What's News

MHA program invests in students’ professional development through Leadership Edge

Katie Cooney, client partner of LeaderSource, met with students on December 3rd to discuss the Leadership Edge program, one of the unique features of the MHA program at the University of Minnesota. Leadership Edge is a professional development program designed for students to aid in their preparation for a career as a healthcare leader. The process includes taking online Hogan assessments, reflective exercises, feedback meetings, and two coaching meetings. LeaderSource, headquartered in Minneapolis, offers leadership development programs for executives, teams, and organizations. Their clients include General Mills, Honeywell, Medtronic, among others. The MHA program at the U of M views this investment as an integral part of a student’s professional development and it is one of the many ways the U differentiates itself from other schools.

MHA Program introduces three new leadership courses in 2007

In fall 2007 the Minnesota MHA Program introduced three new required courses that answer the call for innovative leadership in healthcare education.

• PUBH 6565 - Health Care Delivery Design and Innovation. Designing/creating health care delivery services/experiences. Innovation process, methodologies/tools of innovation design, strategies/processes to ensure execution. Taught by Ayse P Gurses (Twin Cities) and Ryan R Armbruster (Rochester).
• PUBH 6568 - Interprofessional Teamwork in Health Care. Leading/participating in interdisciplinary teams. Team communication, problem solving, conflict management, organizational support. Taught by Gordon Mosser, MD.
• PUBH 6727 - Health Leadership and Effecting Change. Applications of a broad theoretical base in planned change to solve managerial/organizational problems in health professions. Taught by James W. Begun.

For information on these new courses contact the Health Policy and Management Program Offices at 612-624-8818.

Vony Savelkoul passed away on November 25, 2007 at age 81. Vony worked for the MHA Program for 23 years, retiring as an Associate Administrator. Vony unselfishly shared her talents with the MHA faculty and students for 23 years. Her pride in each and every student was boundless. We extend our condolences to her family.

Fishing, bonding, and more

The MHA class of 2008 and 2009 headed north for Train Bell Resort in Merrifield, MN on September 7 for a weekend of fishing, golf, bocce ball, and more at the MHA annual fishing trip, a tradition of the program that goes back decades.  Students broke the ice at a bonfire Friday night and bonded throughout the weekend.  Students felt the trip brought an important element of camaraderie to the program. ““I feel the fishing trip helps establish an immediate sense of belonging in the program, which is really important considering the program is only two years,” said Ali Moin, a second year student. First year students had a chance to seek advice from the second years and discuss their summer internships. Tara Gause stated, “The most valuable aspect of the fishing trip for me as a first-year student was being able to meet and network with other students and faculty, marking the beginning of what I hope to be lasting relationships.” Once again, the trip symbolized the importance of friendships and connections in the program and marked the beginning of a new school year.

UMMC, Fairview hosts fellowship reception for MHA class of 2008

The University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview (UMMC) and the University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital, Fairview (UMCH) hosted a reception and networking event on September 26 in honor of their 2008 administrative fellowship opportunity.  While sipping wine and munching on tasty appetizers students mingled with the fellowship team and other senior management leaders at the Campus Club in Coffman Union, which overlooks the Minneapolis skyline. Gordon Alexander, president of UMMC and UMCH addressed the students and gave a quick overview of the program that will start this summer. The fellowship is intended to allow future health care leaders to work directly as part of the senior management team and provide exposure to academic health care and projects focused on operation and business development.  Alexander stated, “We would love to have you consider us a partner in your personal growth.” Students interested in applying should contact the Health Policy and Management division at the School of Public Health.

MHA Program Ranks Second

U.S. News and World Report has now released its America’s Best Graduate Schools 2008 publication. We are pleased to announce that the University of Minnesota’s Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program now ranks second among all graduate schools in America that offer a master’s degree in healthcare management. In 2004, the Minnesota MHA was ranked in fifth place. We are proud to share the honor of being one of the top three with the University of Michigan (ranked #1) and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (ranked #3). (Mar. 30, 2007)