DES MOINES, IA - More than 65 leaders from throughout Iowa Health graduated during an evening commencement service. The nation's fifth largest non-denominational integrated health system graduated its first joint class of over 35 physicians and 30 administrative managers from its innovative Physician Leadership Academy and Management Leadership Academy.

The Physician Leadership Academy, an intensive graduate-level course of study, accredited by the American College of Physician Executives, was launched in 2010 to identify, prepare and support practicing clinicians who, upon graduation, are well-positioned to be leaders within the organization and to contribute to the strategic direction of Iowa Health.

Likewise, the Management Leadership Academy was developed in 2011 to launch promising clinical and business leaders within the system to better align initiatives that support patient care, and who will be at the forefront of our growth and future success.

The event marked the first time that both programs celebrated a joint commencement ceremony. "Having completed their studies and final projects at the Academy, the graduates are now equipped with critical administrative skills necessary to help transform the existing health care system and transition us to a patient-centric and physician-driven organization," says Emily Porter, Iowa Health's Vice President of People Excellence.

Both Academies worked with national experts on various topics related to patient care innovation, health care industry transition, regulatory impacts and leading change. Final projects ranged from leading the implementation of new population health strategies to business planning models for across the enterprises. Participants from both programs engaged in the projects collaboratively.

"In light of health care reform, coordination within and between management leaders and physician leaders is only going to become more critical to ensure best outcomes for patients," said Iowa Health President and CEO, Bill Leaver in his charge to the graduates. "Compassion must be equipped with the right training in order for a health care organization to be most effective."

Des Moines Metro leaders among the 2012 graduates include:

Dr. Paul Gisi, Methodist Plaza Obstetrics & Gynecology
Dr. Eric Haugen, Blank Children's Hospital
Dr. Michael Hurt, Des Moines Anesthesiologists, PC, Chief of Staff, Iowa Lutheran Hospital
Dr. Robert Isaak, John Stoddard Cancer Center
Dr. Jerusa Kamala, Penn OB/GYN and Imaging Services
Dr. Amr Kamhawy, Lakeview Family Medicine & Urgent Care
Dr. Michael Line, Blank Children's Hospital
Dr. Teresa LaMasters, Iowa Health - Des Moines Weight Loss Specialists
Dr. Patricia Newland, Norwalk Family Physicians
Dr. Marianka Pille, Blank Children's Hospital
Dr. Deanna Questad, Internal Medicine at Prairie Trail
Dr. Stephen Rinderknecht, Waukee Pediatrics
Dr. Heather Roberts, Lakeview Internal Medicine
Dr. Jeffrey Schoon, West Des Moines Family Physicians
Dr. Charles Svensson, Penn OB/GYN and Imaging Services
Dr. Lisa Veach, Methodist Plaza Specialty Clinic
Maureen Adams, Iowa Health - Des Moines
Thomas Mulrooney, Iowa Health - Des Moines