UNMC Administrative Colloquium graduates 19 scholars

Administrative colloquium graduates were, back row, from left, Alvin Wee, D.D.S., Pamela Jones, Ph.D., John Ohnoutka, M.D., Mary Petersen, Ellen Roberts, M.D., Greg Karst, Ph.D., Mark Christiansen, Lina Lander, Sc.D., J. Americo Fernandes, M.D., Matthew White, M.D., Kimberly McFarland, D.D.S., and David Hald; front row, from left, Kathy Morris, Ann Berger, Ph.D., Audrey Lazenby, M.D., Rebecca Keating- Lefler, Ph.D., Brian Stevens, M.D., Ph.D., Timothy Durham, D.D.S., (program co-director), and Rebecca Wester, M.D. Not pictured, Patti Fries, O.D.

Effective leaders in academic health care are consistent and persistent with a strong strategic foundation.

That was the message UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., sent May 14 to 19 graduates of the 2008-2009 Administrative Colloquium.

“The contemporary health care environment requires collaboration, creativity, resiliency and an aggressive communication effort,” Dr. Maurer said. “Everyone in Nebraska should know what we do at UNMC.”

Participants in the 2008-2009 Administrative Colloquium are prepared to meet his challenge.

The yearlong faculty development program brings proven leadership techniques to academic medicine in an interprofessional environment.

Colloquium comments “I am thankful to have the experience of learning with colleagues outside my college. It has provided me with a broader perspective of UNMC.” “Because of the Administrative Colloquium forum, I have been able to develop collaborative relationships that otherwise would not have been apparent.” “I have an increased awareness of projects that intersect with my professional interests.” “This learning process has made me more aware and adept in my communication and relationships at UNMC and beyond.”

Successful leadership principles — from emotional intelligence and aligning mission, vision and values to time management and financial planning — are presented in didactic sessions, practiced in small group exercises and then applied in projects selected by each participant.

“Self-assessment surveys show that management skills increase during the yearlong colloquium,” said Pascale Lane, M.D., professor of pediatric nephrology and Helen Freytag Distinguished Professor of pediatrics. Dr. Lane is co-director of the program with Tim Durham, D.D.S., chairman of hospital dentistry.

A new Administrative Colloquium session will begin in Fall 2011. General information about the colloquium is found at the faculty development Web site.