B
E
E
P
Y
O
O
N
D
T
From Scalpels to Spreadsheets
Recognizing the critical role of business acumen in health care innovation, Vrochides enrolled in the flexible online MBA program through the McColl School of Business at Queens University. He was able to create a customized academic schedule that allowed him to continue caring for patients while furthering his education.
“As my leadership roles have evolved, I’ve been required to make important business decisions about budgets and strategic planning that ultimately affect patient care,” said Vrochides. “I knew that as a responsible practitioner, I needed to learn more about the complex world of health care administration and business development. Through a partnership between Atrium Health and Queens University, I was able to enroll in the McColl School of Business and earn an MBA degree.”
As a surgeon, connecting to the Queens moto, “Not to be served, but to serve,” came naturally to Vrochides. “The Queens moto truly aligns with what it means to be a physician. As doctors, we are humbled that our patients allow us to take care of them during such a vulnerable period in their lives. It is truly a privilege for us.”
As the city of Charlote undergoes massive transformation, Vrochides has also noticed a change in how students are
22
educated today. “When I was a medical student, I was only taught about medicine. Today, institutions like Queens University and Atrium Health understand the importance of educating students and health care professionals in a holistic way, ensuring they are well-rounded and informed about other areas of the ecosystem around them.”
Vrochides’ studies were enriched by the insights of Will Sparks, Ph.D., Dennis Thompson Distinguished Chair and professor of leadership at Queens University. Sparks’ concept of “actualized leadership” emphasizes the critical role of self-awareness and stress management in maximizing leadership potential. The complex world of health care innovation requires not only strategic thinking but also the ability to lead effectively under pressure, ensuring clear decision-making and optimal outcomes for both patients and institutions.
“The professors at Queens were very supportive of my academic endeavors,” said Vrochides. “They were instrumental in helping me to understand specific components of leadership that I was never exposed to. I’m grateful for them and through their mentorship, I’ve learned how to think strategically, manage resources effectively, and lead with vision.”
QUEENS MAGAZiNE
H
E
R
A
T
I
M
N
O
G
O
R
O
G
O
N
O
M
Y
B
E
Y
O
N
D
T
H
E
O
P
E
R
A
T
I
R
T
E
N
D
H
E
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
