Building transformational health care leaders is the goal, and 12 students have stepped up to the challenge as the first class in NEOMED’s new Master of Leadership in Health Systems Science degree program. Today marks their first day in the master’s degree program.
Each cohort is limited to a dozen students who will be trained in innovation and delivery of collaborative care models. As their final project, students will apply concepts they have learned, using them to solve a “systems issue” identified by and in collaboration with a NEOMED partner care delivery system.
The new degree program is directed by Vivian von Gruenigen, M.D., a professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. von Gruenigen has served as a division chief, chair and chief medical officer in her career as a physician leader, and has won educational, service and research awards locally and nationally. Dr. von Gruenigen completed an obstetrics and gynecology residency at Summa Health in Akron and completed the Physician Executive Institute at Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University, in Cleveland.
Faculty members for the new degree program include Mehool Patel, M.D., M.B.A., and Bill Considine, the former longtime leader of Akron Children’s Hospital – each of whom appeared on NEOMED’s inaugural VITALS series during the 2020-21 academic year.
The VITALS series features innovative leaders in the medical sector discussing leadership challenges and solutions. VITALS returns September 2, at a new start time of noon, with former U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy. Register here for the Sept. 2 VITALS.
Watch The Pulse for future articles on the people of the Master of Leadership in Health Systems Science degree program.
Photo: Vivian von Gruenigen, program director