ELKINS – Davis Medical Center Chief Quality Officer/Risk Manager Michelle A. Stanton BSN RN recently graduated from the West Virginia Hospital Association Hospital Leadership Academy after completing the nine-month program which offers participants the opportunity to gain the experiences, insights, networking, competencies, and skill enhancements necessary to effectively lead teams in the workplace and in their community.

Stanton said the Hospital Leadership Academy helps professionals gain focused insight on the healthcare environment and business leadership strategies.

“The mission of the leadership academy is to prepare individuals to effectively lead transformation in their organizations by broadening their knowledge of the complexities of healthcare in West Virginia and beyond; and to provide experiences to them not available in their own organizations,” Stanton said. “Participants also benefit from the opportunity to exchange ideas and network with their colleagues from across the state.”

According to their website, the West Virginia Hospital Association’s Leadership Academy said teamwork has a positive effect in healthcare organizations, especially when it comes to quality and safety of care. It says the ability to be both an effective team leader and team member is essential for reducing medical errors, improving quality of patient care, addressing workload issues, building cohesion, and reducing burnout of healthcare professionals.

The WVHA developed the Hospital Leadership Academy to provide an opportunity to learn from a broad range of experts from across the country. The Hospital Leadership Academy said their program gives participants the opportunity to:

• Engage in a curriculum that packages foundational leadership skills and targeted healthcare issues, delivered by knowledgeable subject matter experts;

• Develop leadership skills that will help advance their organizations’ mission;

• Experience a range of healthcare facility site visits across the state;

• Participate in interactive discussion with hospital CEOs; and

• Network with peers and colleagues from across the state.

The WVHA website says that as the national and state healthcare landscape continues to shift dramatically, hospitals need leaders that demonstrate innovation and strong decision-making abilities. Every day, West Virginia hospitals are looking for people with skills, techniques, and strategies that contribute to organizational

success and leaders who are passionate about healthcare and improving the health of West Virginia communities.

Additional information about the West Virginia Hospital Association and the Hospital Leadership Academy is available online at www.wvha.org.