Guyana’s Healthcare Leaders Drive Change with Schulich ExecEd’s Action Learning Project (ALP)

In September 2024, Schulich ExecEd celebrated the graduation of 54 healthcare leaders from Guyana’s Ministry of Health at a ceremony in Georgetown, Guyana. This marked the completion of two custom programs: the Masters Certificate in Physician Leadership and the Masters Certificate in Healthcare Leadership. Specifically tailored to address Guyana’s unique healthcare challenges, these programs empowered leaders to make a direct and lasting impact on patient care and hospital operations across the country. A significant highlight of the programs was the focus on individual Action Learning Projects (ALP), enabling participants to apply their knowledge in real-world healthcare settings. 

“Guyana is aggressively building a world-class healthcare system with the construction of several modern regional hospitals, rehabilitation of health facilities, and the provision of other crucial services,” remarks Dr. Frank Anthony, Guyana’s Minister of Health. “We are all part of a journey where we are now working at a rapid pace to have everybody on board.” 

The customized curriculum for these two Masters Certificate programs addressed the specific needs of Guyana’s healthcare system, with interactive course content covering key areas such as Strategy, Leading with Emotional Intelligence, Measuring and Improving Quality, Personal Leadership, and Motivating People. Participants were guided through practical frameworks and real-world examples to prepare them for their individual ALPs, the central element of their learning, where they applied new skills to address healthcare challenges within their local hospitals and clinics. 

Graduates, representing all 10 regions of Guyana, including the hinterland, have already begun making an impact through their ALPs. By addressing pressing healthcare issues, such as improving patient care, enhancing leadership in remote areas, and implementing quality control measures, these projects have introduced innovative solutions to healthcare management nationwide. Each participant completed the program with a final presentation showcasing how their ALPs led to tangible improvements in healthcare and patient outcomes in Guyana. By tackling real-world challenges, participants developed practical skills to drive transformative changes in their facilities, aligning with Guyana’s broader healthcare goals. 

“We are honoured to be part of Guyana’s transformational journey in healthcare. The success of these two cohorts is a testament to the dedication of Guyana’s healthcare professionals and the strong collaboration between Schulich ExecEd and Guyana’s Ministry of Health,” shares Rami Mayer, Executive Director of Schulich ExecEd. “By equipping leaders with essential skills in healthcare leadership, we are empowering them to drive meaningful improvements in patient care and operational effectiveness. Schulich ExecEd is proud to contribute to strengthening Guyana’s healthcare system and be part of the extensive country-wide transformation taking place. We look forward to supporting continued advancements in Guyana and beyond.” 

Since the partnership began in October 2022, Schulich ExecEd has been instrumental in developing a new generation of healthcare leaders in Guyana. These leaders are at the forefront of enhancing the country’s healthcare infrastructure, with 12 new hospitals currently under construction, including 7 new hospitals opening next year. As these hospitals come online, Schulich ExecEd’s graduates will play a pivotal role in advancing patient care and operational improvements across the system. The Schulich ExecEd programs are designed to help Guyana’s healthcare administrators transform their country’s healthcare system. With aspirations to become a health tourism destination, Guyana recognizes the urgent need for system-wide improvements to support its national healthcare goals across the Caribbean region. 

To date, a total of 79 healthcare leaders from across the country have graduated from these programs since Schulich ExecEd launched its partnership with Guyana in October 2022. Looking ahead, Schulich ExecEd is exploring opportunities for continued collaboration in 2025 with Guyana’s Ministry of Health, along with the potential introduction of Peer Leadership Circles to sustain post-program collaboration and shared learning. These initiatives will further solidify the ongoing impact of the ALPs, ensuring that healthcare leaders in Guyana remain empowered and equipped to drive positive, lasting change in their healthcare system. 

This ongoing collaboration reflects a commitment to strengthening Guyana’s healthcare system, with each cohort contributing to a lasting impact across the country. To learn more about the stories and the accomplishments of previous cohorts, explore our news articles below: 

• Schulich Execed Partners With the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana To Transform Guyana’s Healthcare System 
• Government of Guyana Partners With Schulich ExecEd to Expand Hospital Leadership Capacity 

For more information about Schulich ExecEd’s custom programs for organizations, click here.