July 25, 2017 — Dean Mikami, MD, FACS, Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Hawaiʻi (UH) John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) returned to Hawai’i energized by a leadership program in Boston. He won a scholarship to cover the costs of the trip after writing an essay about the complexity of healthcare in Hawaiʻi.
“The complexity of the health care system in Hawaiʻi is intriguing, but I am happy to say that Hawaiʻi has one of the highest percentage of insured patients in the U.S.,” Dr. Mikami wrote. “I feel the future of surgery lies in the ability to understand health care economics and the future of minimally invasive technology.”
Dr. Mikami, Division Chief of General Surgery at UH-JABSOM, was notified of the scholarship by SAGES (the Society of Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons), which funds the “Brandeis Award.” Only two healthcare professionals were chosen by SAGES to attend the week-long “Leadership Program in Health Policy and Management” at the Heller School for Policy and Management at Brandeis University, a leading school of social policy in America.
The intensive course, featuring 35 students – including the two SAGES scholarship awardees –ran from June 4 to 10, with classes stretching from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Course goals include improving a variety of skills in healthcare policy and management, including strategic thinking, decision making and effective leadership techniques. Dr. Mikami was especially charged up by a list of leadership techniques created by program director Dr. Jon Chilingerian. (The techniques, aptly, are called “Chilingerianisms on Leaders and Leadership.”) They stress the importance of connection, listening and personal development.
“The Brandeis course was a fantastic learning opportunity for me,” Dr. Mikami said. “I will use these skills every day when speaking with students, colleagues, hospital administrators and staff.”
Dr. Mikami, of Waiʻalae, was recruited to Hawaiʻi from Ohio State University.
As for what is out on the horizon, Dr. Mikami offers this insight. “I feel the future of surgery lies in the ability to understand health care economics and the future of minimally invasive technology.”
Congratulations, Dr. Mikami, for successfully competing for the chance to fly over the Pacific and across the country, to spend a week’s hard work, and bringing the results back to share with everyone at JABSOM!
To reach the University Health Partners Surgery Clinic:
Telephone: (808) 439-8423; FAX: (808) 369-0996
Clinic Location: 1329 Lusitana Street, Suite 207 (Queen’s Physician Office Building II)
