University of Utah Hospital Site Visit

On Friday, December 4, 2009 FHLA members visited the University of Utah Hospital. We met with COO, Quinn L. Mckenna, and toured some of the hospital facilities.

Mr. Mckenna shared with us his career path prior to becoming the COO. It included 10 years of consulting and previous COO roles with Salt Lake Regional Medical Center and the University of Washington in Seattle. He explained to us that as an academic medical center, the University of Utah Hospital needs to balance three distinct areas: patient care, research, and teaching. He encouraged us to gain experience and exposure to the industry where ever we can. He said that when hiring he looks for “. . . people who make a difference not just people who hold a position.” Mr. Mckenna was very open in fielding our questions about health care reform. He thought that with some of the new proposals there would be more work and less compensation, but at the same time he was upbeat about it and looked forward to the challenge.

The tour of the hospital included a trip to the emergency room (a planed trip). The facilities were physically impressive as was the system explained to us, which treats emergency patients. We were also able to view the bed board system and learn how the hospital keeps track of patients and the availability status of the rooms in the hospital. These behind the scene opportunities provide great insight to us as we continue to learn more about careers in health care administration.

Utah Department of Health Site Visit

On Thursday, November 15, 2009, FHLA members visited the Utah Department of Health. We met with several mid-level employees, each working in a different topic and/or technical area within the Utah Department of Health. Each employee shared with us his/her experience working in state government, the personal career path forged thus far, his/her day-to-day duties, and potential options he/she is considering for the future. FHLA members were able to see how these employees were using marketing skills (i.e., for tobacco cessation), management skills (i.e., for state-wide quality assurance and quality improvement), leadership and team-building skills (i.e., for the partnerships forged with townships in efforts to improve walkability), as well as data-analysis skills (i.e., for designing and implementing cancer program activities); all skills that we are now refining in this degree program. The informal setting provided a wonderful medium for discussion and introspection. It allowed FHLA members to learn more about the Utah Department of Health as we consider careers in the field of health administration.

Redstone Health Center Site Visit

On September 18, the ACHE/FHLA club visited the Redstone Health Center in Park City. Redstone is a part of University Health Care and is set up specifically for “patient centered” care. Manager, Pati Colvin, gave a presentation about the organization of the clinic followed by a tour of its unique design features. Each feature was aimed at providing quick and seamless patient care from the moment the patient enters the clinic. Some of the unique physical features of the clinic are a small waiting room and reception area, having each treatment room stocked with the same equipment and the use of wireless communication. The staff is divided into treatment teams and the supporting medical staff is cross -trained in many functions, such as collecting co-pays, assisting in care and scheduling. Pati enjoys her job overseeing a new way of providing health care that is showing real results in patient satisfaction. We enjoyed getting a glimpse into a pioneering effort to improve the delivery of healthcare.

Redstone Health Center Site Visit

Hello All,

This Friday, September 18, at 3:00 pm we will be making a site visit to the Redstone Health Center in Park City followed by a FHLA opening social. Redstone Health Center is one of the community health centers associated with the University Healthcare System. It is fairly new and is unique in its operations and is a model for the way patients are seen and cared for. FHLA visited this clinic last year and found that it was a great opportunity to see a few of the trends in patient/provider interaction within the healthcare industry.

We will meet to carpool outside the CRCC Point Restaurant at 2:15 pm and would request that if you are able to drive, please let us know when you RSVP to both the site visit and the opening social.

Please RSVP to ache.fhla@gmail.com by Wednesday, September 16th.

Below are driving directions through Google Maps. If the links do not open directly, double click and then select "go to link" or paste them into your browser.

Driving Directions from the University of Utah to Redstone Health Clinic:

FHLA Presidency

From left to right:
Don McCartney, Ashley Anderson, Bryson Brey

FHLA Membership and Events

Hello All,

Thank you for your interest in the Future Healthcare Leaders of America (FHLA) club. Typically, the club meets twice a month, once for discussion with Scott Parker; the founding CEO of IHC, as well as other featured guests; and once a month for a site visit. FHLA has a lot of great activities and networking opportunities this year. Members are invited to all activities. Non-members can attend site visits if there is additional space.

Membership Details:
This year members are asked to pay $25 to cover the cost of activities. This can be paid to any of the presidency members.

President: Ashley Anderson
Co-Vice Presidents:Bryson Brey and Don McCartney

Upcoming Activities:

Brown Bag Dates - Fall Semester
Thursday, October 1, 2009 - with Scott Parker and featured guest John T. Nielson. John Nielson will address the current health care reform issues both nationally and in our own state. John T. Nielson was asked by Governor Huntsman to staff the task force that prepared the legislative proposals on healthcare reform. He has also served as the IHC Vice President for Government Affairs.

Thursday, Oct 22, 2009 - with Scott Parker

Thursday, November 19, 2009 - with Scott Parker

All brown bags will be held in BUC 450 from 4:30-5:30pm

Site Visits
Friday, September 18th Visit to Redstone Clinic in Park City from 2-4pm. Afterwards we will be meeting at Professor Debbie Scammon's House in Park City for refreshments and a social. More details to follow.

November - Tenative visit to the State Health Department

December 4, 2009 - Visit to The University of Utah Hospital from 11am-12pm. We will be meeting with Quinn McKenna, Chief Operating Officier.

January - Tenative visit to The Veterans Hospital (VA)

Please RSVP to ache.fhla@gmail.com for all site visits

FHLA Membership and Events