Dermot Phelan, MD, PhD

The US healthcare system is extraordinarily complex and, in many respects, under real strain. Going through this program has reinforced for me how important it is to have thoughtful, well prepared leaders who can navigate that complexity and help move the system forward.

I’m a cardiologist based in Charlotte, NC, where I serve as Enterprise Lead for Cardiovascular Imaging for Advocate Health's national heart and vascular service line.   I am also the Medical Director of Cardiovascular Imaging and Director of the Gragg Center for Cardiovascular Performance and the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center at the Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute. My clinical and research interests lie at the intersection of sports cardiology, advanced cardiac imaging, and genetic heart disease. I also serve as a cardiology consultant for several professional sports organizations, including the NFL, MLB and NBA and am cardiologist for the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC. Originally from Ireland, I completed my medical training and PhD there before moving to the U.S in 2011. I worked at Cleveland Clinic for just under 10 years before moving to Charlotte in 2020. I’m passionate about improving care delivery models, integrating technology like AI into cardiovascular diagnostics, and mentoring the next generation of physician-leaders. 

I have 4 children aged between 6 and 16 and they are my focus outside of work. I do enjoy watching sports, in particular rugby and while I used to love reading at one time, I now get my fix through audiobooks. I am a keen but poor golfer!

Why did you decide to pursue an MHCDS degree?

I’ve pursued the MHCDS degree to gain the strategic, operational, and leadership skills needed to drive meaningful change in healthcare delivery in a complex integrated healthcare system. As a physician leader overseeing multidisciplinary programs in cardiovascular medicine, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges of navigating complex systems while trying to deliver high-value, high-quality patient centered care. I’m particularly interested in optimizing care pathways and integrating technology like AI into clinical workflows.

Why did you choose MHCDS over another type of master’s program such as an MBA, MPH, or MHA? 

I spent a fair amount of time evaluating different master’s programs, including an MBA, MPH, and MHA. In the end, a trusted colleague who attended Dartmouth and completed the MHCDS really tipped the balance for me. The reputation of Dartmouth and Tuck was a major factor, but what stood out most was the program’s focused emphasis on healthcare delivery and the fact that it attracts a true mid‑career cohort. The students bring deep, real‑world experience and are applying what they learn immediately, rather than engaging with the material at a purely theoretical level. I was also drawn to the diversity of the class, which includes not only physician leaders but also individuals working in the healthcare payors system, legislation, and regulation, offering a range of perspectives and the opportunity to build meaningful, long‑term professional relationships.

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

There are a few aspects of the program that I would find hard to rank. First, the faculty are truly world class, not only leaders in their fields but also exceptional communicators. Second, I learn as much from my classmates as I do from the formal curriculum. The depth and diversity of experience in the cohort makes the discussions immensely interesting and practical. Finally, the way the curriculum is applied has been particularly valuable for me. I have done leadership training before, but the consistent emphasis on real‑world application brings the material to life and makes it immediately relevant to my day‑to‑day work.

Has your job changed since starting the program ?  How did the MHCDS program prepare you for your new position?

Yes, my role has changed significantly since starting the program. Our organization has undergone multiple mergers in recent years and is now the third largest not‑for‑profit healthcare system in the country, Advocate Health. As part of a broader effort to build a truly integrated national Heart and Vascular Service Line, I was asked to take on the role of Enterprise Lead for Cardiovascular Imaging. I find myself using the MHCDS curriculum on a daily basis, from frameworks to understand healthcare regulation and operations to very practical tools around leadership, communication, and time management. The program has been immediately applicable and well aligned with the demands of this expanded role.

Is there anything else that you would tell a friend or colleague who was considering the MHCDS program?

The US healthcare system is extraordinarily complex and, in many respects, under real strain. Going through this program has reinforced for me how important it is to have thoughtful, well‑prepared leaders who can navigate that complexity and help move the system forward. I would wholeheartedly recommend the MHCDS program to a friend or colleague working in healthcare who is looking to grow, broaden their perspective, and make a meaningful impact, whether that is within their own community or at a national level.