MCSHSAA Board of Directors Q&A: President-Elect Jody Erickson

Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences Alumni Association (MCSHSAA) President-Elect Jody Erickson graduated from the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences in 1994 with an Associate of Arts and radiography certificate.

Upon his graduation, Erickson moved from Rochester, Minnesota, to Jacksonville, Florida, to work on the Mayo Clinic Florida campus. He then continued his education and received a bachelor’s degree in health administration. This allowed him to transition from imaging to leadership as a magnetic resonance imaging (MR) supervisor.

Erickson also made the decision to pursue his Master of Business Administration, which helped him advance to become a clinical manager in radiology. He has since transitioned from that role to become the Shared Asset and Informatics Manager for the Department of Radiology at Mayo Clinic Florida.

Learn more about the MCSHSAA President-Elect in our Q&A session.

How did you become interested in healthcare?
I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do “when I grew up,” but I knew that I wanted a job that helped people. My father was diagnosed with cancer early in my childhood, which somewhat familiarized me with healthcare and Mayo Clinic early in my life.

What drew you to your profession?
My cousin worked in the Radiology Department at Mayo Clinic and helped line up a tour of the department for me. After seeing the latest technology that could help people, I was very intrigued. When it came time to seriously begin considering my career path, I chose to apply for the radiography program at Mayo Clinic.

What valuable lessons have you learned at Mayo Clinic?
Mayo Clinic is more than an employer — the Mayo Clinic Values and RICH TIES are something that all organizations should strive to meet. The comradery, teamwork and relationships that are formed are amazing.

Why were you interested in joining the MCSHSAA Board of Directors?
When I heard about the MCSHSAA Board of Directors, it was an easy decision to become involved. I owe a lot to Mayo Clinic and the extraordinary education I received, as well as my career at Mayo Clinic. Being on the board allows me the opportunity to show others what is available to them.

What advice do you have for Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences students?
The advice I would give to existing MCHS students is to keep striving for your goals and beyond. It’s OK to be out of your comfort zone, as we have all been there before. Explore all the opportunities that are available, as there are so many new and exciting opportunities. The healthcare setting has so many possibilities and one path can take you somewhere you did not originally plan on taking.

What do you do in your spare time?
I enjoy spending time with my wife and two boys, Joseph and Isaac. We enjoy boating, swimming, camping, game and movie nights, as well as taking family vacations. When I have the time, I also enjoy riding my motorcycle and golfing.

What would people be surprised to know about you?
While I would consider myself introverted, and may come across as more serious, I have always enjoyed comedy and love to make people laugh.