Higher Education in Light of Health Care Reform

Abstract

Introduction: For the past 17 years, health care has undergone numerous changes that have significantly altered its traditional model. Now higher education is beginning a transformation that may redesign its very fabric. There are many similarities between health care and higher education. Such things as guaranteed reimbursement, the need to demonstrate quality, technological advancement, and administrative/management relationships are evidence of these similarities. Purpose: Since health care has undergone much transformation, it may be advantageous for professionals (physician assistants, physicians, faculty, etc.) in higher education to examine similarities between health care and higher education so as to recognize behaviors and utilize tools to deal with change. The present paper views higher education and health care in four areas. Of these four areas, one deals with the professionals, two focus on professional/administrative relationships from different vantage points, and one examines administration (leadership). Experiences garnered from health care are presented for consideration. Possible strategies for handling change are also presented for review by those in higher education. These areas serve as focal points of discussion such that higher education might lessen much of the trauma presented by transition. Comment: Understanding and responding to the transition will also help to ensure the long-term viability of individual higher educational institutions. Physician assistants, like other professional health care providers and administrators are able to provide valuable insights in the academic settings and as such can aid in the transition of higher education.