Class of 2020

Amy Baruch, MD, MHCDS

Anatomic and Clinical Pathologist and President of the Medical Staff
Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System

While I looked into other graduate programs, none offered the breadth of coursework with the focus on healthcare applications that the MHCDS program offers. When I received a brochure in the mail for the MHCDS program and read the description of the curriculum, I instantly knew this program was exactly what I was looking for to position myself well to lead change in my organization.

Amy, tell us about your professional experience.

I am an anatomic and clinical pathologist with Carolinas Pathology Group, and serve as President of the Medical Staff at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System. In my pathologist role, I wear many hats, including serving as the Medical Director for multiple laboratories. In my Medical Staff President role, I interface between physicians and administrators, and represent the views and activities of the Medical Staff to the Board of the Healthcare System.

As a physician, why did you think it was important to take the MHCDS program? 

The practice of medicine is changing at a rapid pace, and physicians have a great opportunity to help shape this change in ways that benefit both our patients and our profession. In order to prepare ourselves to lead this change, it is essential for physicians to have a working knowledge of aspects of health care beyond our own scope of practice. These key areas of knowledge – such as health policy, finance, and change management - are all included in the MHCDS program.

Is there anything you’ve discovered in the program that you did not anticipate, but enjoy or value?

In addition to the classroom teaching and coursework, the MHCDS program provides many additional opportunities to enhance the learning experience. From dinner lectures given by leaders in healthcare and business at the residential sessions, to webinars from MHCDS alumni and the annual Symposium, there are many additional venues for learning that provide further stimulus for thinking about how we can put what we are learning into action.

What is the best part of the program for you – so far?

While I knew I would be learning from the renowned faculty at Dartmouth, I did not anticipate how much I would also be learning from my classmates. The study groups are strategically designed to mix people with varying expertise and backgrounds, who add invaluably to the learning environment by sharing their professional knowledge and experiences.

The deep friendships I have formed with my classmates through a shared sense of mutual respect has been the biggest perk of the MHCDS program.