The California HealthCare Foundation (CHCF) has selected 29 health professionals for the third group of Health Care Leadership Program fellows. The program equips talented professionals to positively influence health care policy and delivery in California. Sponsored by CHCF, it is administered by the Center for the Health Professions at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).
"Managing programs, organizations, and institutions providing care is a hard and often thankless job in today's troubled health care system. The individuals selected for this leadership program have not only accepted that challenge, but have decided they want to do even more to improve care in California. The Foundation is quite proud to be able to invest in these remarkable individuals. They are going to make a difference," said Mark D. Smith, M.D., M.B.A., president and CEO of the California HealthCare Foundation.
Fifty-two fellows are currently participating in two-year programs, including the first class completing their program this month. The group of fellows — physicians, nurses, clinic managers, and dentists — includes representatives from private and county health plans, California state health agencies, community clinics, and independent medical practices.
Over the course of two years, fellows convene in seminars led by nationally recognized health care experts and faculty associated with UCLA's Anderson School of Management. The curriculum covers health care issues from business, leadership, and public policy perspectives. Participants learn to build and lead teams, manage complexity and change, optimize the use of human resources, understand and use financial management tools, and respond to consumer-driven trends and changing demographics.
"Solving the challenges facing health care California requires highly skilled leaders from across the spectrum of professions and organizations that make up our patchwork system. By investing in emerging leaders, we are sowing seeds for better, more accessible health care. Individuals selected for this program are professionals with outstanding credentials and proven commitment to the health care system. It's a privilege to prepare them for the next level in their careers," said Albert Martin, M.D., chair and executive director of the CHCF Health Care Leadership Program.
About the Center for Health Professions
The Center for Health Professions at UCSF assists health care professionals, health professions schools, care delivery organizations, and public policymakers in educating and managing the health care workforce.
Class of 2003-2005
Neal Adams, M.D., M.P.H.
Medical Director for Adult Services
California Department of Mental Health
Jose A. Arevalo, M.D.
Medical Director
Sutter Independent Physicians
Binesh Batra, M.D.
Regional Chair, Gastroenterology
Southern California Permanente Medical Group
Elizabeth C. Benson Forer, M.S.W., M.P.H.
Chief Executive Officer
Venice Family Clinic
America Y. Bracho, M.D., M.P.H., C.D.E.
CEO/President
Latino Health Access
David R. Campa, M.D., M.P.H.
Chief Medical Officer
Golden Valley Health Centers
Sang-ick Chang, M.D.
Medical Director, Outpatient and Medical Services
San Mateo Medical Center
Kate Colwell, B.S.N., M.S., M.D.
Assistant Medical Director, Contra Costa Health Plan
Contra Costa Health Services
Rosanne J. Curtis, B.S.N., M.N., Ed.D.
Senior Project Manager
Kaiser Permanente
Gary L. Dougan, D.D.S., M.P.H.
Dental Director
Pacific Union Dental
Beth Greenwood, A.S.N.
Director of Nurses
Shasta Community Health Center
Ken R. Iwaoka, Ph.D., M.D.
Director of Urgent Care
Sharp Mission Park Medical Group
Theresa Manley, R.N., B.S.N., M.B.A.
Director of Clinical Operations
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
Naomi L. Newhouse, C.N.M., M.S.
TPMG Regional CNM Chair
The Permanente Medical Group, Inc.
James L. O'Donnell, M.D.
Physician-in-Chief
The Permanente Medical Group
Jesus Oliva, M.D.
Director, Regional Health Occupations
Resource Center
Barbara L. Palla, M.D.
Medical Director
Central Coast Alliance for Health
Thomas C. Paulsen, M.D.
Regional Medical Director
HealthCare Partners Medical Group
David M. Perry, D.D.S.
Board Member, Treasurer
The Dental Health Foundation
Athena Philis-Tsimikas, M.D.
Chief Medical Director of Clinical Operations
Scripps Health, The Whittier Institute for Diabetes
Linda A. Rudolph, M.D., M.P.H.
Chief Medical Officer, Medi-Cal Managed Care Division
California Department of Health Services
Richard L. Seidman, M.D., M.P.H.
Chief Medical Officer
Northeast Valley Health Corporation
Martha E. Tasinga, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A
Senior Director, Medical Director
L.A. Care Health Plan
Jennifer M. Tuteur, M.D.
Clinic Director/Interim Medical Director
San Ysidro Health Center
Christine A. Tyler, R.N., B.S.N., M.P.H.
Director of Policy
Community Health Partnership
Linda D. Van Allen, B.S.N.
Utilization Management Executive
Sutter Health Sacramento Sierra Region
Calvin B. Wheeler, M.D.
Physician-in-Chief
The Permanente Medical Group
Fiona C. Wilson, M.D.
VP Quality Initiatives
Brown and Toland Medical Group
John D. Zuorski, M.D.
President, Muir Diablo Primary Care
John Muir / Mt. Diablo Health System