Kareemah Bush
Kareemah Bush is a seasoned healthcare professional with nearly two decades of experience supporting clinical operations, administrative leadership, and community-centered care across the Greater Philadelphia region. She currently serves as Senior Administrative Assistant and Office Coordinator at Fox Chase Cancer Center, providing high-level support to executive leadership while coordinating complex projects and events. In this role, she drives operational efficiency through the implementation of Lean Six Sigma methodologies, contributing to measurable cost reductions, improved reimbursement workflows, and streamlined operations aligned with organizational objectives.
Prior to joining Fox Chase, Ms. Bush held progressive leadership roles at Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals and Philadelphia FIGHT, where she served as Operations Manager II and Practice Manager, respectively. At Philadelphia FIGHT, she played a pivotal role in managing the Pediatric and Adolescent Health Center, expanding access to high-quality, comprehensive care for underserved children and families.
Her background also includes more than a decade with Greater Philadelphia Health Action, Inc., where she advanced from Medical Assistant to Medical Assistant Supervisor, developing deep expertise in frontline care delivery, staff development, regulatory compliance, and multi-functional healthcare operations.
Ms. Bush holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration and Management from the University of Phoenix and is currently completing her Master of Business Administration. She is deeply committed to service beyond the workplace by supporting organizations focused on civil rights, community improvement, diversity, equity and inclusion, housing, and poverty alleviation. Known for her people-first leadership approach, operational acumen, and dedication to continuous learning, Ms. Bush brings both compassion and strategic insight to every role she undertakes.
• University of Phoenix - BSHA
• Professional Association for Administrative Professionals
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a deep commitment to service, continuous growth, and a willingness to lead through change. For more than two decades, healthcare has been more than a profession—it has been my calling. I began my career in 2004 as a medical assistant, gaining a strong foundation in patient care and a firsthand understanding of the operational core of healthcare systems. These early experiences have guided my progression into roles focused on leadership, strategic planning, and organizational development.
By consistently embracing opportunities for growth, even amid uncertainty, I have learned that sustainable healthcare systems are built on strong people, effective processes, and mission-driven innovation. In my current role, I focus on operational and strategic planning, project coordination, and event execution to ensure initiatives align with organizational priorities and deliver measurable outcomes.
A milestone I am particularly proud of is helping to open a pediatric practice under Philadelphia FIGHT in 2017, expanding access to care beyond the organization’s traditional focus and reinforcing my belief in inclusive, community-responsive leadership. My commitment to lifelong learning—through medical assistant training, earning a bachelor’s degree, pursuing a master’s degree, and active membership in PACE—has been central to my professional growth and effectiveness as a healthcare leader.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to seek mentorship that aligns not only with professional aspirations, but also with personal values. Mentors such as Dr. Mario Cruz and Chevoone Da Silvo Nash taught me that effective leadership is grounded in integrity, accountability, and a people-first approach. Their guidance shaped how I lead today and reinforced the responsibility to pay mentorship forward by supporting others as they navigate growth and transition in their own careers.
Equally influential has been the example of service instilled in me by my Aunt Theresa Bush. From an early age, she modeled compassion, responsibility, and a deep commitment to community—values that continue to guide my approach to leadership. Her influence taught me that service is not an act, but a way of being, and it is this foundation that allows mentorship, leadership, and impact to remain authentic and purpose-driven.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering this industry that no role is too small, and every position presents an opportunity for growth. I began my career as a medical assistant—often viewed as an entry-level role—but through hard work, consistency, and a willingness to learn, I advanced into leadership positions of increasing responsibility. The skills developed early on are both transferable and invaluable, and when applied with intention, they can open doors to opportunities you may not have initially imagined.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges—and opportunities—in our field today is the lack of meaningful, effective mentorship. Too often, mentorship is informal or transactional rather than intentional and person-centered. It is essential to seek mentors who truly see you—those who recognize your strengths, understand you as an individual, and are invested not only in your career advancement but also in your overall well-being. When mentorship is done well, it becomes a powerful catalyst for professional development, leadership growth, and long-term fulfillment within the industry.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I've always been a people person. Coming from a big family where I’m one of the oldest, I've learned the importance of treating others with respect and living by the principle of "treat people how you want to be treated." Taking care of others brings me joy, and I’m deeply committed to self-care as well as being a dance mom who leads by example for my daughter. Like many women in leadership, I strive to balance ambition with wellbeing. Staying current with evolving healthcare technologies while maintaining work-life balance is a challenge I embrace with intention. Outside of work, I find grounding through yoga, meditation, and farming—practices that keep me centered and connected to my purpose.