This course introduces and examines the structure and function of the American healthcare system from the strategic, managerial, and socio-political perspectives. Students will focus on key issues across the healthcare system by analyzing the organization, economics, and delivery of healthcare, as well as major stakeholders within the industry. The course will also examine the complex interrelationships among stakeholders and system-wide changes. Major issues and social/political hot topics will be explored to highlight and demonstrate the industry's complexities/challenges and how to successfully navigate and manage them.

By the end of the course students will:

1. Acquire a working knowledge of each of the major components that make up the American healthcare system, and the complex inter-relationships among them.
2. Develop and practice a conceptual framework for understanding pertinent healthcare issues and their potential solutions moving forward.

Course Instructor

This course will be taught by Kevin Giordano. Mr. Giordano serves as both the Executive Director of the Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center in clinical affiliation with South Shore Hospital and the Executive Director of the Cancer Service Line at South Shore Hospital (SSH). In his dual-role, he focuses on developing, establishing, and coordinating expert cancer services across the care path for the southeastern Massachusetts region.Prior to his current role, he oversaw the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, including five clinical practice locations, four research laboratories, a multi-hospital residency program, a multi-disciplinary ambulatory procedure center and a wound care center. Previous to that, he was Director of the Cancer Intelligence program at Sg2, an international health care intelligence company that provides research, education, and consultation to member organizations. Mr. Giordano has also worked for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s department of Medical Oncology. Kevin has a bachelor’s degree in finance and information systems from Boston College and a master’s degree in business administration from Yale University School of Management.