Blog
Supporting Clinic Leadership
Collaborative partnership results in Community Health Center University.
The VAFCC is committed to supporting our member free and charitable clinics so that Virginia's underserved have access to quality care. Thus, we are pleased to share a recent partnership with the Virginia Community Healthcare Association (VCHA) on an innovative program designed to support leaders in Virginia's healthcare safety net. The Community Health Center University, a year-long program delivered through the University of Richmond, develops current and future healthcare leadership. This past year, several clinic leaders participated and found the program beneficial to their professional growth. 
"As a new clinic executive director, I saw the Community Health Center University (CHCA) as an incredible opportunity to learn from experts in the field and was fortunate to be selected. As a retired US Government Executive and US Army Officer, I received a lot of leadership training over my 35 years of service, however, leadership in a clinic is quite a different challenge. You can't just order volunteers and donors around! The classes have allowed me to meet the professors, and my contemporaries, to discuss issues related to all of us, and hear what works and what doesn't (because I don't want to reinvent the wheel if possible). The personal executive coaching was a huge success! As a small clinic leader, I find myself doing many things on my own. Having the executive coach provided me with the opportunity to speak directly to an expert and the coach's knowledge and experience was right on target! The biggest change I see in myself because of this program is being able to view things in a more strategic manner. I would highly recommend this program."

"I was drawn to this opportunity because I love learning with groups of peers, I think it's the best way to learn information. Being able to work with so many peers that are doing the same work -- hearing their experiences and being able to brainstorm on pertinent topics. I also liked being able to grow my professional network. This program is particularly useful in helping young leaders who want to grow into the Executive role in the future. As a result of this program, I'm now looking at old problems differently. I like that it touches on so many different aspects of leadership."
The VAFCC is excited to offer a second cohort in 2024 to clinic leadership.