Weill Cornell Medicine and the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management today announced a new dual-degree program that will provide the next generation of health care leaders with a broad set of skills for success in a rapidly changing environment.

Students participating in the two-year Executive MBA/M.S. Healthcare Leadership program will receive a Master of Science degree from the Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences and an MBA from Johnson. The program will focus on health care throughout the United States, in particular health care systems that are experiencing vast changes in structure, payment and regulatory requirements.

Designed to satisfy the evolving professional needs of the U.S. health care industry, the program will educate leaders of academic medical centers, community hospitals, large group multi-specialty or single-specialty practices, health insurers, health care consultants, pharmaceutical professionals and health care innovators, among others.

“This new program will enable medical professionals to innovate as hospitals and health care systems face increasing challenges to their business model,” said College of Business Dean Soumitra Dutta. “The key lies in providing a unique blend of business and health care skills required to thrive as a leader today.”

“Succeeding in today’s rapidly changing health care market requires an advanced understanding of business management, health care economics and health care policy,” said Johnson Dean Mark Nelson. “We’ve developed this program to meet these critical needs.”

Said Weill Cornell Medicine Interim Dean Augustine M.K. Choi: “This is an extraordinary opportunity for health care professionals to acquire specialized skills in health care policy from one of the most respected names in health care education and delivery, while acquiring managerial skills in a program taught by faculty at one of the country’s leading management schools. New York City’s diverse population and concentration of medical providers provide an ideal environment to nurture an exemplary cadre of health care leaders.”

“As our health care landscape continues to evolve, it is increasingly important that we cultivate leaders in the field who can drive national dialogue and spearhead new initiatives in health care policy and delivery,” said Dr. Gary Koretzky, dean of the Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences. “Our unique collaboration with Johnson will equip aspiring health care leaders with a keen grasp of health policy and informatics – specialized skills that will lead to further innovation and ensure that patients receive the finest care at the greatest value.”

The program will begin accepting applications in October for fall of 2017. Students will meet in Weill Cornell Medicine facilities in New York City and will participate in two weeklong residential sessions during each of the program’s two years – one in the spring in the New York City area and one on Cornell’s Ithaca campus in the summer.

“Our goal is to optimize health and health care delivery for patients in the New York area and around the country,” said Dr. Rainu Kaushal, chair of the Department of Healthcare Policy and Research at Weill Cornell Medicine. “Through this exciting new program, we hope to educate qualified candidates in health care leadership to improve lives in a changing medical environment.”

Said Dr. Steven J. Corwin, president and CEO of NewYork-Presbyterian: “At NewYork-Presbyterian, we understand how important education is, not just for our providers, but for our staff as well. This innovative new program will prepare the next generation of health care leaders to tackle a wide range of challenges and ensure that patients receive the very best care.”

Enrolled students will take all core courses required for each of the degrees and have an opportunity to take specialized electives. Courses will cover such topics as managing and leading organizations, managerial finance, health policy, health informatics and business strategy.

Students will be required to complete a capstone project intended to help them manage and work with stakeholders in the health care sector. The capstone project is a six-month intensive team engagement with a health care organization facing specific management challenges. At the conclusion of the engagement, the student teams will provide the organizations with a detailed plan recommending strategies for resolving their challenges.

Applicants will be evaluated on their academic record, communication and leadership skills, management experience, career progression, health care area of expertise, experience in research or evaluation, and ethical values in health care. Strong candidates for the program should be able to clearly articulate their career goals, add a unique perspective to the classroom environment, be willing and able to work effectively in teams and show a demonstrated ability to master quantitative material.

For more information about the Executive MBA/MS in Healthcare Leadership, visit www.johnson.cornell.edu/mba-ms.