PSU forms link with health system

A regional health system based in Williamsport and Penn State's master of health administration program have formed an alliance intended to benefit both.

As part of the agreement, the Penn State program will undertake one “capstone project” per year for Susquehanna Health during the spring semester beginning in 2010 and continuing through 2013.

Students will develop timelines and “mileposts” to measure their progress throughout the semester. They will gain experience with sensitivity, cost-benefit and market analysis plus utilization projections.

At the end of the project, students will present their results, both written and orally, to the health system’s executive team that will evaluate them on the quality of their work and their presentation skills.

“Through this alliance, Susquehanna Health receives the benefit of a continuing source of high-quality strategic research, while the students gain knowledge and important experience in a real world project environment,” said William McClain, senior vice president/marketing and strategic planning.

“Education today requires that students have the opportunity to practice and apply skills and knowledge learned in the classroom, especially in a dynamic and important area like health care,” said Dennis G. Shea, professor and head of the department of health policy and administration.

“To put students in touch with the critical challenges of leading health care organizations, we seek collaborations with those who face those challenges daily.”

The alliance expands the health system’s relationship with Penn State, which currently includes a clinical affiliation with the Penn State Cancer Institute and Susquehanna Health’s own cancer center at the Divine Providence Hospital campus, said Steven P. Johnson, president and CEO.

“That affiliation has enhanced our cancer program and advanced our ability to provide a level of cancer services not usually found outside of metropolitan areas and academic medical centers,” he said.

Susquehanna Health, which consists of Williamsport and Divine Providence hospitals in Williamsport and Muncy Valley Hospital in Muncy, serves an 11-county region.