What is your current job?
I am currently working as the chief nursing officer at NY Spine Care Interventional Pain Management, where I also practice as a pain management nurse practitioner. Additionally, I hold a leadership position as vice chair of the Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Content Expert Panel for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). I also serve as an at-large delegate for the Yale University Alumni Association, and I am acting as a board advisor for the NYU Rory Meyers Alumni Association.
Describe your work and why you find it rewarding/challenging.
As a chief nursing officer and pain management nurse practitioner, I have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of patients and provide high-quality care. This role is both rewarding and challenging, as I am responsible for leading and supporting the nursing staff, promoting best practices in the field, and ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.
In addition to my clinical work, I am also involved in several professional organizations. As vice chair of the ANCC’s Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Content Expert Panel, I play a crucial role in developing and revising the content and standards for the ANCC’s board certification exams. This allows me to contribute to the growth and development of the nursing profession in a meaningful way.
As an advisor to the NYU Rory Meyers Alumni Association, I offer my expertise and guidance to help the board make informed decisions and achieve its goals. This role is important to me, as it allows me to connect with my alumni community and contribute to the success of the organization.
My role as an at-large delegate for the Yale University Alumni Association Assembly is a way for me to give back to my alma mater and connect with other alumni. I am proud to be able to collaborate with others, provide support and resources to current students, and maintain a strong connection between alumni and the university.
How did YSPH prepare you for your current work?
At the Yale School of Public Health, I received a comprehensive education in public health, including a strong foundation in nursing and health care administration. This education has prepared me well for my current role as a leader in various health care organizations. I also learned the importance of evidence-based practices and the role that research plays in shaping health care policies and practices. This knowledge has been valuable in my role as chief nursing officer, where I am responsible for promoting best practices in the field and ensuring that patients receive the highest quality of care.
In addition, YSPH taught me the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and teamwork. This has been critical in my role as a pain management nurse practitioner, where I work closely with a team of health care professionals. Furthermore, it provided me with a solid understanding of health care policy and administration. This has been useful in my leadership role on the Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Content Expert Panel.
At the Yale School of Public Health, I received a comprehensive education in public health, including a strong foundation in nursing and health care administration. This education has prepared me well for my current role as a leader in various health care organizations.
Minjae Kim, MPH '19
My involvement in various professional organizations is also a direct result of my education at YSPH. The school’s emphasis on community engagement and giving back has inspired me to be actively involved in these organizations, where I can contribute my expertise and help make a positive impact in my community.
Were there any faculty/staff mentors who influenced your YSPH experience?
I was lucky enough to be surrounded by talented and dedicated faculty and staff who provided support, guidance, and mentorship throughout my academic journey. While my peers also played a crucial role in my education, there were several individuals who stood out and made a lasting impact on my life.
One of the biggest influences on my experience at YSPH was Dr. Mayur M. Desai. Dr. Desai was a professor in my field of study and served as a mentor to me throughout my time at the school. He was always available to answer questions and offer advice, and he challenged me to think critically and expand my knowledge. His passion for his work and dedication to his students inspired me to pursue my own goals with the same level of enthusiasm.
The faculty and staff at YSPH were an integral part of my academic journey, and their mentorship and guidance have had a profound impact on my life. From Dr. Desai’s unwavering support to the camaraderie and motivation provided by my peers, I am forever grateful for the experiences and opportunities that I had at YSPH.
Do you have a favorite YSPH experience you can share?
My time at YSPH was filled with memorable experiences and meaningful relationships, but one of my favorites was serving as the student representative for a health community service project. Together with Leonardo Lizbinski, Ben Assad Mirza, and Alex Anders, we worked with residents of New Haven to provide them with valuable health information and resources. We had the opportunity to not only make a difference in our community but also to work with and learn from each other. Our AP MPH students consisted of individuals from diverse backgrounds, but we all shared a common goal: to improve the health and well-being of those we served. We spent countless hours researching and planning, and it was incredibly satisfying to see the impact we made in our community.
Another aspect that I valued was the opportunity to discuss our dreams and aspirations with my team members. We all had different goals, but we were united in our passion for health care and our desire to make a positive impact in the world. For me, this included a dream of becoming a health care leader and CEO. During our time working together, we provided support and encouragement to each other, and it was inspiring to see how each of us was striving toward our own unique goals.
What advice do you have for current YSPH students?
Firstly, I would advise current YSPH students to make the most of their time at the school by actively seeking out opportunities to get involved in research and other extracurricular activities. Whether it’s working on a project with a professor, participating in a student club, or volunteering in the local community, these experiences can provide a wealth of learning opportunities and help students build their skills and networks.
Secondly, I would encourage students to seek out mentors and form close relationships with their classmates and instructors. Having supportive and knowledgeable individuals to turn to can make a big difference as students work to achieve their goals and navigate the challenges of the academic and professional worlds.
I would also advise YSPH students to make the most of their education by taking advantage of the resources available to them. Whether it’s attending guest lectures, workshops, or other events, there are many opportunities to learn from experts in the field and gain a deeper understanding of the topics you are studying.
In conclusion, I would advise YSPH students to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals. Whether it’s working in research, becoming a health care leader, or starting your own business, the education, and experiences you gain at YSPH will help you achieve success in whatever path you choose. I believe that the opportunities and experiences available to students at the Yale School of Public Health are truly unparalleled, and I encourage current students to take full advantage of all that the school has to offer. Whether it’s through seeking out mentorship, involvement opportunities, or simply making the most of your education, YSPH can be a launching pad for a successful and fulfilling career.