Schulich Execed Partners With the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana To Transform Guyana’s Healthcare System

December 8, 2023, marked a special occasion as representatives from Schulich ExecEd, an extension of the Schulich School of Business, York University, travelled to Guyana to celebrate the much-anticipated launch of the Guyana-Schulich ExecEd Masters Certificate in Physician Leadership Program, delivered in partnership with the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Among the attendees were Rami Mayer, Executive Director, Schulich ExecEd; Dr. Susan Lieff, Program Director, Schulich ExecEd; Jeff MacInnis, Facilitator, Schulich ExecEd; Robert Lynn, Associate Director, Schulich ExecEd; Ai Hokama, Program Coordinator, Schulich ExecEd; and respected members from Guyana’s government. 

Despite the warm and electric energy of the gathering, this was not Schulich ExecEd or York University’s first visit to the country, with representatives having attended a similar event in 2022 for the launch of the Schulich ExecEd-Guyana Masters Certificate in Hospital Leadership Program. With the successful conclusion of the 2022 program, Schulich ExecEd and the Government of Guyana partnered again to launch a second cohort alongside their newest Physicians program. Both programs are set to kick off their virtual classroom sessions in January 2024. 

This continuing partnership and joint programs support York University’s commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) – particularly UN SDG 3, Good Health and Well-being. UN SDG 4 Quality Education, and UN SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goal.   

“I had the privilege of joining the Schulich ExecEd and Schulich School of Business faculty at York University to kick off yet another round of training for healthcare professionals in Guyana. This time around, we have two programs in place to cater to the specific needs of different groups of healthcare workers,” shared Dr. Frank Anthony, Guyana’s Minister of Health. “These programs have been specifically designed to empower healthcare professionals in Guyana and enhance the quality of healthcare services they provide to their patients. We are grateful for the cooperation of the Ministry of Public Service and the Government of Guyana in delivering this training to the participants free of charge.”  

Schulich ExecEd and the Government of Guyana’s Mission 

Schulich ExecEd’s ongoing mission with this partnership is to transform Guyana’s healthcare system to deliver more equitable, accessible, and enhanced healthcare. The shared vision of these partners is to develop better healthcare and physician leaders in Guyana and provide innovative healthcare solutions to improve patient outcomes across the country. Program participants hail from all ten regions of Guyana, with diverse backgrounds, such as the country’s indigenous communities. 

“I am excited to announce the continuation of our partnership with the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Together, we are pioneering transformative learning programs, focused on social innovation that are aimed at equipping healthcare leaders with essential skills crucial for navigating the evolving landscape of healthcare in the Guyana region,” said Rami Mayer, Executive Director of Schulich ExecEd. “Our programs are meticulously designed to fill critical gaps in business education, addressing skill needs not traditionally covered in medical school. We are committed to empowering physicians and healthcare leaders with the tools to manage difficult conversations, solve complex problems, foster collaboration, lead effectively and elevate the overall quality of care in the country. Participants represent all 10 regions that make up Guyana, many in remote and isolated areas serving indigenous population. This partnership is another big step towards building a resilient global healthcare system, and we are honoured to contribute to the development of leaders who will shape the future of healthcare in Guyana.”  

Program Contents & Schulich ExecEd’s Healthcare Expertise 

The newest run of the Schulich ExecEd-Guyana Masters Certificate in Hospital Leadership Program focuses on fortifying the administrative skills of healthcare workers, equipping them with the knowledge to effectively manage healthcare facilities, resources and personnel. Its sister program, the Guyana-Schulich ExecEd Masters Certificate in Physician Leadership Program, is more of a direct response to the needs of physicians in the region. The goal is to build up physicians’ leadership abilities, improve their decision-making skills, and sharpen their capacity to manage healthcare facilities and resources.   

This program duo joins Schulich ExecEd’s long history of professional training and development for healthcare leaders. Prior healthcare clients of Schulich ExecEd include the University Health Network (UHN), Ontario Medical Association (OMA), Medical Society of Prince Edward Island (MSPEI), SickKids Hospital, Humber River Health, Brightshores Health System and the Ontario Ministry of Health. Schulich ExecEd also houses some of Canada’s leading Mini-MBA and Masters Certificate programs, including the Schulich Mini-MBA: Physician Business Leadership Program, Schulich Mini-MBA: Dentist Business Leadership Program, Schulich Mini-MBA: Clinical Professional Entrepreneurship Program and the Master’s Certificate in Healthcare Management program.   

The Government of Canada and the Government of Guyana 

In his stirring speech at the December 8 program launch, Adam Loyer, Head of Cooperation at the High Commission of Canada to Guyana, shared: “This initiative speaks to the continued partnership between the Government of Canada and Guyana and is an example of the depths of the ties between our two nations.”  

To close, Loyer added: “Canada is honoured to see new partnerships develop between Canada and Guyana- this one is special as it seeks to improve the health system for Guyanese citizens. We truly appreciate the commitment of the Government of Guyana and the Ministry of Health to furthering the capacity of the health system. We are delighted by this partnership!” 

What’s Next? 

Both the second cohort of the Schulich ExecEd-Guyana Masters Certificate in Hospital Leadership Program and the inaugural cohort of the Guyana-Schulich ExecEd Masters Certificate in Physician Leadership Program are expected to graduate its participants in September 2024. Farther along this blooming horizon are possible new initiatives and programs between Schulich ExecEd and the Government of Guayana, further fortifying the country’s healthcare system and empowering their healthcare leaders.