The Department of Medicine is the largest department at Emory University and functions with the committed service of our administrative staff — most notably, our division administrators. In this series, we get to know the talented individuals who manage the day-to-day operations of our ten department divisions.
Read our interview with Blake Harrington, administrator for the Division of Cardiology. Harrington shares how his career path led to the DOM, what he enjoys about life in Atlanta, and more!
How did your career path lead you to the DOM?
I knew I always wanted to be in the healthcare field since I started my undergraduate studies at the University of Miami. At Miami, I was a psychology major and worked with a PhD student where I gained experience in research. After graduating, I did a post-baccalaureate research fellowship at the NIH for two years to further my exposure to research. I realized I would be a better administrator than scientist, so I went on to complete my Master’s in Public Health at Rollins School of Public Health with a concentration in health services management and graduated in 2010. I was offered an administrative fellowship position within Emory’s Department of Surgery and have since held a variety of different positions. During my time in the Department of Surgery, I gained broad exposure to administration which included research administration, clinical operations, and human resource management. From there, I came to the Division of Cardiology and have been with the division since January 2019.
What is the most surprising thing about being an administrator?
The most surprising thing about being an administrator is the broad scope of challenges we have to troubleshoot on a day-to-day basis. I enjoy this facet of the job because it means that every day is different!
Is there a specific division project or initiative that you’re excited about?
I am excited for the new opportunities that the Health Sciences Research Building II will bring for our division, and I look forward to a day when we can all gather there in-person.
What is the best career advice you’ve received?
Mistakes are going to happen — It’s how you own them and fix them.
What do you enjoy most about living in ATL?
I am originally from Boston and I love Atlanta’s climate. I do not miss the snow.
What is something most people wouldn’t know about you?
Earlier in the pandemic, my wife and I purchased a teardrop camper and have spent a lot of time enjoying our beautiful state parks and lakes on the weekends with our four-year-old son.
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