Out-of-State Oncology Managers Come to UCF for Specialized Training

May 23, 2005 — A successful Healthcare Management Certificate Program taught largely by faculty members from the College of Health and Public Affairs’ Program in Health Services Administration brought 24 health-care professionals from South Carolina to the campus May 16-20 for specialized training in oncology management.

The certificate program is specifically designed to provide those who hold leadership positions in oncology settings with contemporary information, insights and the skills necessary to address challenges and problems in today’s health services environment.

“The class included many managers who are responsible for the administrative operations of an oncology practice, as well as three physicians who own oncology practices,” said Aaron Liberman, professor of health services administration and coordinator of the program. All of the participants are members of the Association of South Carolina Oncology Managers.

Lynn Foster, a manager for Palmetto Hematology Oncology in Spartanburg, S.C., with 25 years of experience, found the course valuable for a variety of reasons. “It’s a great reinforcement, even for those of us with a lot of experience” she said. “It’s also good to know the history behind the laws we must follow. And I’ve found it interesting to learn about oncology management from a hospital perspective.”

Each participant received UCF Certification as a Healthcare Manager with a Specialization in Oncology Services at the program’s commencement ceremony on May 20 in Winter Park, Fla..

This spring’s program follows a similar program offered in November 2004 to members of the Michigan Society of Hematology and Oncology. Liberman anticipates that many of that program’s participants will return to UCF this fall for an advanced training program, while other members of the society will come to participate in the basic program.

-- Karen Guin and Sara Cooper