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Course Descriptions

Currently accepting applications Apply now >> Next program starts: Autumn 2008 Program location: UW campus, Seattle Sign up to receive e-mail updates >> Contact a program representative >>

Interested in taking a single class? Some courses (designated by a below) may be open on a space-available basis to professionals who are not seeking the certificate. See Single-Course Enrollment for details.

Autumn 2008 Course

Medical Practice Quality Measurement and Management

Schedule: (HSERV 590, 3 credits) Wednesdays, 5:30-8:20 p.m., Sept 24-Dec. 3, 2008 (no class Nov. 26); $TBD plus $35 nonrefundable registration fee and $12 technology fee ($16 if GNM).
Instructors: John B. Coombs, M.D. and Ed Walker, M.D., M.H.A.

In this course, active or potential health care executives will gain the knowledge and skills needed to manage the delivery of high value care. The course is especially aimed at clinicians interested in leading their peers in the definition, measurement and management of quality improvement in the current rapidly evolving scene.

Students will gain insight into modern quality management (including "rapid cycle improvement"), the outcomes research movement, "report cards," evidence-based guidelines, accreditation issues and modification of physician practice patterns. Other topics adressed in this course include:

• Definition and measurement of quality
• Outcomes measurement
• Assessment processes
• Population-based epidemiology
• Patient satisfaction
• Severity and risk adjustment systems
• Performance indicators
• CQI/TQM philosophy, approach, tools and techniques
• Medical informatics
• Accreditation issues

Winter 2009 Course

Strategic Management of Health Care Organizations

Schedule: (HSERV 590, 3 credits) Wednesdays, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Jan. 7-March 11, 2009; $TBD plus $35 nonrefundable registration fee and $12 technology fee ($16 if GNM).
Instructor: William L. Dowling, Ph.D.

This course focuses on the development and implementation of strategy and market positioning by health care organizations in the changing health care marketplace. The course stresses practical approaches to articulate an organization's mission and vision and formulate strategies that fit the external and internal situation. Topics include:

• External and internal assessment
• Strategy development
• Strategy implementation
• Market positioning
• Redesigning organization structures to support strategy
• Provider-purchaser relationships
• Vertical and horizontal integration models
• Governance and management structures
• Performance benchmarking

How to sign up for individual enrollment in this course

Spring 2009 Course

Leadership and Change Management

Schedule: (HSERV 590, 3 credits) Wednesdays, 5:30-8:30 p.m., April 1-June 3, 2009; $TBD plus $35 nonrefundable registration fee and $12 technology fee ($16 if GNM).
Instructor: Thomas E. Norris, M.D. and Ed Walker, M.D., M.H.A.

This course examines topics of special interest to physician executives and other clinicians, as they assume management roles within organizations in the medical environment. Topics include:

• Leadership skill building
• Motivation and empowerment
• Team building
• Ethics and values in management
• Change management
• Systems thinking/information systems
• Negotiation and conflict management

How to sign up for individual enrollment in this course

Autumn 2009 Course

Health Services Financial Management

Schedule: (HSERV 590, 3 credits) Mondays, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Sept. 28-Nov. 30, 2009; $TBD plus $35 nonrefundable registration fee and $12 technology fee ($16 if GNM).
Instructor: Dennis Stillman, M.H.A.

This course will provide active or potential health care executives with key financial tools and concepts needed to manage organizations. Topics include:

• Financial statement analysis
• Budgeting
• Pricing
• Cost-benefit analysis
• Business plan development
• Time value of money
• Accounts receivable management
• Internal controls

How to sign up for individual enrollment in this course

Please contact the program office at 206-616-2947 with questions..

*All fees are subject to change.