offer support to help individuals and families cope with the challenges these diagnoses can present. Here are some crucial roles psychosocial oncology practitioners may play on the healthcare team:

Help weighing decisions regarding treatment and advocating for patients’ rights
Assistance with non-medical, practical issues such as housing, transportation, childcare, and food insecurity
Offer support for emotional issues that can arise such as anxiety, depression, sadness, and worry
Advise and guide individuals on navigating the complexities of interpersonal relationships with their spouse/partner, families, and coworkers
Aid in navigating spiritual concerns like changes in faith or beliefs, ritual or dietary needs, conflicts between beliefs and treatment plans, death, dying, or the afterlife

Is Psychosocial Oncology the Right Career Path for Me?

The psychosocial oncology concentration would be an ideal fit for you if you are passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing cancer and are eager to specialize in an area where compassion, empathy and expertise converge to offer comprehensive, psychosocial care. The psychosocial oncology concentration available within the online Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) program at the University of Louisville (UofL) has existed for 14 years and is the only program of its kind nationally. The courses for the psychosocial oncology concentration at UofL are taught through the lens of cancer treatment, but the knowledge and expertise are transferable to any chronic or life-limiting disease. This concentration focuses on the holistic needs of individuals and families affected by terminal or chronic diseases. Our graduates play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life and promoting resilience in the face of adversity. In the healthcare journey, psychosocial oncology social workers are beacons of support, compassion, and hope.

Here are some of the roles you may be qualified for as a graduate of the online MSSW program with a concentration in psychosocial oncology:

Oncology social worker
Social worker in behavioral health
Counselor
Patient navigator
Palliative care social worker
Hospice social worker

Earn Your MSSW at UofL

UofL’s online master’s in social work focuses on expanding students’ application of methods and decision-making practices that promote social justice and build stronger communities. The psychosocial oncology concentration is one of six concentrations students can pursue when completing our Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited, highly ranked MSSW. The other options are Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Gerontology, Mental Health, Military Social Work, Psychosocial Oncology or School Social Work*. Students who choose the psychosocial concentration can expect to take courses like:

MSSW 647 Psychosocial Practice in Oncology I Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families in Healthcare**
MSSW 648 Psychosocial Practice in Oncology II: Social Work Practice to Promote Health Equity**
MSSW 633 Social Work and Human Sexuality
MSSW 636 Advanced Death and Grief
MSSW 684 Spirituality and Social Work

All social work programs at UofL are offered through the Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work and Family Science (Kent School). Since its founding in 1936, the Kent School has been a catalyst for change with a mission to empower and transform lives. After nearly a decade of preparing students to work in a society with complex social problems and needs, the Kent School has earned its place among the top social work programs. The MSSW is ranked as one of the top programs in the state of Kentucky and is nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report. Through rigorous academic programs, hands-on practicum experiences, and a supportive learning environment, the Kent School curriculum has been expertly designed to prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become compassionate and capable practitioners.

If psychosocial oncology, or any of the MSSW concentrations, sounds like the right fit for you, request more information on our website to be contacted by a member of our enrollment team.
Are you looking for an undergraduate program? There is a nationally ranked online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) available from the Kent School, and you can read more on our website.

Category: Testimonials & Student Stories