New technology, increasing patient needs, and additional government regulations drive constant change in the healthcare industry. As a result, healthcare administration and management need to ensure their organizations are resilient, efficient, and adaptive to the changing healthcare industry.
Dr. Karen Calendo, Assistant Professor of Health Care Management at Concordia University Chicago (CUC), has over 15 years of experience administering community-based mental health programs and knows first-hand the importance of ongoing skill development to be successful in healthcare. “My extensive experience in public health fueled my passion for lifelong learning. Recognizing the critical need for continuous education in healthcare, I pursued a Master’s degree and later a doctorate, both of which enriched my expertise in this field. In an industry where advancements are constant, adapting and integrating new knowledge is vital for providing the best care, improving patient outcomes, and maintaining a competitive edge.”
Today, Dr. Calendo is proud to contribute to Concordia University Chicago, a faith-based institution that shares her commitment to the values of ongoing growth and service in healthcare. She oversees all of the healthcare management undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate programs at Concordia-Chicago. Dr. Calendo shares her expert insights about the healthcare industry, including how it’s changing, the skills professionals must have, and advice for aspiring healthcare managers.
How Healthcare Management is Changing
As current trends and challenges continue impacting healthcare, healthcare managers must adapt to changes and strategize to improve healthcare delivery.
One notable shift is integrating advanced healthcare technology, including telemedicine, electronic health records (EHRs), and artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance diagnostic accuracy, streamline operations, and personalize patient care. Additionally, there is an increased emphasis on patient-centered services, prioritizing patient engagement, satisfaction, and tailored treatment plans rather than seeing patients purely as numbers.
These advancements come with healthcare challenges, such as navigating complex regulatory changes, managing rising costs without compromising quality, and ensuring that technological implementations maintain patient privacy and data security.
“For healthcare managers to succeed, it’s important for them to embrace these technological advancements. These tools enable them to create a comprehensive view of the whole system, improve processes and automate tasks, synthesize research, and implement strategies.”
Balancing these elements requires strategic planning and adaptability within healthcare organizations. Healthcare management encompasses critical functions and responsibilities to balance these trends and challenges.
The critical functions of healthcare managers include strategic planning, financial management, human resource development, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. For instance, healthcare managers:
- Adapt to changes by implementing electronic health records (EHRs) to streamline patient data management and improve care coordination.
- Develop and execute strategies to transition towards value-based care, such as integrating patient feedback into service delivery models and using data analytics to identify and address inefficiencies.
- Navigate regulatory shifts and optimize resource allocation to balance cost control with high-quality care.
Through these efforts, healthcare management ensures that their organizations are resilient, efficient, and responsive to the changing healthcare industry. This work takes a robust skill set, typically developed through healthcare experience and higher education.
Key Skills and Competencies for Healthcare Management Success
As healthcare trends and challenges evolve, students must gain the skills and competencies necessary for successful healthcare management roles.
Dr. Calendo states that “one of the best ways to prepare for the future of healthcare is by building a solid foundation. Managing a healthcare clinic, hospital or healthcare organization is a lot like running a business. We prepare students with essential skills like decision-making and problem-solving, accounting and budgeting, and marketing and compliance. That’s why an MBA with a healthcare specialization like ours is so valuable.”
Whether you pursue a career in marketing or finance in a clinic or a hospital, Dr. Calendo says the MBA in Healthcare Management program prepares you for whichever direction you want to go. “Our program is based on a holistic healthcare system approach. By understanding the entire system, you gain a level of competence that sets you apart. This comprehensive knowledge enables you to excel as a leader and make informed decisions, regardless of the type of healthcare setting you choose.”
Healthcare Management Insights and Advice from Dr. Calendo
According to Dr. Calendo, healthcare managers who possess leadership and problem-solving skills are key to improving the healthcare system. Concordia University Chicago’s courses equip students with these skills by focusing on how to face persistent industry challenges like:
- Enhancing employee retention
- Implementing and administering a value-based patient care model
- Improving quality and performance
- Understanding the factors driving high healthcare costs and developing innovative solutions to improve ROI
- Managing access to healthcare
- Integrating technological advancements
Dr. Calendo says management is the first step in facing healthcare challenges and changes. “The healthcare system faces significant challenges. While our doctors and nurses are essential, the path forward requires innovative leadership from healthcare administrators. It’s crucial for management to support and safeguard our medical professionals to ensure the system continues to function effectively. Likewise, managers must have keen insight into the healthcare industry as a whole and the many factors that impact its effectiveness.”
Dr. Calendo’s insights about the importance of healthcare management roles mirror the statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a growth rate of 28% for medical and health services managers through 2032.
Explore Health Care Management Programs At Concordia University Chicago
Concordia University Chicago offers an online MBA in Health Care Management degree program and an online DBA, Innovation in Health Care degree program for professionals interested in further building their skills and knowledge of healthcare systems, leadership, and innovation. According to Dr. Calendo, the University’s healthcare programs equip students with the knowledge of current healthcare trends, problem-solving skills, data analytics skills, and AI skills.
“Concordia-Chicago is an outstanding choice for healthcare students because the professors take the time to get to know you, there’s a strong support system, and we have the faith element,” Dr. Calendo says, “CUC is a strong Christian faith university, and it’s a huge part of our teaching values.”
To learn more about CUC’s healthcare degree programs, visit the MBA in Health Care Management overview page or the DBA in Health Care overview page today!
