A unique aspect of the GCHM program is the Capstone, an experiential learning opportunity whereby students work with an advisor to complete a final project, applying program learnings in order to improve their workplace, or address another听professional challenge.听
Below are testimonials from past participants.
Dr. Matthew Donlan
Assistant Professor in the Division of General Pediatrics; Director of Pediatric Ambulatory Care in the Division of General Pediatrics (Montreal, Canada)
Dr. Adrian Dancea
Division Head, Pediatric Cardiology; Director, Heart Catherization Laboratory; Associate Professor of Pediatrics, 平特五不中; Co-Director, 平特五不中 Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management (Montreal, Canada)
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In 2023, Class 3 GCHM student Dr. Matt Donlan was paired with mentor Dr. Adrian Dancea. Matt's final project examined the strategic planning undertaken at the Department of Pediatrics of a local children's hospital, identifying and addressing challenges and opportunities facing the department, as well as opportunities for growth. The plan focused on the areas of Communication, Collaboration, Governance, and Health Equity.
Matt and Adrian's reflections
Matt: "I have always been an optimist. That with effort and dedication, everyone can accomplish great things. That being said, it is not always easy to see the granular steps necessary to getting those great things done. Having Adrian as a mentor allowed me to have a vision, but, beyond just that, to also guide me through the steps necessary to realize that vision. His prior experience with success, and with adversity, gave me the confidence to carry on. Our Capstone project will serve as the Department of Pediatrics Strategic Vision for the next 5 years, and I could not be more proud of what we have accomplished. Thank you, Adrian, and thank you to the entire GCHM Program!"
Adrian: 鈥淚 was privileged to bring my input into his ambitious project consisting of completing a strategic planning exercise for a leading Paediatric Department in Canada. In the 平特五不中 GCHM, students work on a one-to-one basis, with an experienced healthcare mentor who oversees the conception of their project throughout the duration of the certificate. This is a unique feature of our Certificate that we are very proud of.鈥�
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Dr. Kiran Kaundinya
General Surgeon (India)
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During Class 2, GCHM student Dr. Khalid Al Hamadani was paired with mentor Dr. Kiran Kaundinya. Khalid鈥檚 final project was focused on process improvement in the e-referral system at his local surgical hospital, with the aim of reducing the number of non-surgical patients in the clinic and consequently decreasing the waiting lists for the outpatient department.
Learn more from Khalid and Kiran
As a mentee, Khalid felt that the relationship provided additional learning opportunities. 鈥淟earning through the modules is fun and very beneficial, but it is different when you have the time with your mentor to clarify further what you need more information on. It was always done at a time of our leisure, so it was always fun.鈥�
Kiran was interested in taking part as mentor since it involved diverse individuals from varying levels of experience and seniority in their respective healthcare environments. Kiran brought his knowledge of healthcare systems around the world that he learned while completing the IMHL program in 2021, as well as his training in quality improvement. 鈥淲ithin a short time, the team fosters connections and friendships, enabling group work, collaboration, and contribution towards meaningful solutions to each respective healthcare challenge.鈥�
Khalid felt that it was a very easy-going going, straightforward process. 鈥淲ith all the learning that was going on and the discussions to be able to finalize the project, it felt more like discussing with a friend who was helping you through a task.鈥� The added benefit of working with a mentor is the additional clarification that can be provided outside of module lessons. 鈥淜iran was very knowledgeable and made sure to take the time to go into detail through the project and give feedback. He made sure to understand the project even though it's a completely different system from what he is used and that ensured that the final project was more than I imagined it to be in terms of quality.鈥�
Although Kiran provided guidance and advice throughout the project, he also learned from the experience. 鈥淢y role as a mentor changed rapidly from an enabler to an observer, from a teacher to a student and back again, from a 鈥榤entor鈥� to a friend and finally to the one who celebrated the successful graduation of the cohort with immense happiness.鈥�
Khalid plans to apply the project to his institution in the future. 鈥淚t is very well studied. With the discussions made with my mentor, it was further optimized to be a real, actual implemented project, that is doable and self-sustaining.鈥�
Kiran believes the project allows students to use the tools learned throughout the GCHM modules to effect change in their own organizations. 鈥淭he several modifications of possible solutions as they proceed ahead in the program is only complemented by the final outcome of all their efforts and discussions in the form of a final capstone project which may actually help them to work on their existential healthcare problem in real time.鈥�
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