The Renaissance Years

Dr. Robert E. Burke (2005 - Present)
During his tenure, Dr. Burke has seen the department evolve from a quiet existence to an international presence. He has nurtured an esprit de corps rooted in a passion for care. Dr. Burke’s strategic plan emphasized three key areas: increasing the student body, supporting the faculty in research endeavors, and reconnecting with the more than 3,000 alumni. Through his efforts and his dedication, the department has grown in all three areas.

By re-vitalizing the program and expanding its courses to include a breadth of electives, Dr. Burke and the HSML faculty have successfully increased the class size from 14 in 2003 to 30 students per academic year. Students represent each of the 50 states and many other countries including Iraq, Pakistan, India, the United Arab Emirates, and Kazakhstan - to name a few. The number of applicants grows annually, reaching unanticipated levels, indicating the growth and recognition of the program.

The caliber of the student body has grown since Dr. Burke’s appointment as chair. He instituted a requirement for students to complete critical prerequisites and has encouraged the students to compete in national case study and essay competitions. Over the last four years, students have competed in the National Association of Health Services Executives’ (NAHSE) annual case competition, the University of Alabama’s annual case competition, and the American College of Healthcare Executives’ Richard Stoll essay competition. In all of these competitions, the students have been finalists. In 2009, the students won first place at the NAHSE case competition for having the most robust and well-thought analysis. The HSML presence and caliber is shining nationally.

Dr. Burke’s vision included expanding the number of full-time and adjunct faculty. The faculty provides an array of expertise ranging from health economics and quality and performance improvement and strategic planning to health economics and financial applications. In addition to adding full-time faculty, Dr. Burke attracted a breadth of adjunct faculty to strengthen the educational opportunities. The adjunct faculty includes local healthcare executives and alumni who return to teach one-week seminars on campus. The faculty rigorously reviews the curriculum to ensure the students receive the most current knowledge and information to transition them from the academic program to a residency to a full-time job.

An opportunity to work on SPHHS Founding Dean Dr. Riegelman's series on essentials of public health arose for Dr. Burke to develop a book focused on the essentials of public health management. Dr. Burke recognized and appreciated the expertise and intellectual diversity of each faculty member, and led the efforts to have each faculty member author a chapter in the respective areas of expertise. With two years dedicated to the book, it was published in May 2010. The book distinguishes this department and its faculty because it is the only book written by a health services management department to highlight the importance of management principles in public health. Dr. Burke and the faculty jointly decided to contribute all royalties to the HSML student scholarship in order to expand the opportunities to attract bright and talented students.

As the students shine and bring recognition to the HSML Department, Dr. Burke challenges the faculty to participate on as many national committees and boards as possible. The faculty represents the Department by participating on committees that are part of The Commission on Accreditation Healthcare Management Education, The Association of University Programs in Health Administration, The American Public Health Association, and many other national associations.

In 2009, the Department, in collaboration with the GW School of Business, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and School of Medicine and Health Sciences received a $4.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to develop and deliver certificate programs for health information technology professionals. This three-year grant was awarded in April 2010, expanding the program to include distance learning.

The Department’s growth continues with the recent award to conduct research for the Veteran’s Administration and supporting the Military to Medicine Program by providing veterans and military families with access to HSML’s extensive network of alumni and educational opportunities in healthcare at GW. In addition to supporting national programs, the Department is developing international affiliations with health services management programs in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Expanding the scope and position of the Department will continue to bring national and international recognition to the program.

HSML is poised to continue growing and excelling as evidenced by the rise in its ranking by U.S. News & World Report from 30th in 2001 to 21st in 2010 with a 0.1% difference with the many schools tied at 14th. The collaboration between and vision of the alumni, faculty, and students will lead this program to excel into the top ranks of all health services administration programs.

The Gordon A. Freisen Professorship
Dr. Gordon A. Freisen served as a lecturer at many universities, including St. Louis University, Columbia, Cornell, Xavier University in Cincinnati, the University of Western Ontario, as well at GW, from which he received and Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree in 1970. Twenty-five years ago, Dr. Freisen established a hospital planning and consulting firm here in Washington and became known through the world for his innovative concepts in hospital design, known as the "Freisen Concepts."

In April 1989, in his honor, the University established the Gordon A. Freisen Professorship of Health Services Administration within the HSMP department, and now is part of the HSML department. Dr. Burke currently holds this title.

Hirsh Health Law and Policy Program
Established in 1997 as a program within HSMP, the Hirsh Health Law Program endowed by Jane and Harold Hirsh, MD, JD, serves as a focal point of health law and law-related policy activities. Based in the School of Public Health and Health Services, the law program collaborates closely with the Law School and the School of Medicine and Health Sciences. This program is now overseen by the Department of Health Policy.

Wertlieb Educational Institute for Long-Term Care Management
The Wertlieb Institute established a national resource for education in long term care management. The Institute was inspired and initially supported by long-term care administrator Harvey Wertlieb, BS'61, MBA'64 and his wife Linda, who envisioned providing life-long education for dynamic, results-oriented managers.

Under the leadership of Robert Burke, Ph.D., the Wertlieb Institute supported the education of many long-term care administration students. At its conclusion, the Institute supports the annual National Emerging Leadership Summit for Long Term Care Administrators, which provides these leaders an opportunity to grow and transform the long term care administration field.