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UW Executive MHA Program Testimonials

The University of Washington Executive MHA Program is designed to bring students with varying health care backgrounds together. The Program has provided me with a rich learning experience as well as a great networking opportunity. Having a diverse cohort enriches the class discussions and brings different perspectives to light. I was skeptical about how I was going to manage a full-time career as HIM Director at UW Medical Center, be a mom, and get my master's degree. It is definitely possible! The Program has given me confidence that I am ready to move into a more challenging role within my organization.

Sally Beahan, RHIA, MHA, 2009
Director, Health Information Management, University of Washington Medical Center
Before participating in the UW Executive MHA Program, I wondered whether enrolling would restrict or constrain my career options, locking me forever in a particular health care career pathway. However, I've found the experience liberating and transformational. The exposure to the broad curriculum has opened my mind to the vast realm of possibilities and opportunities where I can participate in transforming health care.

Paul Helmuth, MHA, 2009
Manager of Specimen Collection & Processing, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
The UW Executive MHA Program has been a wonderful opportunity for me. The competency-based curriculum has improved my financial, managerial, and interpersonal skills, and my educational experience has been enriched by the diverse health care backgrounds of my class colleagues. It has been a challenging and fulfilling learning experience that I am grateful to be a part of. Ultimately, it is the commitment of my professors that sets this program apart from others. I truly feel that every one of them is invested in my learning.

Margaret Lawrence, RN, BSN, MHA, 2008
Registered Nurse, Emergency Room, VA Palo Alto Health Care System
The University of Washington Executive MHA Program offers a tremendous opportunity for real life learning and professional growth. Peer-to-peer feedback, participation, and challenge add to a curriculum designed for learning and development. This program distinguishes itself from other executive and on-line programs through a determination and focus on leadership development. Master's degree programs are available in many formats and levels of challenge. Those who seek to learn, grow, and develop into leaders devoted to bringing positive change to health care should seek out the Executive MHA program at the University of Washington.

Christopher Backous, MHA, 2007
Program Director, Kaizen Promotion Office, Virginia Mason Medical Center
Like many academic physicians in mid-career, I found myself with more administrative responsibilities each year but with little or no training in how to plan strategically, perform quality improvement, lead a team, or even understand the complex and unique health-care industry. The Executive MHA Program has provided me with a solid and broad foundation, and taught me many new skills and tools that I now use every day. The course work is demanding, but I am frequently able to combine work projects and class assignments, thereby improving my productivity in both.

Dr. Craig Jackson, MD, MHA, 2007
NICU Medical Director, Seattle Children's Hospital
Professor, Pediatrics, University of Washington
The group learning processes have real world dynamics; this truly teaches self awareness within a team.

Shawna Lang, MHA, 2007
Senior Clinical Analyst, Public Employees Health Plans Washington State Health Care Authority
The UW Executive MHA Program prepared me very well for my role as Director of Healthcare Practice. The Program has been very beneficial both in my personal life as well as in my professional life. I've learned a lot from the courses as well as from my classmates who played an important part in my development. If there is one piece of information to pass on to current and future students, it would be that the UW Executive MHA Program opens a lot of doors.

Anand Gaddum, MHA, 2007
Director, Healthcare Practice, iLink Systems
As a pharmacist, I now have a much greater understanding of the health services management aspects of finance, strategic planning, economics and marketing, none of which were even introduced to me in pharmacy school. With this new knowledge, the Executive MHA Program has prepared me to seek opportunities in a wide variety of settings, including the pharmaceutical industry, retail pharmacy, hospitals, and consulting.

Jenny Tso, MHA, 2004
Pharmacy Manager/Pharmacist, Safeway