What brought you to the UW Executive MHA Program?
Over the past ten years of practicing emergency medicine, I became interested in performance improvement for physician practice. As my interest progressed, I recognized the need to incorporate a different mindset from that as a physician; I needed to think as a leader. Learning about this mindset, ranging from self awareness, the social dynamics of a group, and the concept of organizational transformation, is as much a part of the fundamentals of UW Executive MHA Program as, for example, the financial and economic coursework.

How would you describe your educational background?
I am board certified in emergency medicine, and have completed a research fellowship. Over the past several years, I have participated in leadership courses through the American College of Physician Executives (ACPE). Through the ACPE courses I realized that a more comprehensive program would be beneficial.

What is your professional background?
Prior to starting the UW Executive MHA Program, I was a Director of Quality for an emergency medicine physician group. This role developed over several years as the necessity and complexity of the performance mechanism increased. My fellowship was in cellular and metabolic research.

Are there any outstanding or unique experiences that you would like to share with regard to the UW Executive MHA Program?
I appreciate the ongoing simulation of the health care environment in this program. It is literally like a health care organization with the mixture of students: pharmacists, nurses, physicians, and health care employees with management experience. Much of the work in class mirrors expected work within a hospital or health care enterprise. It is a great method of incorporating and practicing the learning.

What do you feel are the strengths of the UW Executive MHA Program?
Other than that mentioned above, the breadth of experience and high energy of the instruction are strengths. This is not just a series of lectures; it is an ongoing reflection of today's health care world with exposure to real problems, ideals and practical answers. The dynamics are structured such that the students learn from each other as well as from the excellent instructors.

What are your career goals, and how do you feel the UW Executive MHA Program is assisting you in reaching those goals?
In May, I will become a faculty member in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia. My interests are in the clinical and operational performance of emergency departments and the impact this has on hospitals. I look forward to developing future emergency medicine physicians with knowledge and value of quality improvement.