Ask a doctor or nurse to diagnose or treat a health ailment and they're quick to put their years of medical training into action. However, ask them to consider the financial or operational side of the organization at which they work and many would be at a loss.
"The biggest challenge that most hospitals have is that their medical staff is not trained in business; what the processes are like and what one has to do to run an organization," says Dr. Phil Kibort, vice president, medical affairs and chief medical officer of Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. "So we decided we wanted to create a leadership development program at Children's."
After he and his team reviewed a select group of schools and organizations that specialize in custom education programs, they found Carlson Executive Education to be the best fit. "We came to them with a set list of ideas and, because of their experience with working with so many other companies, they listened to our desires and told us they'll find the people to convey the information we requested."
That was eight years ago. Ever since then, says Kibort, "we have been extremely pleased with our interaction with Carlson Executive Education."
Today, Children's is on its fourth group of doctors and advanced practice registered nurses attending the Carlson Executive Education program designed specifically to meet their needs. The custom program is a two-year course, divided into 11 modules covering such topics as personality recognition, interpersonal communication, decision-making, finance, strategy, marketing, and negotiation skills. Each group is comprised of staff from the hospital and staff from a private practice.
"Carlson Executive Education just does it right," says Kibort. "They treat our people so well. They have the materials ready for them a couple of weeks in advance; the atmosphere is phenomenal; and it's good for these medical professionals to get out of their work environment."
One of the more appealing aspects of working with the Carlson Executive Education staff over the years, Kibort notes, is their willingness to alter the program should he request. "Every year, we meet to reevaluate where we're going. The staff is very receptive to our needs and they're always willing to give you ideas of their own. I never felt that they were trying to push a square peg into a round hole. And if I say I'd like a particular speaker brought in to class, they'll go out and get that person if he or she is available."
After a great start eight years ago and continual improvements ever since, the program is going strong and Kibort has been pleased with the results. "I think the Carlson School is one of the top business schools in the nation. They bring in top faculty, they've been responsive to us, the quality is good, the service is good, and the cost is reasonable. We needed to develop doctors and advanced practiced nurses and this program is helping us do that."
Visit the Carlson Executive Education Custom Learning website for more information.
