Oct. 23, 2023 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo
Rabel Lohana joined the Department of Speech and Hearing Science this fall as the first practice manager for the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Clinic. Find out more about her career and life journey below.
Q: You are from Pakistan, and worked to provide medical care there. How did you end up in Indiana? What made you want to come to the United States?
A: A better career is what drove us to leave our home country and relocate to the United States. The job chances in the United States are superior to those available to immigrants at home. Regardless of color, ethnicity, or religious beliefs, the United States appears to be one of the safest countries to live and provide equal opportunities to all. There are many educational possibilities for those who desire to further their education because the United States has so many universities and it turned out to be so beneficial for me, when I decided to pursue an MBA at (Indiana University).
Q: You have a variety of skills, including practicing as a physician. How and why did you make the decision to pivot to an MBA and work on healthcare business aspects?
A: Patient care is only one aspect of working in the healthcare industry. Healthcare professionals that are focused on patient care may be unaware of the business aspects of the healthcare industry. But how hospitals and other healthcare institutions and organizations run their operations depends heavily on this business aspect. That excited me when I worked as a medical administrator in Pakistan. Making sure these institutions and groups function efficiently on a daily basis can help guarantee that patients can access and receive high-quality medical care. Keeping institutions and organizations in good standing generally is essential for their continued operation, and healthcare management is a key component.
Q: What have you noticed is different about medical care in the U.S. than Pakistan?
A: A healthcare system is one of the most essential pillars of any country. The primary role of a healthcare system is to ensure that all people get the best available health facilities in a timely, acceptable, affordable and accessible manner. However, for a healthcare system to function as such, it requires proper infrastructure and financial support. To a large extent, the healthcare system in Pakistan is facing several challenges. There is a massive shortage of hospitals, doctors, nurses and paramedical staff. Most life-saving medications are too expensive for people to afford. Above all, there exists a lack of trust in the healthcare system, which gives way to the ever-increasing quackery in the country. In contrast, in the U.S., patients’ lives and needs come before the expense of receiving care, universal access to healthcare for the poor and the desperate. Along with that, the U.S. invests a lot of money promoting new, innovative health concepts for the wellbeing of its citizens, which benefits not only Americans but also the rest of the world.
Q: What made you decide to choose Illinois to work and live?
A: I’ve always wanted to work for an institution that will not only support my professional growth but also for the prosperity of students and the community. And, as I was looking for work, I discovered that the University of Illinois not only had that, but also an extraordinary team of people that not just support the university’s mission, but also the people who work here.
Q: How did you make the decision to work for the Dept. of Speech and Hearing Science? What about the job was interesting to you?
A: Having a background in medicine and business experience in the healthcare industry, I immediately knew this job at SHS was suited for me when I learned about it. I was seeking a combination of the operational side of the business and collaboration with other institutions to extend the vision and organizing outreach activities for the education of the community, and how they may benefit from the clinic services, and this job has it all.
Q: The Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Clinic has never had a business manager. What changes do you anticipate making to help the clinic be more visible and successful?
A: As the clinic’s business manager, it is my goal to implement as many outreach programs as possible for the community’s good that will not only draw in more patients but also spread the word that students can enroll in our well-rounded curriculum. I believe the clinic has a lot of potential, and some of its aspects are still untapped, therefore I’d be interested in exploring those possibilities, in order to build a prosperous and well-known clinic in the community. I do see myself as a representative of our outstanding clinical faculty and staff, assisting them in overcoming obstacles so they can give patients good treatment and give students uninterrupted time and attention.
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