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 a Senior Administrative Assistant and Office Coordinator at Fox Chase Cancer Center, where she provides high-level support to executive leadership, coordinates complex projects and events, and drives operational efficiency through the implementation of Lean Six Sigma processes. Her work has contributed to measurable cost reductions, improved reimbursement workflows, and streamlined operations aligned with organizational goals.
Prior to joining Fox Chase, Kareemah 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, gaining deep expertise in frontline care, staff development, compliance, and multi-functional healthcare operations.
Kareemah holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration and Management from the University of Phoenix and is completing her Master of Business Administration. She is deeply committed to service beyond the workplace and actively volunteers with organizations focused on civil rights, community improvement, diversity, equity, and inclusion, housing, and poverty alleviation. Known for her people-first leadership style, operational acumen, and dedication to continuous learning, Kareemah 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 my profession it has been my calling. Beginning my career in 2004 as a medical assistant, I gained a strong foundation in patient care and an understanding of the operational core of healthcare systems, which has guided my progression into leadership, strategic planning, and organizational development roles. By consistently embracing opportunities for growth, even amid uncertainty, I have learned that sustainable healthcare systems rely on strong people, effective processes, and mission-driven innovation. In my current role at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, I focus on operational and strategic planning, project coordination, and event execution to ensure initiatives align with organizational goals and 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 dedication 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 growth and effectiveness as a healthcare leader.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to seek mentorship that aligns not only with your professional goals but also with your personal values. Mentors such as Dr. Morgan Cruz and Shivaughn Vistobio 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 importance of paying that mentorship forward by supporting others as they navigate and grow in their own careers.
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 offers opportunities to grow. 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 was able to advance into larger leadership positions. The skills you gain early on are transferable and invaluable, and when you apply them intentionally, they can open doors to roles you may not have initially imagined.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in our field right now is the lack of meaningful, effective mentorship. Too often, mentorship is informal or transactional, rather than intentional and person-centered. It’s critical to find mentors who truly see you—who recognize your strengths, understand you as an individual, and are invested not only in your career progression but also in your overall well-being. When done well, mentorship becomes a powerful tool for professional development, leadership growth, and long-term fulfillment in the industry.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I've always been a people person .I come from a big family where I'm one of the oldest and it's always been about treating people with respect and the age old" treat people how you want to be treated". I also love taking care of others. Self care is important to me as well as being a dance mom for my daughter and leading for her by example .Like many women in leadership, I continue to balance ambition with wellbeing. Staying current with evolving healthcare technologies while maintaining work-life balance is an ongoing challenge but one I approach intentionally. Outside of work, I find grounding through yoga, meditation, and farming, practices that keep me centered and connected to purpose.