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Medicine routinely attracts driven people who have a passion for helping others. As UOPX faculty member Erica Peterson proves, this quality extends beyond physicians to those who work in healthcare administration.

Peterson has held positions in both administrative and clinical settings for more than 36 years and currently works for the South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. As part of the Performance Improvement Department (under the Office of Mental Health), she focuses on ensuring compliance with federal guidelines for patient safety. In this Q&A, she reflects on how such work, as well as the insights gleaned over her entire career, impacts the health professions courses she teaches at ������ý.

A: Helping patients and residents maintain a safe and supportive living environment within an inpatient setting at the Office of Mental Health. In my current role as an administrative coordinator, I contribute to creating a secure and healing-focused space for both patients and residents, promoting their well-being and recovery.

A: I worked with a student who did not have access to a computer to complete her course assignments. She was determined to continue her education, and her persistence inspired me and strengthened my own motivation to support her success. She frequently asked questions, and I always took the time to answer them and offer words of encouragement.

Supporting students in achieving their educational goals and dreams is incredibly rewarding. I make it a point to remind them that I believe in their potential just as much as they do. I know they have what it takes to put in the effort and cross the finish line.

A: I draw on my experiences working in a hospital setting and a medical facility, and even from my own experience as a patient. These diverse perspectives provide me with a well-rounded understanding of both the front-end (administrative) and back-end (clinical) operations of a healthcare facility.

A: Faculty are available and willing to assist students. Many underutilize asking for assistance or help in an online setting.

Additionally, the University offers resources through the Life Resource Center to help students juggle work, life and school. There are also workshops available to help with situations regarding time management, along with resources for grammar and writing styles. Students should also use a calendar to track assignment due dates to stay on track.��

A: Be in public health to help people, either as a nurse or a social worker.

Erica Peterson holds a Master of Business Administration from Webster University and a bachelor’s degree in Office Information Systems from the University of South Carolina. Her career spans more than 36 years in the healthcare industry. She began as a unit secretary in the neonatal intensive care unit at a hospital in South Carolina, which sparked a deep and lasting passion for healthcare. Throughout her career, she has held a variety of leadership and administrative roles, including office manager for a family medicine group and operations manager at a community hospital specializing in residency training.

Currently, Peterson serves as an administrative coordinator for the Office of Mental Health in South Carolina, where she supports initiatives focused on performance improvement and patient care. Her extensive background in both clinical and administrative settings provides a well-rounded perspective on healthcare operations and patient needs.

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