May 2023

May 2023
Preet Kukreja

(MHA, ’16)

Q & A:

1. What is your fondest memory of Hofstra?
   My time at Hofstra was truly transformative. I had the pleasure of meeting some incredible individuals, including professors and peers, who played a pivotal role in supporting me throughout my academic journey. One person who was particularly influential was my advisor, who helped me secure my first internship at Nassau University Medical Center.
   
   In addition to the people I met, I also appreciated the sense of balance that life at Hofstra offered. Despite juggling full-time classes, an on-campus job, and an internship, I was able to maintain a healthy work-life balance thanks to the supportive environment and resources available on campus.
   
   One of these resources was the Career Center [Center for Career Design and Development] at Hofstra, which provided invaluable assistance in developing my professional skills and preparing me for future career opportunities. Overall, my experience at Hofstra was enriching academically and helped me grow personally and professionally, setting me up for success beyond graduation.
2. What was your first job after graduating from Hofstra, and what was the most valuable thing you learned there?
   After earning my degree from Hofstra, I was fortunate enough to secure a position as a data analyst with the Nassau Health Care Foundation. While working there, I learned a valuable lesson that has stayed with me ever since: the significance of surrounding oneself with inspiring people who share a similar vision and can serve as mentors.
   
   By seeking advice and learning from those around me, I was able to stay focused and continue to grow both professionally and personally. This experience helped me understand that the right team and support system can play a critical role in achieving success in any field.
   
   Furthermore, I realized that it's essential to remain open to new ideas and perspectives, as this can lead to personal growth and development. I feel that my time at Nassau Health Care Foundation provided me with the foundational skills and mindset necessary to continue growing and achieving success in my future endeavors.
3. What advice would you give other Hofstra students?
   I would recommend that students seek out opportunities to connect with professionals in their field of interest. This can include attending career fairs, participating in industry events, and joining professional organizations. Networking with alumni, professors, and other professionals can help students gain valuable insights into their chosen career path and make important connections that could lead to internships, jobs, or other career opportunities.
   
   Furthermore, finding a mentor can provide students with invaluable guidance and support as they navigate their academic and professional journeys. Students can seek out mentors through formal mentoring programs offered by the University or by reaching out to professors or professionals in their field.
   
   In addition, I would suggest that students get involved in campus life and explore their interests through clubs, organizations, and volunteer opportunities. These experiences can help students build connections with their peers, develop leadership skills, and gain valuable hands-on experience in their field of study. Lastly, I would remind students to take care of their physical and mental health. College can be stressful and overwhelming at times, and it's important to prioritize self-care and seek help when needed.
4. In one word, how would you describe Hofstra?
   Diverse!
5. What is a typical day like for you as the Director of Population Health Initiatives at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital?
   As the Director of Population Health Initiatives at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, my daily routine is never monotonous and always revolves around our objective of enhancing health outcomes and reducing health disparities in the community we serve. While every day is different, my responsibilities primarily revolve around managing and implementing programs that focus on improving population health, promoting wellness, and addressing social determinants of health.
   
   My day typically starts with reviewing emails and messages, checking on the progress of ongoing projects, and attending team meetings to discuss the status of ongoing initiatives. I also spend a considerable amount of time liaising with community partners, organizations, and stakeholders to develop new collaborations and partnerships that can help us better serve the needs of the community.
   
   In addition to this, I spend a significant portion of my time analyzing data, identifying areas of improvement, and developing strategies to overcome health challenges in our community. Another crucial aspect of my job is overseeing the work of my team, providing guidance and mentorship, and ensuring that they have the necessary resources to carry out their work efficiently.
   
   Overall, my role as the Director of Population Health Initiatives is incredibly dynamic and fulfilling, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.
6. What is your favorite part of your job?
   I find my job to be incredibly fulfilling because it enables me to serve communities that are medically underserved and vulnerable. As the director of programs that address their health needs, social determinants of health, and health disparities, I have been able to make a positive impact on people's lives.
   
   One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is the ability to create and implement programs that address critical public health concerns. Whether it's developing strategies to tackle a pandemic, epidemic, or other emergencies, I feel a sense of pride knowing that I'm making a tangible difference in people's lives.
   
   In addition to the satisfaction that comes from helping others, my job has also taught me valuable skills in program management and implementation. By working closely with stakeholders, developing strategic plans, and evaluating program outcomes, I have gained a deeper understanding of how to create and implement effective programs that address complex health challenges.
   
   Overall, I feel fortunate to have found a job that aligns with my passion for public health and allows me to make a meaningful impact in the world.
7. What was a major obstacle you had to overcome to successfully perform your job?
   I believe that obstacles are a crucial part of personal and professional growth, and I am happy to share the lessons I have learned from overcoming them. I believe that obstacles offer unique opportunities for learning and development, both personally and professionally, and can help us become more resilient and adaptable.
   
   When faced with obstacles, I find it helpful to approach them with a positive and proactive mindset. By doing so, I can focus on the opportunities for growth and development that they present, rather than becoming overwhelmed by the challenges they pose. In this way, obstacles become a chance to test our limits and develop new skills.
   
   For me, the most important aspect of overcoming obstacles is treating them as learning opportunities. By reflecting on what went wrong and what could be done differently in the future, we can use our experiences to evolve and become better equipped to handle challenges in the future.
   
   I am fortunate to work with an excellent team and collaborative stakeholders who are always ready to work together to tackle any challenge that comes our way. By working together and supporting one another, we are able to overcome obstacles with ease and collaboration.
8. Discuss work/life balance in the context of your life. How do you get it all done?
   In order to maintain a balance between work and personal life, it's important to understand that it's not a one-time achievement, but a continuous process that requires regular evaluation and adjustments. I manage my time effectively by setting achievable goals and breaking down tasks into smaller steps. I also use various tools such as notifications, reminders, calendars, and to-do lists to stay organized and focused. Along with work, I prioritize self-care and engage in activities that promote relaxation and rejuvenation. Personally, I find hiking, yoga, meditation, and spending time in nature to be beneficial for my mental and physical well-being. Additionally, seeking guidance and support from mentors and coaches is helpful in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.