Healthcare Management Focus: Celebrating 10 Years of Leadership and Impact

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Healthcare Management Focus at HEC Lausanne Executive MBA. Over the past decade, this EMBA programme has been cultivating dynamic leaders, fostering innovation in healthcare, and deepening understanding of the complex health landscape. Unique in Switzerland, where one in ten workers is employed in the healthcare sector, the program has propelled the journeys of numerous doctors, researchers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs.

The healthcare sector has seen significant transformations over the last ten years.In this evolving context,  HEC Lausanne Executive MBA, as a pioneer, has continuously adapted to empower healthcare professionals to effectively tackle emerging challenges.

The anniversary event aimed to celebrate a decade of impact while offering a platform to reflect on the health system's recent evolution and future opportunities or challenges. The evening featured a keynote speech by Prof. Stéfanie Monod and a panel discussion with six distinguished alumni, providing a comprehensive look at the sector's journey and the transformative trends shaping its future.

Anniversary Keynote: Prof. Monod on the Swiss Health System's Challenges and Governance Issues

In her insightful speech titled 'Swiss Health System: Challenges Ahead and (typical) Swiss Governance Issues,' Prof. Stéfanie Monod offered a critical examination of the current state and future prospects of the Swiss health system.

She adeptly highlighted the persistent imbalance between the heavy investment in healthcare services and the comparatively lesser focus on health promotion and preventive measures. This, she argued, is a crucial factor in ensuring not just longer life spans but also maintaining quality of life and good health in those extended years

Prof. Monod notably challenged the long-standing perception of the Swiss health system as the world’s best. She pointed out that this claim does not hold up under scrutiny, especially considering the lack of significant reforms over the past two decades. This stagnation, according to Prof. Monod, calls for a reevaluation of the system and underscores the need for citizen-driven change.

Alumni Panel Discussion: 10 Years of Challenges and Innovation in Healthcare

Moderated by Michelle Bridenbaker, a 2022 EMBA Alumna and Vice President at MILE, the panel discussion provided a comprehensive exploration of the evolving landscape of healthcare, touching upon the increasing role of AI and more globally the multifaceted challenges of innovation within the sector.

The discussion notably delved into the critical importance of data, underscoring its growing prominence in healthcare management and the legal and ethical issues to be addressed.  In this context, the significance of data literacy emerged as a crucial theme. It seems essential for both healthcare professionals and patients to understand and effectively utilise health data, fostering informed decision-making and ensuring ethical handling of sensitive information.

Alongside the technological advancements, the panellist also delved into the significant societal shifts influencing the sector. Central to these discussions was the evolving role of the patient in treatment processes including the emerging concept of "peers", especially in the realm of mental health, where shared experiences and support play a crucial role. These themes reflect a broader trend towards patient-centric care, demonstrating a dynamic shift in how healthcare is approached and administered.

Empowering Healthcare Leaders: Reflection on HEC Lausanne Executive MBA Impact

Another highlight of the panel discussion was the reflection on how the HEC Lausanne Executive MBA programme has propelled the panellists’ careers, enriching their contributions to global health:

Dr. Marina Faiella (Alumna 2021), Director of Forecasting & Analytics Europe at BeiGene, highlighted how the EMBA broadened her perspectives, enhancing her awareness of the diverse stakeholders in the healthcare system.

Dr. Maximilien Murone (Alumnus 2016), Board Member and Co-Founder at Avrion Therapeutics, compared the HEC Lausanne Executive MBA programme to a 'Swiss Army knife' for company management, recalling the valuable experience of working on real-life healthcare-focused projects.

Sandra Gaillard Desmedt (Alumna 2020), Director of Community Health at Canton of Vaud, described her EMBA journey as transformative, developing her leadership and essential skills.

Dr. Monique Lehky Hagen (Alumna 2016), President of the Valais Medical Society, spoke about the programme’s challenging yet rewarding nature, particularly in fostering teamwork skills and resilience in stressful environments.

Lastly, Joy Demeulemeester, (Alumna 2020), General Secretary at Association Romande Pro Mente Sana, reflected on how the Executive MBA expanded her understanding beyond her perspective, enabling her to effectively communicate and collaborate across different facets of the healthcare sector.

A Journey Towards the Future of Healthcare

The 10th Anniversary of the Healthcare Management Focus was not only a celebration of past achievements but also a testament to the enduring impact of the HEC Lausanne Executive MBA and its Alumni. 

The event highlighted the dynamic nature of healthcare and the importance of collaboration in shaping the future of the sector. The EMBA program at HEC Lausanne has played a pivotal role in bridging gaps between various actors in global health, educating leaders, and facilitating a cohesive health system.

For more information about the Focus in Healthcare Management at HEC Lausanne Executive MBA, [click here].