When Justin Vital first arrived at PUC as a freshman, he was enrolled in the pre-medicine program, but that all changed at the end of the school year when his mother was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. While his mother received excellent clinical care, Justin saw firsthand how healthcare could and should do more to care for a person’s body, mind, and spirit. With a change of passion from treating individual patients to improving care for various communities, he switched his major to healthcare administration, motivated to one day lead teams that serve patients and communities through mission-focused care. 

From Miami, FL, Justin began his quest in healthcare administration in 2022, beginning as an operations intern for AdventHealth and returning the following year. After graduating in 2024 with a BBA in Healthcare Administration, he returned to his home state, this time in Orlando, to start a management residency. Since fall of 2024, Justin has been a part of AdventHealth’s Leadership Residency program, growing to lead and support operational teams that aim to improve patient experience, access, and operational excellence. 

“The residency has given me the opportunity to work across multiple service lines while leading teams focused on patient experience, operational excellence, and access to care,” he shared. “It has been an incredible environment to learn how healthcare organizations operate while developing as a servant leader.”

Nearing two years into his residency program, Justin enjoys how each day is different. Typically, though, his duties include partnering with clinical and operational leaders, rounding with frontline teams, leading improvement initiatives, analyzing operational and quality data, and attending executive meetings.   

“AdventHealth’s mission of ‘Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ’ and seeing the patients, families, and communities we serve motivated me to serve in our organization,” said Justin. “Seeing our mission come to life every day through the care our physicians give to our patients, the interactions of our housekeepers with families as they clean their rooms, and the care outside of the hospital walls in our communities has been inspiring to continue that mission forward.”

What makes you most proud to be in this program? 

What makes me most proud is being part of a program that helps me serve patients and the community in a more meaningful way. It gives me the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to work that can improve the care experience for others. I am especially grateful to be in a mission-focused environment that keeps the needs of patients and families at the center of everything we do.

What has been the most challenging and rewarding part of this residency?

The most challenging part of the residency has been learning to lead in an ever-changing healthcare environment, where priorities can shift quickly, and leaders must make thoughtful decisions while remaining adaptable. The most rewarding part has been seeing the direct impact our work has on the care patients receive. Knowing that operational improvements can enhance the patients’ experience and help our teams provide exceptional, whole-person care makes the work deeply meaningful.

How supportive is the program in mentoring residents like you?

The AdventHealth Management Residency is incredibly supportive and intentionally designed to develop future healthcare leaders. Throughout the program, residents receive executive mentorship, personalized coaching, and meaningful exposure to senior leaders across the organization. Through the Leadership Institute, we participate in monthly leadership development sessions, professional development opportunities, and cross-functional learning experiences that strengthen both our leadership and operational skills. Combined with hands-on project leadership and networking across the health system, the residency provides an exceptional foundation for long-term growth in healthcare leadership.

How did PUC impact your future and career, such as preparing for and being in this residency? 

PUC played a significant role in preparing me for my career and the AdventHealth Leadership Residency. Serving as a leader on the men’s volleyball team taught me how to lead through service, build strong teams, and navigate challenges with resilience. In the classroom, PUC’s business faculty equipped me with the analytical, financial, and leadership competencies that I apply daily in healthcare operations. Together, those experiences gave me the confidence and foundation to lead effectively while staying grounded in service to others.

What made you want to attend PUC? 

I chose to attend Pacific Union College because it offered the unique opportunity to compete on the men’s volleyball team while pursuing a degree in healthcare administration. PUC allowed me to combine my passion for athletics with a career path that aligned with my desire to make a meaningful impact in healthcare. Looking back, it was the perfect environment to grow both personally and professionally.

What did you enjoy the most during your time, and what are your favorite memories? 

Some of my favorite memories at PUC came from being part of the men’s volleyball program. As a member of the inaugural team, I built lifelong friendships and learned lessons in leadership, teamwork, and perseverance that continue to shape me today. I also enjoyed spending late nights studying in The Grind, where many friendships and ideas were formed. Outside the classroom, I was proud to help build a partnership between the Business Club and the City of St. Helena, creating volunteer opportunities for students and helping organize a service trip to Lake Tahoe. Looking back, it was the people, the relationships, and the opportunities to serve that made my time at PUC so meaningful.

Was there a faculty or staff member who helped shape your time at PUC?

One of the things that made PUC so special was the people. I was fortunate to learn from professors, coaches, and mentors who genuinely invested in me beyond the classroom. Dr. Bell and Dr. Fisher challenged me to think critically and prepared me for a career in healthcare leadership, while Coach Bob, Coach Melissa, and Coach Jack taught me lessons about leadership, resilience, teamwork, and character that I still carry with me today. I was also grateful for leaders like Jr. Rodgers and many others, who always encouraged students to grow both personally and professionally. Looking back, it’s the relationships I built with these mentors that had the greatest impact on my time at PUC and continue to influence the leader I am today.

What skills or lessons did you learn from PUC that you still carry today? 

One of the greatest lessons I learned at PUC was the importance of building culture before expecting results. As a member of the men’s volleyball team, I experienced firsthand what it takes to establish a culture rooted in trust, accountability, and a shared purpose. That experience taught me that strong, sustainable performance is built through intentional leadership and investing in people. I carry that lesson with me every day in healthcare, where creating a positive culture is essential to supporting teams and ultimately delivering exceptional care for patients.

What were your favorite restaurants in the Napa Valley? 

Gott’s Roadside and Himalayan Sherpas were my favorite places to eat!

What’s your favorite way to unwind and recharge after a busy week? 

At PUC, playing volleyball or the piano were my favorite things to do to unwind. Currently, spending time with my wife, working out, and coaching volleyball are my favorite things to do!

What advice do you have for students interested in pursuing a career like yours? 

My advice would be to lean on the mentors around you at PUC and take advantage of internship and residency opportunities early. The relationships you build with professors, coaches, and campus leaders can open doors, provide guidance, and help you understand your strengths and interests more clearly. For me, AdventHealth’s internship program gave me early exposure to healthcare operations and helped me see how much I enjoyed the work behind the scenes. I would also encourage students to start early, stay open to learning, and say yes to opportunities that give them real experience. With AdventHealth’s growth across seven states and the strong connection between PUC and AdventHealth, there are many opportunities to get involved, learn, and grow into a career with purpose. Those experiences can help shape your path long before graduation.