Preparing stewards for tomorrow. A healthcare system's intern program provides mentors for potential trustees

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Administration
• Organizational Development
• Leadership Training

Background:

• Mentorship is crucial for professional growth, especially in complex fields like healthcare.
• Healthcare facility trustees require specialized knowledge and skills due to the industry's dynamic nature.
• The Sisters of Mercy Health System (SMHS) recognized the need for structured trustee development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the comprehensive intern program for potential healthcare facility trustees at SMHS.
• To outline the structure, duration, and components of the mentorship program.
• To identify the qualifications and responsibilities of both interns and mentors.

Main Methods:

• A two-year program pairing interns with board member mentors.
• Inclusion of didactic components, independent study, and clinical experience.
• Regularly scheduled meetings and a focus on integrating mission and values into board activities.

Main Results:

• The program has successfully trained sisters from diverse backgrounds (education, healthcare, social service).
• Interns develop crucial trustee abilities, including listening skills and commitment.
• Mentors guide interns in understanding board dynamics, resource appropriateness, and decision-making processes.

Conclusions:

• The SMHS intern program provides a robust framework for developing effective healthcare facility trustees.
• Mentorship is a key strategy for cultivating leadership and governance in healthcare organizations.
• The program's success highlights the value of structured training in preparing individuals for trustee roles.