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AUPHA Featured Faculty

By Chris Anne Sanyer posted 04-15-2016 09:53

  

AUPHA is bringing back this popular Exchange section. AUPHA Featured Faculty will introduce you to a fellow AUPHA member. The first featured faculty is:

Alan S. Whiteman, MBA, PH.D., Life FACMPE
Florida Atlantic University
Executive MHA

What's your educational background? Why did you choose your area(s) of study? What did you do before entering academe?

Walden University, Ph.D., Health Services
Wayne State University, MBA, Management
Michigan State University, Health Facilities Management

As an undergraduate student I began studying pre-med, but did not enjoy the science courses. I entered the HRI program at Michigan State University and when they began the Health Facilities Management program I changed majors as I liked the idea of helping others. I entered the healthcare industry, working at a hospital upon graduation from MSU. My healthcare career was interrupted by 2 years in the US Army. Upon return to civilian life I worked for a third party payer, managed medical group practices, worked in hospitals, owned several medical imaging businesses, and consulted with hospitals, medical school faculty practice plans and medical group practices. I began my career in academia on an MHA advisory board, which turned into adjunct teaching, and finally into full-time academic administration and teaching.

What is your current position and what made you choose the your current program?

I'm the Interim Associate Program Director for both our traditional MHA and Executive MHA programs. I had taught at FAU for many years as an adjunct and always enjoyed the environment.

What is unique about your program, faculty, and students?

Our student body is very diverse both culturally and professionally. This enriches the quality of the learning experience for everyone. Our faculty is a blend of academician/practitioners and researchers, which exposes our students to a broader and richer learning experience. The program is designed specifically to meet the changing needs of the healthcare industry, and it is our intent to keep it on the cutting edge.

What trends do you see occurring in your program and in the field?

What is changing is the delivery format of the EMHA to accommodate student needs. For the next academic year, program delivery will be on weekends and online. In addition, we are closely monitoring industry trends, along with legislative issues, so that appropriate curriculum changes can be made to keep students current in their academic preparations.

What are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing your program?

Challenges:
Competition
Attracting the best faculty
Keeping curriculum current
Opportunities:
Changing healthcare landscape
Entrants into the industry

Which AUPHA benefit has been the most valuable to your program?

Collegiality and the resources available to faculty.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment during your tenure at your current program?

Our Executive MHA is new and has existed for less than 2 years. I'm very proud to be a part of our rapid growth and success. My greatest pride is watching the students succeed as they graduate and advance their professional careers.

What might your fellow AUPHA members be surprised to know about you?

I've been a private pilot for over 30 years.

If making a living were not a consideration, what would you be doing instead or what would you do in retirement?

I would continue enjoying my hobbies. I'd buy newer toys and travel more. I'd still stay connected to academia.

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