On May 13, 2011, Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business held graduation ceremonies for the Master of Management in Clinical Informatics (MMCi) inaugural class, consisting of students from all over the world who came to Duke for a challenging, intensive, but ultimately rewarding 10-month program. The one-year Management in Clinical Informatics program is the only interdisciplinary management program of its kind in the United States—leveraging Duke’s world-renowned track record in medicine, business, and health informatics. Through access to the finest faculty and resources across health care, IT, and management education, students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to merge technology and patient care and help improve human health.
Dr. Stephen Ondra, assigned to the White House and appointed to the National Science and Technology Council as co-Chair for Health Information Technology within the Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Executive Office of the President, was the Commencement Speaker. He talked during the graduation and later with the students and families in a Q&A session, about the role of government in creating the environment and facilitating communication between stake holders, while at the same time depending upon the private sector to bring innovation and economic sustainability.
In his welcome speech, Randy Sears, Assistant Director for the MMCi program, had this to say:
“You came from around the world and from nearly across the street and the diversity you represent in culture, experience and perspective has added tremendously to your experience. Over the course of this journey, you’ve been challenged and you responded. You’ve been tested and you excelled. You’ve been overwhelmed at times and you’ve overcome. Of course there was frustration, doubt, and struggle, but most importantly there was gro
wth – growth in knowledge, growth in thinking and yes changes in you.”
Starting in the fall, Duke’s Master of Management in Clinical Informatics program will be offered in a weekend format to accommodate working professionals. Classes will meet every other weekend on Fridays and Saturdays, with a few short breaks, for a 12-month period. For those of you who have desired the benefits of the prestigious and highly-respected Duke education but couldn’t swing the full-time commitment of an year-long resident program – this option is definitely worth checking out!
