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How It Paid Off: From Administrator to Executive Director

One graduate made a national difference by earning his doctorate at Walden.

John Thompson

NAME: Dr. John M. Thompson ’06

DEGREE: PhD in Health Services with a specialization in Healthcare Administration

JOB TITLE BEFORE MY DEGREE: Interim Assistant Administrator and Administrative Fellow, Providence Medford Medical Center in Oregon

JOB TITLE AFTER MY DEGREE: Executive Director, District of Columbia Office on Aging

HOW MY DEGREE HELPS ME MAKE A BIGGER IMPACT: I knew I wanted to do something that would allow me to help people. The majority of my career has been focused on serving seniors, either from the perspective of the healthcare provider or through a government program. Walden helped me develop my critical-thinking skills and my perspective on the healthcare system, which I bring to my role at the Office on Aging. As executive director of this agency, my goals are to identify the needs of vulnerable seniors, identify gaps in the services we provide, and offer multiple practical solutions. I use all of the tools in my toolbox to tackle the issues and effect change for seniors.

BIGGEST BENEFIT OF EARNING A DEGREE AT WALDEN: After earning a PhD from Walden, the opportunities have been plentiful for me. I have accepted a senior cabinet-level position at the Office on Aging and nearly quadrupled my salary in five years. My entire experience in Walden’s Ph.D. program has served as the platform for my career.

Tell us how your degree paid off at [email protected]. 

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