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<\/a>The victory culminated a six-month effort, which included putting together a team, doing a viability study, and making a recommendation on whether the program in question should be implemented.<\/p>\n
The case asked students to analyze the implementation of a disease management program for diabetes, and make recommendations on the most effective implementation strategy. It was an opportunity for students to learn the challenges of developing a detailed timeline for a complex project that had several constituencies with different visions for a successful outcome. It also gave them the opportunity to learn skills that allowed them to juggle priorities, pull together as a team, and develop relationships with some of the most accomplished healthcare leaders in South Florida.<\/p>\n
Team co-captains Melissa Stedman and Prima Romulus, along with members Arita Dereus, Nina Hammond, Lourdes Zabalo and Christopher A. Cook, met with physician leaders and healthcare executives from throughout South Florida to solicit their perspectives and study their experiences. The opportunity to hear about real life examples of disease management practices from the professional community, analyze results, and present their findings to top executives brought life to their studies.<\/p>\n
Having the opportunity to have their cases judged by community CEOs, and receive input from members of the SFHEF, gave students an invaluable professional opportunity.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe worked with so many high-level professionals in this community, and they had so many important things to teach us,\u201d Romulus said.<\/p>\n
On April 19, 2014, the students presented their findings to the SFHEF panel at Aventura Hospital and Medical Center. A week later, the FIU team learned that their presentation had ranked first.<\/p>\n
Reflecting on the victory for the FIU team, Romulus emphasized the value of the competition.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe opportunity to position ourselves at the South Florida Healthcare Executive Forum was very special,\u201d she said. \u201cAs we become top leaders, this essential experience will assist us as we establish ourselves as industry leaders.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe caliber of our students, and the effort they put into their presentation, was obvious to everyone who saw them present,\u201d said Program Director Mercy Bradley. \u201cTheir work inspires us, and helps us understand that the future of our healthcare community will be in good hands.\u201d<\/p>\n