In August of 2022, Lisa Mallory, PhD, chief executive officer of the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE), and Stephan Davis, DNP, MHSA, FACHE, FAAN, executive director of Inclusive Leadership Education for Virginia Commonwealth University’s Department of Health Administration, had a breakfast meeting where an idea was born – a webinar series offered in partnership between their two institutions. As 2023 begins, their idea has come to fruition with the official announcement of a three-part webinar series focused on the advancement of Black leaders in healthcare.

The NAHSE-VCU webinar series kicks off on January 27 with a session featuring Davis entitled “Office Hours: Exploring Academic and Professional Paths to Success in Healthcare Leadership.” The second webinar will be held during Black History Month in February and the third will occur during women’s history month in March. The February and March webinars will feature panels of distinguished national healthcare leaders. 

“NAHSE is thrilled to be partnering with VCU’s leading department of health administration to advance our educational mission,” said Mallory. “Given that Dr. Davis is now joining NAHSE’s education committee, I am confident that this is only the beginning of our work together to advance diversity, inclusion, and belonging in the field.” 

NAHSE and the Department of Health Administration aim for the audience to include undergraduate students from all academic disciplines, as well as current master’s students, and clinicians and other members of the healthcare workforce who are interested in taking their careers to the next level. With VCU’s numerous academic offerings, including a bachelor’s in health services with both in-person and online modalities, as well as master’s and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees and graduate certificates in health administration, there are pathways available to both current and aspiring healthcare leaders at every phase of their career development. 

“I could not be more thrilled to partner with NAHSE and to showcase the myriad ways our department supports the professional development and career advancement of Black healthcare leaders throughout their leadership journeys,” said Paula Song, Ph.D., Richard M. Bracken chair and professor of health administration. “This investment in Black healthcare leaders is not limited to students and practitioners enrolled in our academic programs, which is why we are pleased to offer national webinars with NAHSE to expand our reach to current and aspiring healthcare leaders no matter where they are geographically.” 

As an approved provider of American College of Healthcare Executives qualified education credit, the VCU Department of Health Administration is pleased to offer one qualified ACHE education credit to participants who attend each of the webinars for the full hour (up to three qualified education credits total for the full series). Qualified education credits are one of the requirements to achieve and maintain the prestigious Fellow credential with ACHE. Increasing the diversity of healthcare leaders holding the Fellow credential is a strategic priority for both ACHE and NAHSE. 

“Whether you are a Black student, a current or aspiring healthcare leader, or a faculty member who teaches Black students, you will not want to miss these sessions,” said Davis. “We look forward to virtually welcoming Black students and our colleagues from academic programs across the nation to VCU for these important and timely discussions on advancing Black representation and inclusion in healthcare leadership.” 

Webinar Schedule:

• Jan. 27: "Office Hours: Exploring Academic and Professional Paths to Success in Healthcare Leadership"
• Feb. 24: "Black Excellence in Healthcare Leadership"
• March 31: "Black Girl Magic – The Power of the Black Woman Executive"

All three webinars are from noon to 1p.m. Eastern. Register for the sessions here. 

About NAHSE: 

The National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE) is a non-profit association of Black health care executives founded in 1968 for the purpose of promoting the advancement and development of Black health care leaders and elevating the quality of health care services rendered to minority and underserved communities. NAHSE’s vision is to be recognized globally as the premier professional membership society for Black people in health care management. NAHSE strives to improve the health status, economic opportunities, and educational advancement of the communities they serve. NAHSE is committed to the Association goals by providing: Professional Programs, Workshops, Job Bank and Mentoring, Scholarships, Community Service Projects, Health Policy and Advocacy, and Entrepreneurship opportunities.

About the VCU Department of Health Administration and College of Health Professions:

The VCU Department of Health Administration is a premiere research department geared toward creating the most innovative, compassionate, and business-savvy leaders to reimagine healthcare. With access to the amenities of a large institution in a small and student-centric atmosphere, the Department of Health Administration teaches students the executive and technical skills needed to be well-rounded leaders The department's master's degree program, the residential Master of Health Administration and the online-hybrid Master of Science in Health Administration for experienced professionals, is rated in the top five among its peers in the country by U.S. News and World Report. Also offered by the department is the highly regarded PhD Program in Health Services Organization and Research. For more, visit VCU Health Administration's website.

The VCU College of Health Professions is a nationally recognized leader in the education of health providers and leaders, and cultivates an interprofessional approach to training. The College offers curricula at the baccalaureate, master's, post-graduate and doctoral levels designed to prepare health care professionals for roles in a variety of clinical, teaching, and community health and wellness settings. For more, visit VCU College of Health Professions' website.