Jake Pringle
Ryerson University
School of Health Services Management
What's your educational background? Why did you choose your area(s) of study? What did you do before entering academe?
I was a practicing Chiropractor for almost 12 years before I began teaching as a part-time instructor in our School. In addition to teaching and running a clinical practice I also accepted the role of Program Manager for the School of Health Services Management for 2 years. A few years back I left clinical practice and accepted a full time position with Ontario's Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC) as Senior Policy Advisor, first in the Chronic Disease Management and Prevention Unit and more recently in the Health Equity Policy Unit. I took a 1 year leave of absence from the MOHLTC to accept a 1 year contract at Ryerson as an Assistant Professor in the School of Health Services Management.
What is your current position and what made you choose your current program?
I have now returned to my Ministry position as Senior Policy Advisor in the Health Equity Policy Unit at the MOHLTC and remain Adjunct Faculty in the School of Health Services Management at Ryerson University.
What is unique about your program, faculty, and students?
I think what makes our program unique is the quality of our student practicum research projects, many of which go on to be published in peer-reviewed journals.
Is your program AUPHA Certified or CAHME Accredited?
Yes, AUPHA Certified
How has this distinction affected your program?
I think the main impact is reflected in the networking and learning from our colleagues by becoming part of a team focused and dedicated to improving health management education.
What trends do you see occurring in your program and in the field?
Within the health policy space, health equity has become a large focus for all levels of government. For higher education and our School of Health Services Management the trend is towards greater differentiation in our programming.
What are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing your program?
I think our biggest challenge in the next few years is competition from College Level programs which are now able to offer Degree programming. This could potentially have a negative impact on application numbers. But out of this challenge has come an opportunity. That opportunity is to develop and build a Masters level program which is well differentiated from other programs in the region.
If making a living were not a consideration, what would you be doing instead or what would you do in retirement?
Volunteering around the world working towards supporting and improving animal rights.