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| A group of faculty and staff from the Whiddon College of Medicine and USA Health became the first cohort to complete USA's Healthcare Leadership Certificate Program. |
The first cohort of students – a select group of faculty and staff from the Whiddon College of Medicine and USA Health – graduated from the Healthcare Leadership Certificate Program on Saturday, Dec. 6.
The program is a partnership of the Whiddon College of Medicine at the University of South Alabama, the USA Mitchell College of Business, and USA Health. Designed to equip professionals with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in today’s dynamic healthcare environment, the comprehensive program covers critical areas such as leadership with an emphasis on self-leadership, communication, human resources management, financial acumen, and the principle of sustainability in healthcare organizations.
The 2024 graduates are:
Ahmed Abdalla, M.D.
Natalie Bauer, Ph.D.
Judy Blair-Elortegui, M.D.
Kimberly Boykin, RN, MSN
Kimberly Corbett
Timothy Dexter, MSM
Jack H. Fowler, CRNA
Sarah Givens, RN, BSN
Kimberly Hale
Terri Hudson
T.J. Hundley, M.D.
Kevin Macaluso, Ph.D.
Mary “Mimi” Munn, M.D.
Jason Payne, MBA
Melody Petty, M.D.
Rachel Seaman, M.D.
Philip Streit, RN, MHA, CRNI
Colin Wehner
Emily Wilson, Ph.D.
Wei Xin, M.D., Ph.D.
In a survey, 89% of participants said they found the program valuable, and 84% said they were “extremely likely” or “likely” to recommend it to others. Participants said they enjoyed the meaningful relationships they developed with fellow classmates during the yearlong program. There was also recognition that while leadership is rewarding, it is hard, dynamic, and a lifelong process entailing finding your purpose, reflection, being self-aware, letting go of control, and extending compassion, including self-compassion.
Participants said being a leader meant “ensuring others were seen and valued” and not being a “workaholic” in the process. “I have a better perspective of being an effective leader,” one said.
Binata Mukherjee, MBBS, MBA, assistant dean for faculty and professional development at the Whiddon College of Medicine and director of healthcare leadership initiatives at the Mitchell College of Business, said 30 candidates have registered for the 2025 program. It will be the first session open to community participants.
Learn more about the Healthcare Leadership Certificate Program.
