DEPARTMENT OF HEALTHCARE LEADERSHIP AND MANGEMENT
Department of Healthcare Leadership and Management 39
Department Overview
Dr. James Zoller Department Chair
The new Department of Healthcare Leadership and Management was created in July 2011 to provide a broader approach to education at an executive level and to prepare healthcare leaders for the future. The structure of the new department will improve efficiency in the administration of the College’s health administration and leadership academic programs and position the faculty to play a role in assisting institutions to adapt to changes in the healthcare delivery environment. The Department is home to two academic divisions – Master in Health Administration (MHA), and Doctor of Health Administration (DHA).
Division of Master in Health Administration Professor and Director for the Master in Health Administration (MHA) division, Dr. Andrea White announced, after 25 years of service, her retirement effective August 2012. Dr. White joined the College of Health Professions in 1987 as an Instructor in the Health Information Administration Educational Program. She progressed over the years both academically and administratively to the position of Professor and Director of the MHA Division. Dr. White has always displayed an infectious enthusiasm for her work and tirelessly supported the students. During Dr. White’s leadership, the MHA program has steadily grown in both number of students and reputation; this year was no exception. The program accepted its largest MHA class in the 2012 academic year to include 37 Residential students and 33 Executive students. There were 53 graduates of the program in May 2012. Many graduates have obtained excellent positions in a variety of healthcare venues around the country, and 17 of them are in an administrative fellowship or development program within a large healthcare system. Several executive MHA graduates who are already employed in healthcare revealed that they have been offered promotions and/or new positions as a result of their education. In November 2011, the MHA program was notified by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) of its reaccreditation for the maximum allowable time, six years.
Dr. Andrea White
Division of Doctor of Health Administration and Leadership The Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) executive program was the first of its kind in the country when it was implemented at MUSC in the 1990s. The Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) Program continues to thrive and it is now offered in three diverse tracks. Each track is designed to allow ambitious healthcare professionals to turn their clinical or administrative experiences into opportunities to teach, shape public policy and/or lead complex organizations.
College of Health Professions MUSC
40 Department of Healthcare Leadership and Management
Doctor of Health Administration – Executive Candidates in the DHA-Executive program have achieved senior-level administrative positions, and now seek the next level of education. Our graduates generally use their doctoral degrees to pursue faculty positions in higher education, leadership roles in healthcare advocacy, or top administrative roles in healthcare. The program accepted 10 new students for 2011 Fall semester. The program had 10 graduates in May of 2012, which is the largest number of graduates in recent years.
Doctor of Health Administration Interprofessional Studies This program features evidence-based practice with an emphasis on collaboration and enhanced leadership skills in an interprofessional environment. The goal is to improve patient quality of care and safety in the healthcare delivery system. The program continues to grow in its second year with nine students accepted for 2011 Fall semester.
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Health care delivery is evolving at a rapid rate with the adoption of health care reform. There is a great need for competent administrators and leaders throughout the healthcare industry. Our vision is to prepare these leaders for the future.” Dr. Zoller, Department Chair, Department of Healthcare Leadership & Management
Doctor of Health Administration Information Systems This new program delivers cutting-edge, doctoral level, training on-line so students may work while enrolled. Professionals will apply their experience in healthcare technology to this degree and build on the domains of change, leadership, and health informatics. The program admitted its inaugural class for the 2011 Fall semester. n
MHA students attend an Aramark Manager Grand Rounds via videoconference to learn about fellowship opportunities.
2012 Annual Report