James A. Hamilton founded the University of Minnesota’s Masters Degree in Hospital Administration in 1946, one of the first of its kind in the nation. His vision of a curriculum that taught health administrators both management knowledge and leadership skills resulted in graduates that lead the nation’s healthcare system. The program became a model for healthcare management programs around the world. He directed the program until 1966.

Hamilton pioneered creative problem solving as a management tool. Known for his 14 Step Method of Problem Solving, his credo was learning by doing. His motto: “never assume.” He relished the Socratic dialogue, encouraging students to probe ideas rather than simply take notes. Although he often left them shaking and sweating in the classroom, behind his challenging method lay a deep commitment to each student’s success in the field.

Hamilton’s uncompromising high standards and values were matched only by the espirit de corps that he created among his students. This led to the founding of the Alumni Association in 1948 and the Educational Trust Fund within the Association in 1955.

During his long career, Hamilton headed organizations such as the American Hospital Association and the American College of Healthcare Executives. He also founded one of the nation’s first healthcare consulting firms which supported opportunities for students to work closely with practicing administrators.

Hamilton was elected to the Healthcare Hall of Fame in 1998.

Problem Solving
The 14-Step “Hamilton” Method

1. Define the problem by apprehending the real issues of the situation and stating the problem precisely.
2. Budget the time as well as the effort available and necessary to arrive at an acceptable solution.
3. List the areas necessary for consideration to determine the best solution.
4. List the elements to be measured and the best means of measurement.
5. Plan, make contact, collect, and classify data.
6. Make comparisons with others, with existing standards, or with past experience.
7. Interpret results of comparisons by seeking the real reasons for variance.
8. Develop temporary conclusions.
9. Consider various solutions; choose the best, not the first acceptable.
10. Take a fresh look at the approach to the problem and the selected solution.
11. Develop a plan of accomplishing the solution.
12. Determine recommendations, which invite action.
13. Prepare and present a report to those who make the final decision.
14. Implement the action to carry out the selected solution.

Evolution and Revolution
in Healthcare Administration
Education

David J. Fine
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
UAB HEALTH SYSTEM

Monday, September 30, 2002
3:30-5:00 PM
Room 2-260Z
Carlson School of Management
University of Minnesota
321 19th Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota

A reception will follow the presentation

The manner in which healthcare executives are educated at the early, mid, and advanced career stages will be defined and contrasted with other professions. A process to develop core competen-cies for healthcare executives and an approach to leadership development in the health sector will be introduced. The educational outcomes of class-room and practice experiences at various career stages will be discussed.

David J. Fine serves as Chief Executive Officer of the UAB Health System, a joint venture of the University of Alabama Health Services Foundation and the University of Alabama Board of Trustees. He is also Professor of Health Service Administration at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and is the author of Designing Health Care for Populations: Applied Epidemiology in Health Care Administration and Healthcare Administration in an Era of Radical Transformation (with Steve Verderber) which is being translated into Japanese.

Mr. Fine is a 1974 graduate of the University of Minnesota’s MHA program and was voted the James A. Hamilton Award by his classmates. Mr. Fine has received numerous awards for his leadership in healthcare including Young Hospital Administrator of the Year by the American College of Healthcare Executives, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award from the University of Cincinnati, and was named “Champion of Public Health” by the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in November 2000.

Mr. Fine is a member of the National Committee for Quality Healthcare and the Vice Chairman of the National Center for Healthcare Leadership. Mr. Fine recently completed two terms as Board Chair-man of the Association of University Programs in Health Administration, the professional association of U.S. and Canadian undergraduate and graduate programs in health administration.