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Congratulations to our Dal Health Class of 2025! Get to knowĚýmore of our featured grads.
In this Convocation Q&A, learn aboutĚýAmelia Hartnett from Fredericton, New Brunswick.
What inspired you to choose your field of study?
I’ve always known that I wanted to work in healthcare. There’s something incredibly meaningful about being able to support others when they’re at their most vulnerable. While I initially had a different career path in mind, I truly believe that everything happens for a reason, and that path just wasn’t the right one for me. When I discovered the Master of Health Administration (MHA) program, it immediately felt like the right fit. Health administration blends my passion for building connections and supporting others with my strengths in leadership and organization. It gives me the opportunity to make a real impact in people’s lives, just from a broader, more systemic level.
What was a moment at Dal that you’ll never forget?
I feel lucky to have so many great memories from my time at Dal, both through my masters program and as part of the »ĘąÚ˛©˛Ęapp women’s volleyball team. One moment that will always stick with me is “lunch club.” Each semester, our cohort had one day a week with two classes, and it made for a long day! So, we started a tradition where we’d pick a fun lunch spot near campus to take a break, catch up, and just enjoy each other’s company. It became something we all looked forward to, an excuse to step away from school stress and laugh together. I’ve made some of my closest friends in this program, and lunch club was definitely a highlight for us.
Who supported you along the way and how?
My family and friends have been a constant source of encouragement and strength. I’ve also been supported by fellow students in the MHA program, the dedicated faculty, and the mentors I’ve had the privilege of meeting along the way. On top of that, my »ĘąÚ˛©˛Ęapp women’s volleyball teammates and coaching staff have played a huge role in keeping me grounded and motivated. Each of these people has helped me grow, both personally and professionally, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
Is there a experience or project that really impacted you?
Several experiences in the MHA program left a lasting impact on me, especially the Law and Ethics courses, the ELEMENT mentorship program, and my residency placement. I had the privilege of completing my placement with Island Health on Vancouver Island, where I worked in women’s and children’s care, an area I’m deeply passionate about. It was my first chance to apply classroom learning in a real-world setting, and it exceeded all expectations. I was trusted to lead projects and contribute meaningfully, which helped me grow both personally and professionally. The support and mentorship I received made it a truly transformative experience.
What does graduating mean to you?
To me, graduating is a reflection of all the hard work and dedication that went into earning this degree. It makes me feel incredibly proud to have completed this chapter of my life, knowing it’s given me valuable lessons and tools to carry forward. For many of us in the program, this is just the beginning; it opens the door to the careers we’ve been working toward and dreaming about for so long.
What is next for you?
I’m currently working as a Senior Analyst of Policy and Planning with the Integrated Acute and Episodic Care Network at Nova Scotia Health. I feel incredibly grateful to have a role in my desired field and to truly enjoy the work I’m doing. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the Master of Health Administration program and the support of the incredible people who helped me along the way.
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