Epworth has launched an initiative to develop its leaders of the future, as the Victorian-based medical group heads into its 100th year as a healthcare provider.
From 160 applicants, 24 visiting medical officers have been selected to take part in the inaugural VMO Summit Leadership Program.
“Creating a great experience for our patients means creating a great experience for our doctors,” said Epworth’s chief medical officer, Associate Professor Luis Prado.
“To achieve this aim, we need to equip our doctors to lead and stay ahead of the curve. That’s why we’ve developed the program,” he added.
The 12-month bespoke program was developed and delivered with Monash Business School and the Monash University Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences and funded through Epworth Medical Foundation.
It consists of a masterclass series, group strategic projects and four residential modules, including the prestigious Harvard Macy Leading Innovations in Health Care and Education course in Boston, Massachusetts. Successful participants will receive an Executive Graduate Certificate of Business.
Medical oncologist Associate Professor Rachel Wong, a deputy director at Epworth Eastern in Box Hill and an adjunct clinical associate professor at Monash University, is one of a diverse group chosen for 2020.
The 24 Visiting Medical Officers come from a wide range of specialty areas, including psychiatry, cardiology, gynaecology, obstetrics, gastroenterology, neurology, intensive care and paediatrics.
“We’ll be able to learn from, and leverage off the strengths and experiences of others in the group, develop cross-discipline and cross-site collaborations, and refine their own skill-set,” A/Prof Wong said.
Epworth started out as a Richmond-based hospital in 1920, and is now Victoria’s largest not-for-profit private healthcare group, with more than 10 facilities across the state.
