DHA student’s transformative internship experience highlights the powerful intersection of education and health care

I'm NiAsia, a first-generation student from a rural small town near the big city of Charleston, SC, pursuing a Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) at MUSC and am set to graduate in 2026. Choosing MUSC felt like a natural step and has been a pivotal step in my educational and professional journey. MUSC has been a pillar in my academic journey from the beginning of my college career, offering the flexibility I needed as a woman who wears many hats. MUSC’s ability to support students across various life stages and professional ambitions made it the perfect place for me to thrive, making me feel right at home.

One of the highlights of my DHA experience has been working as an intern at the Center for the Advancement of Teaching & Learning (CATL). Initially drawn to the internship because of my interest in project management and the chance to work alongside administrative professionals in higher education, I quickly realized that CATL offered even more. The opportunity to dive deeper into my passions for photography, videography, and website design on a professional level made this internship an exciting and rewarding experience.

At CATL, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Julaine Fowlin, I have been able to blend my creative talents with my professional aspirations. Dr. Fowlin’s approach to learning and development has empowered me to think strategically about how technology can improve education and health care. Her passion for collaboration and innovation has been truly inspiring, and it has enriched my understanding of how to use these tools to foster growth within health care.

The work I am doing at CATL is actively shaping my DHA experience. Through hands-on projects integrating multimedia excellence, instructional design, and cutting-edge AV technology, I’ve seen firsthand how education and health care intersect in powerful ways. This experience has broadened my view of how I can apply these same principles to health care leadership. I’m learning how to create inclusive, evidence-based environments that foster continuous improvement and skills I plan to carry forward as I progress through the DHA program.

As I continue through the DHA program, I am eager to apply the lessons I am learning at CATL to my future career in health care. My ultimate goal is to combine educational leadership with health care technology integration, particularly focusing on how AI can revolutionize health care delivery. I want to ensure that these advancements are accessible to underserved communities, especially in rural areas like the one I come from. By mentoring future health care professionals and influencing policy, I hope to lead initiatives that improve health equity and ensure better health care outcomes for all.
My mission is to be a leader in my community, working to decrease the number of uninsured individuals in the Lowcountry and providing the resources needed for healthier, longer lives. Building trust and empowering people to navigate the health care system effectively is a goal I am deeply committed to, and I plan to continue educating and advocating for my community.

For anyone considering the DHA program at MUSC, my advice is simple: if it’s on your heart to continue your education, let nothing stop you. This journey has already opened up numerous opportunities for me, both personally and professionally. It has helped me discover more about myself and build the confidence to step into leadership roles within health care.

This program is for you if:

• you are looking to make an impact in health policy and the health care world.
• you want to build the confidence to operate as an executive in the health care industry.
• you are seeking to navigate and network within the health care industry to find your niche.

MUSC’s DHA program is designed for your success. This program will equip you with the tools and knowledge to achieve those goals. As I continue my journey, I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to applying everything I’ve learned to benefit my community and the health care industry.

NiAsia Hazelton Smalls, DHA c, MPH
Doctor of Health Administration Candidate
Class of 2026