Advocacy in Action: How Dr. Kern Kumar used his DHA journey to championchange in elder care policy

When Kern Kumar enrolled in the Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) program at MUSC College of Health Professions (CHP), he wasn’t just pursuing a terminal degree—he was building bridges between policy, practice, and personal purpose. Now a proud graduate of the Class of 2025, Kumar’s experience demonstrates how the DHA program’s unique blend of academic rigor, real-world application, and experiential learning (particularly its sponsored policy trip to Washington, D.C.) can empower students to drive meaningful change in public health policy.

For Kumar, the decision to pursue a DHA was not made lightly. After extensive research and reflection, he chose MUSC for its applied curriculum designed specifically for working health care professionals. The asynchronous format enabled him to remain in his role as a senior advisor in value-based care performance at Advocate Health while studying, a dual-track experience that proved transformative. “It felt like I was learning and applying it in real time,” he recalled. “The curriculum wasn’t just theory; it was immediately relevant to the work I was doing.”

MUSC’s DHA program stood out for its immersive learning experiences, including the popular Health Policy Seminar course. Featuring a week-long policy trip to Washington D.C., the course is designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of the structure and functioning of the health policy process, particularly at the national level. For Kumar, who had previously worked on Capitol Hill during the early implementation of the Affordable Care Act, the trip was more than a return to familiar halls; it was an opportunity to advocate for a problem he had encountered personally and professionally.

Balancing his roles as a health care professional, student, and caregiver, Kumar had a unique vantage point on the gaps in elder care services, specifically in the personal care services (PCS) industry. As a caregiver, he noticed troubling signs: unregulated agencies offering and billing in-home care with little to no oversight or accountability. “I was seeing signs on the side of the road saying, ‘Senior needs in-home care,’ but no one seemed to be monitoring the quality of that care,” Kumar said. “I saw a glaring gap, and I had to act.”

The DHA program’s trip to D.C. gave him the platform to do just that. He revisited his former congressional office and presented his concerns to his representative. The result? A bipartisan letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), calling for federal screening standards, tracking and background checks for PCS workers, and better documentation for services rendered. The letter gained signatures from multiple congressional members, an advocacy milestone Kumar describes as both humbling and validating.

“That experience really solidified my belief that advocacy must be woven into leadership,” he said. “It’s not just about systems and strategies—it’s about people. If something raises a red flag, I speak up. That mindset came directly from what I learned through this program.”

Beyond policy reform, Kumar’s leadership growth became evident in his day-to-day work. Inspired by coursework and class discussions, he initiated new strategies at Advocate Health to improve care delivery and internal processes. He even led the creation of a motivational group called “MV2,” aimed at reinforcing personal mission, vision, and values for his division. His doctoral research, which focused on access to care in medically underserved areas, also contributed to the justification for a $1 billion health care investment in Chicago’s Southeast side, an impact that’s been needed there for decades.

Originally from the Chicago area, Kumar’s path to leadership has been shaped by a diversity of experiences, from working in D.C. to studying public health at Boston University and consulting with health care organizations nationwide. This broad lens has made him a firm believer in cross-sector, multi-perspective problem-solving, and he encourages prospective DHA students, especially those interested in policy, to act now.

“Don’t wait until you're in D.C. to advocate,” he advised. “Look at your professional and life experiences in health care and focus on what you’re passionate about. Start by contacting your local representatives. Even a simple email can be the first step toward driving change.”

As for what’s next, Kumar is focused on strategy and population health—identifying organizational gaps and innovating sustainable, patient-centered solutions. Ultimately, while his DHA degree may be completed, his journey is far from over. “This program didn’t just bring puzzle pieces together for me—it gave me the full picture,” he said. “Now, I can lead with clarity, and advocate with purpose.”