“He who chooses the beginning of a road chooses the place it leads to. It is the means that determines the end.” Harry Emerson Fosdick
UTMB is a dynamic force with a mission that revolves around improving health through education, research and patient care. It is a noble undertaking accomplished one day at a time by people who have a vision, who think outside the box and embrace new ideas —people who are leaders.
UTMB supports the principle that leaders are made, not born by offering classes designed to enhance leadership skills and professional growth through its Leadership Academy. http://intranet.utmb.edu/OETR_Training/LeadershipAcademy/
Academy courses include the Emerging Leader, Leader Orientation and Manager Certification. Employees are nominated by their supervisors to attend the courses based on skills, traits and behaviors that identify them as leaders. Each class addresses specific areas of leadership including problem solving, improving work performance and streamlining work processes.
All participants in the Emerging Leader course develop a project in their work areas that utilizes the skills learned in the program. Three recent graduates of the course, Debra Munsell, Beverly Mizell and Macie Seale, made a significant impact with their projects, resulting in a $1 million combined return of investment. The three shared their insight into what it means to be a leader and how UTMB is supporting their efforts to make a difference.
Debra Munsell, associate professor of physician assistant studies, School of Health Professions; manager of patient affairs in the Department of Patient Services
What qualities do you see in yourself that identify you as a leader?
Tenacity, flexibility and intellectual curiosity.
How did this program help you in identifying those qualities?
I have been fortunate to be a part of several leadership initiatives, including this one. Each one was valuable in presenting the characteristics of successful leaders. This program was designed to present the most successful leadership qualities in a method that incorporated the needs of UTMB leaders.
What was the goal of your project? How did you accomplish it?
My project was designed to facilitate optimal patient access in the Head and Neck Cancer Center, and in doing so, increase patient satisfaction. I was able to estimate the cost savings possible with implementation of my project; the actual program has not yet been implemented.
How did you benefit from participating in the leadership program?
Several ways. I developed cordial working relationships with a varied group of leaders throughout the institution, enabling me to learn more about the processes in place across the institution. And, I learned different methods of working successfully with professionals in areas with which I had not had the opportunity to be associated.
How do you think UTMB benefits?
UTMB is greatly served by this program. The participants are mentored in many aspects of leadership that are not easily acquired in a work setting. The practical experience provided by the projects often results in process change and improvement in patient care or employee satisfaction. Many of the projects result in monetary savings for the university.
Any advice for future participants?
Work with your supervisor on a continuing basis during the program; they are uniquely qualified to assist you with the challenges and opportunities that the program presents.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Continuing to grow as a faculty member and becoming more proficient in any leadership role that may become available to someone with my particular skill set and interests.
Beverly Mizell, quality management specialist, Quality and Healthcare Safety
What qualities do you see in yourself that identify you as a leader?
My organizational and communication skills, and I am a team player.
How did this program help you in identifying those qualities?
The program helped me to identify these qualities through games, which were a lot of fun. After participating in the various games, we realized the importance of team work, active listening and communication skills.
What was the goal of your project? How did you accomplish it?
My main goal of the project was the creation of EPIC templates to meet Center of Medicare and Medicaid Services and Carotid Artery Stent Registry requirements.
How did you benefit from participating in the leadership program?
When my director told me about the program, my first reaction was enthusiasm. But when I realized that the end result involved generating a project that would require a return on investment for UTMB — wow, my next thought was: “How could I do this??” As the classes progressed, I became more sure of myself and I did it! Templates are now in place for doctors and residents to use for documentation of requirements mandated by the Center for Medicare Services and the Carotid Artery Stent Registry.
Any advice for future participants?
My advice for future participants would be to have fun. The course provides you with many tools to be an effective leader. In my opinion, everyone would benefit by completing this program.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Probably retirement, but the knowledge learned by taking this course is invaluable. I will incorporate what I have learned in this class into my current and future endeavors. I am very proud of our institution and know the future commitments of UTMB will happen.
Macie Seale, charge nurse, Endoscopy
What qualities do you see in yourself that identify you as a leader?
I can remain calm in a crisis and take control of the situation when the need arises; I work well with our doctors and nursing staff; I believe in teamwork to get the job done; I am a patient advocate and I will do what it takes to have patient satisfaction.
How did this program help you in identifying those qualities?
The class helped me to identify my management style and how to work even better with people, especially people I was not familiar with. The class really helped me take a look at myself and how I could do a better job.
What was the goal of your project? How did you accomplish it?
My project was to improve the work-flow regarding anesthesia patients in Endoscopy. These patients used to come through Day Surgery, but now they come directly to our department. It took the cooperation of both our units to work out the details, and so far it has worked out better for our patients and us.
How did you benefit from participating in the leadership program?
It opened my eyes to even more possibilities on how to manage the workplace. The lessons can even be used in my personal life as well.
How do you think UTMB benefits?
I now know many more ways to deal with people that I did not know before this class. I also feel the class has helped me grow professionally.
Any advice for future participants?
Enjoy the class and have an open mind.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I hope to be retired by then, if not a manager in my area. If I retire in five years, I plan to teach part-time.