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DSc Program Name Change Reflects Focus on Strategy

The DSc program has received approval for its new name: Executive Doctor of Science (DSc) in Healthcare Leadership,” which will further distinguish the DSc from UAB’s PhD program and emphasize that this doctoral program is specifically designed for executives who hold senior-level leadership positions in healthcare. The change will also more accurately reflect the focus on strategy, leadership, and evidence-based practice in the curriculum.

Celebrate our 10th anniversary at our Colloquium

A celebration of the DSc program’s 10th Anniversary is set for June 7, 2019. The celebration will coincide with the first DSc in Healthcare Leadership Colloquium. Faculty members and alumni will have an opportunity to attend and to be involved in the selection of presentations and topics.

Executive DSc students learn in Stockholm

Members of the 8th cohort of the Executive DSc in Healthcare Leadership program traveled to Stockholm, Sweden, in September 2018. The group learned that the Swedish Health System, which is primarily funded through tax contributions, is based on a system of strong self-government. Much of the responsibility for health and social services lies with the counties and municipalities, and care is provided by a mix of public and private providers. The system is strategically increasing the prevalence of private providers and places an emphasis on choice and equality.

dsc swedenA highlight of the trip included a day hosted by Humana AB, a private provider with 600 offices in the Nordic countries that offers care for the elderly, individual and family care, and personal assistance services. As the Humana executives explained, personal assistance services support care for individuals with severe functional impairments. Swedish citizens are very proud of this state-financed program. In addition, the group was impressed by a relatively new mental health ambulance service offered by the acute psychiatric hospital in Stockholm. The ambulance, staffed by a driver and two nurses who are trained in mental health crisis intervention, responds to calls for individuals of all ages who are suicidal and/or in need of immediate psychiatric care. In addition to providing more appropriate and timely care for this population, the service is already reducing the need for police involvement and reducing stigma.

Meet our 10th cohort

The recruitment and admission cycle for fall 2018 is complete. The program admitted 16 new applicants this year, and 13 have matriculated this fall.