Kate Svenson has spent the past 22 years serving her country as a dedicated member of the U.S. Coast Guard. Now stationed in Rochester, Minnesota, Kate is pursuing a master’s degree in health care administration through the Army-Baylor Program. This unique opportunity allows her to spend a year at the Mayo Clinic as part of her fellowship. Her journey from active duty to health care administration has been filled with leadership roles and critical decisions that have shaped her career.
From Coast Guard to Health Care Leader
Kate’s experience is not what you might expect from a traditional military career. She started as a corpsman, a role akin to a medic, providing care to fellow service members on ships, sometimes far from immediate medical assistance. “We were responsible for anywhere between 50 and 150 people in the middle of the ocean, often with no direct access to a doctor,” she explains. This hands-on experience in patient care laid the foundation for her transition into health care administration, where she now focuses on leadership and operational roles in the Coast Guard’s health care system.
A Seamless Transition
Moving from active military duty to the civilian world can be daunting, but for Kate, the transition to her fellowship at Mayo Clinic has been surprisingly smooth. She attributes this to the alignment between the values of the Coast Guard and those of the health care system. “Our values in the Coast Guard are honor, respect and devotion to duty. At Mayo, the focus on patient care and integrity mirrors those same values,” she says.
Although she hadn’t worked in a civilian setting for over two decades, Kate has found that her new colleagues and community are welcoming. “It’s really the people that make a place special. I’ve learned that both in the Coast Guard and in health care. Whether you’re stationed in Miami, San Francisco or working in a hospital, it’s the camaraderie and willingness to help each other that makes the biggest difference.“
Celebrating Veterans Day
When asked what Veterans Day means to her, particularly as a woman in the military, Kate shares that she sees it as a time to reflect on service but not just in the military. “Even after 22 years, when people say, ‘Thank you for your service,’ I don’t always feel like it’s a sacrifice. Yes, I’ve missed family time, and I’ve spent long stretches away from home, but I think health care workers and others in service roles make similar sacrifices.”
She emphasizes that Veterans Day is an opportunity for everyone to understand the breadth of service. “It’s about recognizing that many professions, like health care, also involve service to others. There’s an alignment between those who serve in the military and those who work in health care. Both are committed to the well-being of others.”
Finding Connection in Service
One of the most valuable lessons Kate has learned during her Coast Guard career is the importance of human connection. “In the military, you’re often placed in situations where you have to make quick decisions with people you don’t know very well. But even in those high-pressure situations, there’s always common ground. Whether it’s in a health care setting or a military operation, finding that shared sense of purpose is key.”
She encourages everyone, especially women, to push themselves beyond their comfort zones. “I’ve often found myself in roles that seemed intimidating, like being responsible for the health of 50 people on a ship with no doctor. But those experiences helped me grow. Being a little uncomfortable is often where you find the most growth.”
A Celebration of Service
As we celebrate Veterans Day this November, Kate hopes that people will take time to recognize not just military service but all forms of service that contribute to the betterment of our communities. “Whether you’re in the Coast Guard or working in a hospital, the common thread is service to others. It’s about making a difference, no matter the setting.” ::
