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Medical Care

SDSU to Launch Healthcare Systems Engr. Major in Fall 2025

2024-12-12

South Dakota State University is set to make a significant impact with the introduction of a Bachelor of Science in healthcare systems engineering starting from fall 2025. This innovative degree program follows the approval by the South Dakota Board of Regents on December 12. It represents a unique and first-of-its-kind undergraduate offering that aims to integrate multiple disciplines under one roof.

Transforming the Healthcare Landscape

Healthcare is undeniably the largest and fastest-growing industry globally, facing increasing complexity due to various factors such as technological advancements, economic shifts, social changes, and regulatory influences. Generative artificial intelligence, computer vision, pattern recognition, and computational modeling in high-resolution anatomic domains are rapidly emerging technologies that are set to revolutionize the healthcare industry.The future-focused healthcare systems engineering program at South Dakota State University will train students to combine engineering principles and mathematical methods. By using cutting-edge tools and techniques, it will bring health care professionals and engineers together, creating a new breed of professionals capable of addressing the challenges of the evolving healthcare landscape.

Providing Workforce Solutions

Dennis Hedge, provost and vice president for academic affairs, expressed his excitement about adding this degree to SDSU's academic portfolio. He emphasized that healthcare systems are complex, and this program, with its focus on rural health care systems, will meet the workforce needs of experts with the skills and abilities to advance and optimize healthcare delivery.The degree will prepare students for a wide range of employment opportunities within the healthcare industry. They will be equipped to work in areas such as healthcare operations, developing new technologies and devices, improving patient care through data-driven decisions, and implementing efficient systems to streamline processes.

Shaping the Future of Healthcare

Sanjeev Kumar, dean of the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering, highlighted that this is a more futuristic-thinking engineering degree. Graduates will possess critical thinking and problem-solving skills, enabling them to serve the workforce needs of industries today and shape the future of the healthcare industry.Students will be prepared to manage rapidly emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, as well as big data, cyber security, health informatics, telemedicine, and more. This comprehensive approach ensures that they are well-equipped to handle the challenges and opportunities of the digital age in healthcare.

Meeting Workforce Needs

As part of SDSU's land-grant mission, faculty identified current and future workforce needs and developed this program to prepare students to meet the needs of the state and region. It aims to bridge the gap between engineers and health care professionals and enable them to develop and apply cutting-edge technologies to address the critical needs of the fast-growing healthcare industry.Students have the option to add one of the following tracks to the general degree within this program: artificial intelligence and data science, pre-medicine, animal industry, and devices and sensors. This flexibility allows them to specialize in areas that align with their interests and career goals.The program is offered through the Lohr College of Engineering's Department of Mechanical Engineering in collaboration with SDSU's Colleges of Nursing, Natural Sciences, Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, Education and Human Sciences, and Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. It also partners with Dakota State University to provide a comprehensive and interdisciplinary learning experience.

OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s in Alton is on the verge of a significant leadership transition. The center is thrilled to announce that Zach Yoder, MHA, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, has accepted the invitation to take on the role of president. This new position becomes effective on Monday, January 6, 2025, and he will report to AJ Querciagrossa, the chief executive officer of the Western Region at OSF HealthCare.

Bringing a New Era of Leadership

Querciagrossa emphasizes, "Zach will lead OSF Saint Anthony’s in aligning with the overall strategy of OSF HealthCare while directing all internal operations. His task is to ensure that high-quality and cost-effective healthcare is continuously delivered to our patients in the Riverbend region. Zach will carry forward a culture of collaboration and integration, providing a safe Mission Partner and patient care environment."

Background and Achievements

New to OSF HealthCare, Zach Yoder brings with him extensive experience. Most recently, he served as the chief operating officer at SIHF Healthcare (Sauget, IL) and Touchette Regional Hospital (Cahokia Heights, IL). His clinical and leadership background makes him a perfect fit for this position. Some of his notable accomplishments in 2022 include:- Decreasing staffing turnover by 9% and agency staffing by 60%, which shows his ability to optimize human resources and manage costs.- Closing care gaps and increasing multiple quality metrics across the organization. Specifically, there was a 13% increase in hypertension and diabetes management, highlighting his focus on improving patient outcomes.Zach earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Southern Illinois University and a Master of Health Administration from Webster University in St. Louis. He further enhanced his skills by earning a Master of Healthcare Operational Excellence from Washington University in St. Louis.

Interim Leadership and Collaboration

Since August 10, 2024, Lisa Schepers, DNP, MBA, RN, NE-BC, has served as the interim president at OSF Saint Anthony’s following Jerry Rumph's resignation. During her tenure as interim president, she collaborated with Dennis Sands, MD, the chief medical officer, and Sister M. Beata, F.S.G.M., the vice president of Support Services. Together, they led OSF Saint Anthony’s through a crucial period while a search was conducted to name a new president.More information on OSF Saint Anthony’s can be obtained by visiting www.osfsaintanthonys.org.

Songwriter Jesse Welles has been making waves with his solo acoustic protest songs that touch on various social and political issues. His latest creation, "United Health," tells the story of America's healthcare industry in a unique and powerful way. With a melody reminiscent of John Prine's "Fish and Whistle," Welles takes on UnitedHealthcare specifically, just a week after the tragic shooting death of its CEO.

Jesse Welles' Acoustic Protest Against Healthcare Giants

Origins of UnitedHealthcare

Back in 70 and 7, Mister Richard T. Burke started buying Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and put federal grants to work. He made an astonishing 50 billion buckaroos last year, becoming the Warren Buffett of health and the Jeff Bezod of fear. Welles details the origins of this healthcare giant and its founder, showing how it has grown and become a dominant force in the industry.This acquisition of HMOs had a significant impact on the healthcare landscape, changing the way people receive medical care. It led to a consolidation of power and a shift in the focus from patient care to profit-making. Welles' song serves as a reminder of the origins and the consequences of such a powerful entity.

Cynicism towards the Healthcare System

Welles offers a cynical view not only of the U.S.'s healthcare system but also of the siloed state of the country in general. He sings, "There ain't no 'you' in United Health, there ain't no 'me' in the company. There ain't no 'us' in the private trust. There's hardly humans in 'humanity.'" This highlights the lack of empathy and connection within the healthcare industry and society as a whole.In a system that often prioritizes profits over people, Welles' song serves as a call to action. It encourages us to think about the impact of corporate healthcare and to strive for a more compassionate and inclusive system. His words resonate with those who have experienced the shortcomings of the current healthcare model and inspire them to fight for change.

Upcoming Tour and Sold-Out Shows

The singer-songwriter, who previously fronted the Fayetteville, Arkansas, rock band Dead Indian, will kick off his new tour in February. The tour hits venues like Bowery Ballroom in New York, Terminal West in Atlanta, and the Basement East in Nashville. All shows through April are sold out, showing the growing popularity and impact of his music.Welles' live performances are known for their energy and passion. He brings his songs to life on stage, connecting with the audience and creating a memorable experience. His tour is not just about promoting his music but also about raising awareness about important issues and inspiring change.