The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s only Doctor of Science (DSc) program has changed its name to reflect a focus on leadership education for C-Suite and executive-level members of the healthcare field.
The Alabama Commission on Higher Education approved the new name, Doctor of Science in Healthcare Leadership.
“Our DSc students are executives from across the country and the world. The program has advanced to meet the demand of the industry as well as the needs of our students and the new name mirrors this leadership evolution,” said Christy Harris Lemak, Ph.D., professor and chair, Department of Health Services Administration (HSA).
The DSc in Healthcare Leadership, located in the School of Health Professions and formerly known as DSc in Administration-Health Services, recently accepted its 10th cohort of students. Seventy percent of the class holds a position of vice president or higher within their healthcare organization.
Over the past decade, the program has educated leaders from four countries and 33 states, and conferred 46 doctoral degrees.
“As we reach this important milestone of a decade of excellence, it is important, now more than ever, that our name reflects the significance of our education and the position of our program as the recognized academic leader for senior healthcare executive education,” said S. Robert Hernandez, DrPH, distinguished service professor and director of the Doctor of Science in Healthcare Leadership Program.
The change in name to Doctor of Science in Healthcare Leadership also more accurately reflects the overall focus on strategy, leadership, and evidence-based practice in the curriculum.
The program is renowned for gathering a diverse group of senior healthcare leaders from across the country that understand the importance of a safe space for discussing complex problems and sharing novel solutions.
It is designed for the leader who recognizes the growing demand for highly sophisticated analytical and strategic management skills; the leader whose role requires thorough knowledge of dynamic healthcare delivery and financing systems; and the leader who is committed to moving the healthcare industry forward.
“The DSc credentials allow me, as a physician, to be considered for administrative health system posts. These same credentials allow my voice to be heard around the table,” said Thomas R. Hunt, III, MD, DSc, chair of the Joseph Barnhart Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
The UAB DSc program provides three years of intense networking that helps students form strong bonds with fellow healthcare executives. These lifelong relationships are one of the most valuable benefits of being a UAB Doctor of Science in Healthcare Leadership graduate.
The name change, approved by the University of Alabama board of trustees in June, goes into effect immediately.
