What brought you to the UW Executive MHA Program?
In 2006, my role as clinical pharmacist expanded into quality improvement and patient safety. Learning to implement change through experience was valuable but I knew that I needed formal training in leadership and other aspects of health care administration in order to be successful. After completing the Pharmacy Leadership Academy through the Center for Health-System Pharmacy Leadership in 2009, enjoying it, and seeing the benefits, I decided to apply to the UW Executive MHA Program. I was attracted to the Program because of its focus on leadership and the opportunity to collaborate with health care professionals outside of pharmacy. In addition, I wanted a program that would allow me to continue my current career while going to school, and one that provided face-to-face classroom time.

How would you describe your educational background?
In 2001, I received my Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and then moved to Seattle to start my career as a clinical pharmacist.

What is your professional background?
My clinical focus is in critical care. In 2004, I earned the designation of Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist from the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties. My current position as a medication safety specialist allows me to lead multidisciplinary teams while maintaining my clinical role in direct patient care.

Are there any outstanding or unique experiences that you would like to share with regard to the UW Executive MHA Program?
The UW Executive MHA Program has exceeded my expectations and is truly innovative in its educational model. First, I appreciate the support the students receive from faculty for maintaining work-life balance. This is part of a necessary support network that includes family and colleagues, which has allowed me to take on the Executive MHA challenge fearlessly. Second, I value the team-based learning aspect of the program. I have learned so much listening to the range of perspectives represented in classroom discussions. Finally, I would add that the methods used to develop students as leaders are useful and evidence based.

What do you feel are the strengths of the UW Executive MHA Program?
In addition to the strengths mentioned above, the faculty are experts in the field and their expertise has increased my understanding of health policy. The faculty have also helped me see connections between my role in health care and all coursework.

What are your career goals, and how do you feel the UW Executive MHA Program is assisting you in reaching those goals?
The Executive MHA Program has increased my confidence because I am developing the skills I need to interact with a variety of health care professionals. In order to meet my goals of improving quality and patient safety, I need to be able to effectively partner with both clinical and administrative colleagues.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your experiences here?
The value of the UW Executive MHA Program is in how all the individual pieces of the program (team-based learning, longitudinal leadership development, exceptional faculty, etc.) synergistically fit together to improve the knowledge and skills of its students.