Andrew Lam MD, EMHA, MHA, CHSE, CHSOS

 Personal Statement

​

Application for CDU Simulation Administrative Director

​

During my 2015 tropical medicine rotation in May Pen Hospital, Jamaica, I met a pastor who worked for the hospital and he attended my simulation presentation. He told me that he sensed my passion and energy for simulation. He explained that if one finds a job that he loves, he is blessed. If on a rare occasion, one finds a passionate job that serves his call of duty in life, then his work is sanctified. I have long searched for this job scarcity. It was not until my employment at CDU that I have found something close to that. I believe that my professional life experience has prepared me to serve CDU and to lead your simulation department as your servant leader.

 

In my role at White Memorial Medical Center, I frequently led community education health fairs, including SideWalk CPR, the Delores Mission, and the LA mission center, using simulation as educational tools. I led medical missions to Jamaica and Mexico. In my 2018 Jamaica mission, I reconnected with my old colleges at May Pen Hospital and we donated simulation equipment from White to help setup the first simulation center in Jamaica. Only then by serving the black and brown communities made me understand the importance of serving our underrepresented yet eager to thrive communities. I learned to be a servant leader for social justice.

 

In 2020, I was offered a dream leadership job at the Emory University Simulation Center as Director of Operations. My role was to merge three simulation centers into the new $70M simulation building. I did not want to leave LA, but I wanted the experience. I gained leadership experience by managing direct reports, and I quickly learned the logistics of operating complex workflows in centralizing multiple autonomous departments. However, my dad developed terminal pulmonary fibrosis later in the year, and I had to resign and return to LA.

 

On my first week at CDU, I quickly learned our goal was to form one centralized simulation department. With my experiences, I knew what strategic plans I need to propose to CDU leadership to centralize the simulation program. With the tremendous pour of administrative and leadership support, I was able to accomplished the following in my first 60 days: performed simulation asset assessments, adopted an umbrella “CDU Simulation Center” name, placed us on the SSH accreditation directory, developed my 12-month strategic proposal for accreditation and the coordination of simulation programs, developed a dedicated centralized webform for simulation space scheduling and inventory managing, initiated the creation of our official simulation center webpage to capture market share, identified simulation needs assessment and to standardize simulation curriculums, provided simulation certification study materials to simulation staff, formed an equipment PO list for PECE grant that will bring CDU simulation Center up to SSH technology standards, assisted in the development our simulation procedure and operations manual to centralized our simulation programs, founded and chair APC Simulation Subcommittee, performed daily huddles with my technician, and drafted a simulation organization chart.

 

One tool that will allow me to more effectively achieve my deliverables and have greater opportunities to collaborate and share ideas with CDU leaders, is to have a director-level position. I have been performing high-level tasks, attending and presenting at weekly directors and leadership meetings. I have demonstrated my abilities to perform administrative and director-level duties for our simulation program. This job will put me in a position where I can practice the top of my certifications and skills-sets, aligning me with the optimal opportunities to be a servant leader to your CDU Simulation Center.

 

My cumulative professional experiences have led me to CDU to serve the university and our surrounding communities. I say this not only because my date of birth, August 27th, happens to share the same date of birth as our late Dr. Roborts, whose position I replaced, but because I am already incentivized as your loyal staff. As your Administrative Simulation Director, I will be fully sanctified in this role. Thank you for your consideration and opportunity to serve CDU.