Health care administration educator John Cantiello has been named a Fellow of the American College of Health Care Administrators. Becoming a Fellow is both a mark of distinction and a recognition of commitment to advancing the field of health administration. For Cantiello, it reflects years of scholarship, leadership, and service.
“As a Fellow, I hope to continue building bridges in leadership, senior housing, and aging services,” said Cantiello, professor in the Department of Health Administration and Policy and coordinator of the Online Undergraduate Program in Health Administration at George Mason University. “I also see this Fellowship as a way to enhance my teaching of the next generation of health care leaders by helping them develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in a challenging and rapidly changing field.”
Cantiello has published peer-reviewed research and industry reports examining resident characteristics, quality of life, and service use in assisted living communities. He has also led and collaborated on grant-funded studies for organizations such as the American Seniors Housing Association and the Assisted Living Federation of America. His findings have been presented at national conferences, including the American Public Health Association and AcademyHealth.
Beyond research, Cantiello has contributed to the profession through editorial boards, advisory councils, and professional associations. “I believe that achieving Fellowship status is a reflection of my commitment to connecting scholarship, leadership, professional service, and being a lifelong learner,” he said.
“Going through that process has broadened my horizons in meaningful ways,” Cantiello said. “It has allowed me to connect more closely with a community of peers who are also committed to improving quality, advancing leadership, and shaping the future of health administration.”
Advice for Students and Early-Career Professionals
Cantiello also reflected on the importance of preparing the next generation of health administrators. “My advice is always be a lifelong learner, find mentors, and join professional organizations as soon as possible,” he said. “Your education doesn’t stop once you earn your degree. The health care environment is always changing and being familiar with and ready for those changes will help you become a highly prepared professional who is well-positioned to make a difference.”