HealthManagement, Volume 17 - Issue 2, 2017

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Meet HealthManagement.org's new E-i-C for EXEC and find out what she hopes to bring to readers including providing a platform for healthcare executives to promote, share and learn from each other on emerging issues in the sector.

 

HealthManagement.org is pleased to introduce the new Editor-in-Chief for EXEC, Ann Marie O'Grady. O’Grady is Chief Executive of Leopardstown Park Hospital, Dublin, a specialist hospital for older people encompassing services that include rehabilitation, respite care, sheltered housing, daycare services and residential care. It is a not-for-profit independent hospital providing health services under a service level agreement with the Irish National Health Service (Health Service Executive).

 

Following her initial qualification as a physiotherapist she continued her broad and on-going continuing professional development including post-graduate qualifications in leadership, communication and executive coaching.

 

She has held a number of positions, both clinical and managerial, in both the Irish and New Zealand healthcare settings since qualifying from University College Dublin. In addition she has held a number of pro bono non executive Board member positions over the years in the areas of professional regulation, professional bodies and hospitals.

 

She is a Council Member and Honorary Editor of the Health Management Institute of Ireland, producing the e-Journal Health Manager and has been a longstanding member of the Editorial Board/Communication Working Group Board of the European Association of Hospital Managers.

 

How do you feel about taking over the role of EXEC E-i-C at HealthManagement.org?

 

It is an absolute privilege to take over the role of EXE C Editor in Chief at HealthManagement.org and I am looking forward to working with colleagues across Europe in the on-going development and delivery of this important journal for health managers.

 

What are your editorial aims for the publication and readers?

 

My first aims are to cover the key emerging issues for health managers, to learn from experiences across Europe and to provide a platform for health managers to promote, share and learn from each other in the different areas of health. I am, however, very keen to explore what health managers want from the publication, and would look to deliver on this.

 

What are your key areas of interest and research?

 

The professionalisation of the healthcare management discipline, healthcare leadership, corporate/ clinical governance, and the development of highperforming teams.

 

What are the major challenges in your field?

 

Ensuring that healthcare managers are equipped, enabled and empowered to carry out their roles in an ever-changing, highly accountable and high profile environment.

 

What is your top management tip?

 

I can’t pick only one, so if I can name two they would be: Find your passion. Even in the toughest of times, if you are passionate about what you do, this will help to bring you through and keep you true to yourself. Grow and develop people relentlessly. Denis Doherty, Senior Healthcare Leader, Ireland, made the following statement in 2000: “Your job as a leader is to identify people better than you and brighter than you and throw them past you”. This has resonated with me ever since.

 

See Also: HealthManagement.org Welcomes New IT Editor-in-Chief



What would you single out as a career highlight?

 

Very hard to single out one highlight, but probably what I am most proud of is that there have been a number of occasions over the years when an individual, or team, with whom I have been working has excelled beyond what they thought was even possible. Their growth and achievements, and therefore their confidence to go even further, has always been an incredibly positive experience for me. In many ways, I would like to consider myself as a talent manager, and uncovering hidden talent and ability has been a significant highlight over my career.

 

If you had not chosen this career path what do you think you would have become?

 

Difficult question, as I did not set out to be a health manager/CEO in the first instance. I have loved every role I have had, starting off my career on a clinical pathway and then moving into general management. A previous manager thought I had talents that would have made me a good lawyer. I do have a significant interest in people so maybe Human Resources or potentially occupational psychology. The main driver for me has always been that I am learning and constantly challenged in any role, and that I feel I am making a real difference. So far all the roles I have held have met those criteria

 

What are your personal interests outside of work?

 

Family is a key part of who I am; I have two young children of 9 and 12 and a very supportive husband who has been the reason that I have been able to carry out the challenging role of a Health Manager. I am Chairperson of a volunteer Cardiac First Responder Group in my town, which is aligned with the Irish National Ambulance Service, to provide first response to cardiac arrest, chest pain, stroke and choking until the ambulance service arrives. Bringing local people together, many with no prior clinical experience, to deliver a high quality potentially lifesaving service to our locality is an absolute honour. I also make valiant efforts to get out running/exercising in the beautiful Irish countryside as much as possible.

 

Your favourite quote?

 

“Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” John Calvin Coolidge, Jr. - 30th President of the United States