Leadership Development for Physicians in Academic Health Centers

Certificate of Specialization:Executive Leadership in Health Care
  • On-Site
  • October 1325, 2024
  • $11,200
  • On-Site
  • November 315, 2024
  • $11,200

Harvard Longwood Campus, Boston, MA

Couldn’t ask for a more organized and thoughtful look at leadership, organizational issues, and topics facing us currently and in the future.
  • —Patrick Ha, MD
  • Physician, University of California, San Francisco

Program Overview

Strategic Leadership Development for Healthcare Professionals in Academic Health Centers

Academic health centers in the United States are experiencing unprecedented disruption and change as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now more than ever, institutions need physicians in leadership who have the skills and experience to lead in complex and ever-changing environments.

For over forty years Harvard has conducted intensive two-week executive development programs designed specifically to enhance the leadership and management skills that have become even more vital in today’s health care climate. Leadership Development for Physicians in Academic Health Centers is designed to serve a wide array of physician leaders. It convenes medical directors and chiefs of divisions from academic health centers together with an interdisciplinary faculty team for two weeks of intensive and systematic study of the critical leadership and management issues faced by physicians in administrative positions and academic health centers.

Curriculum

The curriculum is organized around the following interrelated courses taught by a faculty experienced in executive education for physicians and other key decision-makers in the health system:

  • Competitive Strategy
  • Financial Analysis
  • Operations Management
  • Organizational Issues
  • Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
  • Leadership
  • Health Care Policy

Take the Next Step in Your Career Evolution with the
Executive Leadership in Health Care Certificate of Specialization 

Leadership Development for Physicians in Academic Health Centers is one of the nine programs eligible for the Executive Leadership in Health Care Certificate of Specialization, which is specially designed for those who desire to learn how to excel at managing and leading groups in a health care setting. The Certificate consists of three* programs—offered both online and on-site in Boston, MA—designed and taught by Harvard Faculty and prominent health care leaders to prepare you for the future of an ever-changing health care industry.

For more information, visit our Executive Leadership in Health Care Certificate of Specialization page.

*Program for Chairs of Clinical Services and Leadership Development for Physicians in Academic Health Centers each count as two programs towards the certificate.

A carefully integrated curriculum permits participants to examine fundamental leadership and managerial issues from the perspective of several disciplines. The overriding purpose for learning concepts, techniques and skills in any of the management disciplines in this program is to understand their managerial use and limitations.

Teaching Methods

The principal method of instruction in the program is the case method, a technique pioneered and refined at the Harvard Business School. Most of the cases present actual problem situations familiar to physicians in administrative positions at academic health centers.

The case method confronts the participant with an actual management problem, halted at a point where decisions must be made, and empowers the participant to choose a course of action.

Participants go through a three-step study process. First, participants study each case independently. Then they meet in small discussion groups to test their individual analysis against those of their peers. Lastly, the entire class discusses the case, with the professor as a catalyst and guide. The professor points out considerations the class has overlooked; elicits from participants the lessons of experience; pursues each line of investigation to its conclusion; and finally, summarizes the discussion and draws out the major lessons it has taught.

Assigned readings and guest lecturers supplement and augment the use of cases. In addition, an important part of the learning process occurs during the informal exchange of insights and experience among participants and between participants and faculty.

Program Objectives

The program’s overall objective is to enhance and develop participants’ leadership abilities and effectiveness. This is accomplished by providing: increased understanding of their responsibilities as leaders; perspective on the critical leadership and management issues they face; and understanding and awareness of concepts and techniques relevant to management.

Upon Completion of the Program, Participants Will Have Gained:

  • Increased understanding of the responsibilities and tasks of leaders in complex institutions
  • Broader appreciation of the challenges and changes occurring in academic medical centers and the implications for their own institution and service or area of responsibility
  • New perspectives on issues they face currently and on those which arise in the future
  • Knowledge of relevant concepts and techniques in several key management disciplines
  • New methods to analyze problems and an enhanced capacity to identify the critical questions
  • Greater effectiveness as unit and institutional leaders in formulating and implementing initiatives and managing change

Credits and Logistics

Accommodations

October 2024

The Colonnade Hotel
120 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02116
TEL: (617) 424-7000 FAX: (617) 424-0968
$359/night + 16.45% tax

Special Amenities
  • Spacious guestrooms
  • Private suite for program participant use only, offering evening refreshments
  • Floor-to-ceiling windows that open
  • Complimentary Fríða* high-speed wired and wireless Internet access
  • Keurig® coffee and tea makers
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Ample electrical outlets (and where you need them)
  • Outlet adapters
  • Pillow-top mattresses and high thread count linens
  • Dimmer lighting
  • In Room Safes
  • Refrigerators in every room
  • iPod / iPhone / Mobile device Cubie Blue™ alarm clock dock
  • Dual line speaker phone
  • Samsung® 55" LCD TV's with 60 HD television channels
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Boca™ Plush Terry bathrobes
  • 5x Make-up/Shaving mirror
  • Five Wits by La Bottega luxurious bath amenities
  • Full size hair dryer
  • Fitness center
  • Complimentary Shoe Shine Service
  • Turndown Service upon request
  • Plush Dog Beds, bowls, leashes and treats via our complimentary VIPet's program
  • 100% non-smoking by ordinance of the City of Boston
Once accepted to the program, Harvard will make your reservation for you. Room rate is not included in your tuition.

The Colonnade Hotel has provided genuine Bostonian hospitality to residents and visitors for more than 40 years. A beloved Back Bay landmark whose opening launched the neighborhood’s renaissance in the early 1970s, The Four-Diamond Colonnade Hotel is home to the city’s only rooftop pool, to a host of recently remodeled function rooms and the hotel’s grand ballroom, providing the setting for many of the city’s memorable business and social events. The Colonnade Hotel is within walking distance of Newbury Street and many of Boston’s finest shops, museums, galleries, and landmarks including the Hynes Convention Center, Symphony Hall and Fenway Park, and is located just minutes from Logan International Airport. The Colonnade Hotel is a member of the Preferred Hotels' LIFESTYLE collection. Preferred Hotels represents more than 800 of the world's finest hotels and resorts with an extensive global collection in more than 85 countries


November 2024

The Colonnade Hotel
120 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02116
TEL: (617) 424-7000 FAX: (617) 424-0968
$359/night + 16.45% tax

Special Amenities
  • Spacious guestrooms
  • Private suite for program participant use only, offering evening refreshments
  • Floor-to-ceiling windows that open
  • Complimentary Fríða* high-speed wired and wireless Internet access
  • Keurig® coffee and tea makers
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Ample electrical outlets (and where you need them)
  • Outlet adapters
  • Pillow-top mattresses and high thread count linens
  • Dimmer lighting
  • In Room Safes
  • Refrigerators in every room
  • iPod / iPhone / Mobile device Cubie Blue™ alarm clock dock
  • Dual line speaker phone
  • Samsung® 55" LCD TV's with 60 HD television channels
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Boca™ Plush Terry bathrobes
  • 5x Make-up/Shaving mirror
  • Five Wits by La Bottega luxurious bath amenities
  • Full size hair dryer
  • Fitness center
  • Complimentary Shoe Shine Service
  • Turndown Service upon request
  • Plush Dog Beds, bowls, leashes and treats via our complimentary VIPet's program
  • 100% non-smoking by ordinance of the City of Boston
Once accepted to the program, Harvard will make your reservation for you. Room rate is not included in your tuition.

The Colonnade Hotel has provided genuine Bostonian hospitality to residents and visitors for more than 40 years. A beloved Back Bay landmark whose opening launched the neighborhood’s renaissance in the early 1970s, The Four-Diamond Colonnade Hotel is home to the city’s only rooftop pool, to a host of recently remodeled function rooms and the hotel’s grand ballroom, providing the setting for many of the city’s memorable business and social events. The Colonnade Hotel is within walking distance of Newbury Street and many of Boston’s finest shops, museums, galleries, and landmarks including the Hynes Convention Center, Symphony Hall and Fenway Park, and is located just minutes from Logan International Airport. The Colonnade Hotel is a member of the Preferred Hotels' LIFESTYLE collection. Preferred Hotels represents more than 800 of the world's finest hotels and resorts with an extensive global collection in more than 85 countries


Continuing Education Credit

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health designates this live activity for a maximum of 43 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health will grant 43 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for this program, equivalent to 43 contact hours of education. Participants can apply these contact hours toward other professional education accrediting organizations.

All credits subject to final agenda.

Faculty

Current faculty, subject to change.

Theodore J. Witherell, MA

Program Director

October 1325, 2024 November 315, 2024
Faculty
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Agenda

October 13 – 25, 2024

All Times are Eastern Time (ET).

Sunday, October 13, 2024
3:00–4:00 pm Final Registration - Colonnade Hotel
4:30–5:15 pm Opening Meeting - Colonnade Hotel
5:15–7:30 pm Reception and Dinner - Colonnade Hotel
7:30–9:30 pm Study Time
Monday, October 14, 2024
8:15–8:45 am Discussion Groups
8:45–9:15 am Introduction to Week One (Technology Orientation)
9:15–10:30 am What is Leadership?
10:30–11:00 am Refreshment Break
11:00 am–12:15 pm Introduction to Strategy
12:15–1:15 pm Lunch
1:15–2:45 pm Understanding Policy & Desegregation in US Hospitals in 1966
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
8:15–9:00 am Discussion Groups
9:00–9:15 am Coffee Break
9:15–10:30 am Introduction & Management Control Function
10:30–11:00 am Refreshment Break
11:00 am–12:15 pm Differential Cost Accounting
12:15–1:15 pm Lunch
1:15–2:30 pm Through the Looking Glass: Understanding Organizations
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
8:15–8:45 am Discussion Groups
8:45–9:00 am Coffee Break
9:00–10:30 am Leading Teams and Group Decision Making: The Value of Leaders
10:30–11:00 am Refreshment Break
11:00 am–12:30 pm Leading Teams and Group Decision Making: The Value of Leaders (Con't)
12:30–1:30 pm Lunch
1:30–2:45 pm Differential Cost Accounting
Thursday, October 17, 2024
8:15–9:00 am Discussion Groups
9:00–9:15 am Coffee Break
9:15–10:00 am Management Control Structure and Transfer Prices
10:30–11:00 am Refreshment Break
11:00 am–12:30 pm Understanding US Health Reform and the Affordable Care Act
12:30–1:30 pm Lunch
1:30–2:45 pm Managing Change and Transition
Friday, October 18, 2024
8:15–9:00 am Discussion Groups
9:00–9:15 am Coffee Break
9:15–10:30 am Managing Quality of Care and Reengineering
10:30–11:00 am Refreshment Break
11:00 am–12:15 pm The Basics of Operations Management
12:15–1:15 pm Lunch
1:15–2:30 pm Strategic Formulation: Organizational Level
2:30–2:45 pm Week Two Orientation
2:45–3:00 pm Week Two Discussion Group Leader's Meeting
6:00–7:00 pm Reception - Colonnade Hotel
Saturday, October 19, 2024
8:15–8:45 am Discussion Groups
8:45–9:00 am Coffee Break
9:00–10:15 am Managing Flow & Variability
10:15–10:45 am Refreshment Break
10:45 am–12:00 pm Creating a Culture of Operational Excellence
12:00–12:15 pm Bag Lunch
Monday, October 21, 2024
8:15–8:45 am Discussion Groups
8:45–9:00 am Coffee Break
9:00 am–1:00 pm You as Negotiator, Conflict Resolver, and Meta-Leader
11:00–11:30 am Refreshment Break
1:00–2:00 pm Lunch
2:00–3:15 pm Strategy Implementation: Organizational Level
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
8:15–9:00 am Discussion Groups
9:00–9:15 am Coffee Break
9:15–11:15 am Leading Teams and Group Decision Making: The Value of Teams
11:15–11:45 am Refreshment Break
11:45 am–12:45 pm Leading Teams and Group Decision Making: The Value of Teams (con't)
12:45–1:45 pm Lunch
1:45–3:00 pm Quality of Care & Health Delivery Reform in the US
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
8:15–8:45 am Discussion Groups
8:45–9:00 am Coffee Break
9:00–10:15 am Hot Topics in Healthcare Leadership
10:15–10:45 am Refreshment Break
10:45 am–12:15 pm Managing Others: Having Difficult Conversations
12:15–1:15 pm Lunch
1:15–2:30 pm Strategic Planning: Department Level
Thursday, October 24, 2024
8:15–8:45 am Discussion Groups
8:45–9:00 am Coffee Break
9:00–10:15 am Disruptive Innovation
10:15–10:45 am Refreshment Break
10:45 am–12:00 pm Journey From Physician to Leader
12:00–1:00 pm Lunch
1:00–2:15 pm Equity In Healthcare
6:30–9:15 pm Program Event
Friday, October 25, 2024
8:15–8:45 am Discussion Groups
8:45–9:00 am Coffee Break
9:00–10:00 am What's in Your Leadership Toolbox?
10:00–10:15 am Refreshment Break
10:15–11:30 am Integrating the Management Control System with Strategy & Ops
11:30 am–12:00 pm Bringing the Learning Home
12:00–12:15 pm Program Adjournment/Bag Lunch

This agenda is subject to change.

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Who Should Apply

The program is designed for physicians in administrative leadership positions in academic health centers, who lead a clinical division and report directly to the chair of their department. Potential participants include individuals in positions such as chief of a clinical division within a major clinical department, vice chair of a clinical department, medical director with similar responsibilities as a division chief, and associate dean for clinical affairs. Participants will be selected with a view to ensuring an appropriate mix and balance in the class.

Application and Admission

Early application is encouraged. Qualified candidates are admitted on a rolling, space-available basis, and programs often fill early. The priority deadline is May 1, 2023, but we continue to accept applications until the program reaches capacity. No payment is due at the time of application. Applicants who are admitted to the program are required to pay the program fee to reserve their place.

Because this is a full-time, residential program and because of the cumulative and interactive nature of the educational experience, applicants who are accepted must plan and agree to attend and participate in all sessions of the program.

Program Organization

Classes and discussion groups are scheduled six days a week, Monday through Saturday. Preparation for classes averages six hours a day. Registration is scheduled for 3:00 – 4:00 pm on the opening Sunday of the program. The following Sunday is free except for cases to be prepared for Monday’s classes. The program concludes on the second Friday at 2:00 pm. Participants are required to free themselves of professional and family responsibilities for the period of the program so that full attention can be devoted to the educational experience.

How to Apply

For your convenience you may review the list of application questions for the program. We advise applicants to prepare their answers in a word document and then cut and paste them into the online application in order to avoid losing their work in the unlikely event of a technical difficulty. Once your answers have been prepared and you are ready to continue with the application process please click the “apply now” button above. Thank you for your cooperation, we look forward to reviewing your application.