We live in interesting times. On one hand, national health care reform in the US – or at least reform to make financial access close to universal – seems likely. As I learned in my recent travels overseas, foreign health professionals and medical educators view this as a hopeful sign for the US. On the other hand, a continued economic recession in the US and elsewhere adversely affects state budgets and personal spending. Longer term, an aging population and the burden of chronic diseases threaten a US and other health systems fixated on treating acute illnesses.
For AUPHA members and their programs, these interesting times pose an interesting dynamic. As economic choices are reduced, more highly qualified students are choosing to pursue studies in both undergraduate and graduate health care management programs. Placing these students in field experiences, internships, externships, residencies, and full-time positions, however, is now more challenging. Also more challenging is maintaining alumni support as job opportunities diminish and cost cutting eliminates upper level management positions. Addressing these challenges in tight budgetary circumstances means that business as usual does not apply. “Doing more with less” is the mantra many are hearing from department chairs, deans, provosts, chancellors, and presidents.
While cost cutting and cost shifting is certainly occurring among many member programs, I urge you also to face these interesting times by innovating and creating value for your key stakeholders: students, alumni, faculty, health care employers, and other stakeholders in the health care system. AUPHA can help you innovate through the Knowledge Network, and we are dedicated to seeking further ways to assist you in creating value through your educational programs.
Interesting times make for interesting challenges and interesting choices. While the AUPHA board of directors cannot predict the future, we can assure you that you and your program will have a strong voice in how AUPHA faces these challenges and makes decisions. Recently, every member of the AUPHA board of directors reached out to contact each program director in our membership. I want to thank all those who responded and voiced opinions about recent board decisions and offered ideas for improving how AUPHA can assist you, our members. Your opinions and ideas not only inform the board, but also help the board navigate these interesting times.