Nima Mowzoon, M.D., wants to be well prepared for the dramatic changes in the nation’s health care system. "As physicians, we have to take a leading role in health care reform," said Mowzoon, a board-certified neurologist and medical director, stroke and neurovascular services for Lee Memorial Health Systems in Fort Myers. "With the explosion in medical technology, the shift to prevention and wellness, the aging of America and the increased cost of care, the old fee-for-service model is breaking down. Instead, providers need to integrate our systems, and that requires professionals who understand the business of medicine."
With that goal in mind, Mowzoon enrolled in the University of Miami School of Business’ Executive MBA (EMBA) in Health Sector Management and Policy Program. In January, he and other seasoned professionals – including physicians, administrators, consultants and accountants – began the two-year weekend program, recently ranked No. 2 in the nation by Modern Healthcare magazine.
"I’ve found a new passion for learning," said Mowzoon. "The classes are phenomenal and the structure of the program is very practical for someone in full-time practice." He added that the UM program has the distinction of dual accreditation by AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and CAHME (Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education).
"Our program emphasizes the development of business, technical, administrative, and leadership concepts as they apply to the healthcare industry," said Steven G. Ullmann, Ph.D., professor and director, of the School’s programs in health sector management and policy. "We look at health care policies, demographic trends and business practices, helping students get a better understanding of the future, as well as providing them with practical ideas and tools they can use immediately."The School of Business has offered the health care industry-focused EMBA program for more than 30 years. The School also offers a joint MD/MBA program in partnership with the Miller School of Medicine, as well as a major and minor in health sector management and policy at the undergraduate level.
For Teresa Glynn, DPT, PT, the School of Business’ EMBA program offered an appealing opportunity to add to her portfolio of administrative skills. "I have a strong clinical background as a physical therapist," said Glynn, who is vice chair for clinical services in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. "I am also an experienced health care administrator who is very loyal to my profession.
In looking to the future, Glynn said, "I want to be as well prepared as possible for both the challenges and the new opportunities facing healthcare. This program is just right for me."
One weekend a month, Paul Adams, M.D. travels from Central Florida for three days of EMBA classes. "It’s not like going to work," he said after the first class sessions in January. "I can see this will be a lot of fun as well. It’s really a priceless learning opportunity."
A board-certified radiation oncologist with Advanced Prostate Cancer Institute in Oxford, Adams says many physicians have resisted the changes in healthcare. "Instead, I want to understand what’s happening and try to create change from within. Physicians, hospitals and other providers certainly know the problems because we live with them. But to solve them, we need a proactive attitude, and work together to build a better system."
Gabriel Decaran-Voigt, director of strategy and marketing for a Miami law firm, chose the EMBA healthcare program for a variety of reasons. "I wanted to be taught by professors who have mastered their subjects," he said. "The faculty members have created a rich learning environment for us, and as a passionate learner I feel surrounded by motivated, successful and accomplished students."
Five years ago, Decaran-Voigt has a life-changing experience, when his infant nephew was diagnosed with congenital heart disease and spent four months in Miami Children’s Hospital. "That planted a seed for me, and I became a volunteer and a fundraiser for the hospital," he said. "I saw that my skills and abilities could be applied to the healthcare industry."
Since Decaran-Voigt has an international business background, the School of Business’ many ties to the Caribbean and Latin America were also an important factor in choosing the program. "I consider the UM brand far superior to other regional players," he added. "For me there is no greater honor than to use the knowledge from the program to better myself as a professional and make a difference in the lives of others."
