In an impressive showcase of collaboration across departments, UHealth’s Ambulatory Services and Human Resources teams recently celebrated the graduation of its inaugural cohort from the Ambulatory Leadership Development Program (ALDP). The ALDP is a transformative seven-month journey designed for existing UHealth leaders who have expressed an interest in growth and to enhance critical skills necessary to solve today’s problems.
Program Overview
The ALDP was designed to develop a generation of leaders capable of navigating the complexities of the health care environment with confidence and strategic mindset. Participants were taken through a robust curriculum focusing on three critical leadership skills: strategy, human, and technical aspects of health care. The cohort deepened relationships with peers; worked on assigned projects where they applied their learnings and leveraged their strengths to support success, organizational alignment, and continuous improvement; and had the opportunity to shadow UHealth senior leaders.
Program Impact
Of the 50 nominees, 23 were selected for this program and combined they manage a total of 202 direct and 485 indirect reports, underlining the significant impact of the program on our health system.
Overall, participants provided feedback that demonstrates the program's effectiveness in fostering career growth:
- 113% increase in understanding how to develop business plans.
- 95% felt more confident in their ability to influence others, provide feedback, coach, and handle difficult conversations.
- 82% experienced a boost in confidence applying LEAN methodology for process improvement.
- 17% of cohort members have already ascended to new roles.
Graduation Highlights
The graduation event was a culmination of hard work, dedication, and collaborative learning. Maura Shiffman, associate vice president of ambulatory operations, praised the cohort's commitment and highlighted the need for exceptional talent to lead the next generation.
A panel of senior leaders, including Dr. Roy Weiss, chief medical officer of ambulatory operations and professor and chairman of the department of medicine; Rafic Warwar, chief ambulatory officer; and Bri Neuburger Simon, vice president of UHealth operations, surprised graduates by conducting a reverse panel and asking graduates a series of questions to gain insight on their experience in the program.
Impactful Reflections from Graduates and Executive Leaders
Below are some highlights from graduates’ transformative experiences and the wisdom our executive leaders shared with them.
Jon Eden, director of development at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, highlighted the importance of the crucial conversations training, that develops skills to improve decision-making, commitment to action, productivity, and relationship building.
Claudia Whittwell, director of operations at UHealth, and Daniela Cespedes, nursing director in the Department of Medicine, discussed the importance of stepping out of their comfort zones and the benefits of mentorship and feedback in refining leadership skills.
Grace Litano, senior manager in the project management office, and Anthony Diaz, director of operations of ambulatory, emphasized the value of having a deeper understanding of UHealth operations and pushing beyond their comfort zones to foster professional connections and personal growth.
During the graduation ceremony, Alison Mincey, senior vice president and chief human resources officer, shared valuable insights with the program’s graduates, drawing from her journey in leadership. She stressed the critical roles of relationship building and teamwork in achieving organizational goals, highlighting that strong, collaborative relationships are the backbone of effective leadership. Mincey emphasized the importance of learning from your missteps.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Dipen Parekh, chief operating officer at UHealth and executive dean for clinical affairs at the Miller School of Medicine, emphasized that a hallmark of true leadership lies in the ability to actively listen and evolve alongside a team, underlining a mutual journey of growth and discovery.
Looking Forward
As the University of Miami continues to invest in its people, the ALDP stands as a testament to the institution's commitment to excellence and innovation in healthcare leadership and reflects the dedication to nurturing leaders who are ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow's health care landscape. The graduates, armed with enhanced skills, new relationships, and a deepened understanding of their roles, are poised to drive positive change and contribute significantly to the future of UHealth.
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