For executive doctoral students, service learning transcends traditional pedagogy, providing an experiential pathway to bridge theory and practice. Healthcare professionals with clinical backgrounds gaining leadership experiences in emerging healthcare technologies like telehealth, biotechnologies, and artificial intelligence applications are crucial as they bring firsthand knowledge of patient care needs and challenges. Graduates having this new knowledge and expertise ensures that these technologies are effectively integrated into healthcare, optimizing patient outcomes, improving efficiency, and upholding ethical standards in this rapidly evolving landscape. This chapter underscores the transformative impact of service learning in non-traditional and executive doctoral programs in equipping healthcare leaders with the knowledge and acumen to drive innovation, enhance patient care, and navigate the complexities of AI-integrated telehealth and technologies in biotechnology.
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The advent of new Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in telehealth and biotechnology represents a transformative shift in healthcare. These technologies encompass a spectrum of innovations, including AI-driven diagnostics, predictive analytics, and virtual care solutions, all designed to enhance the delivery of healthcare services. Healthcare leaders, particularly those from clinical backgrounds, must comprehensively grasp the nature and applications of these technologies to harness their potential effectively.
In an era of unprecedented technological advancement, healthcare systems worldwide are experiencing a digital transformation. Traditionally focused on patient care, clinical leaders must now navigate complex technology landscapes. Managing technology effectively has become paramount, as it directly impacts patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and organizational success.
Healthcare management has evolved significantly recently, with technology assuming a central role in patient care, data management, and administrative processes. Clinical leaders with deep domain knowledge are increasingly tasked with overseeing technology implementations and decision-making. Technology management, executive management, and leadership skills are indispensable to fulfill this role effectively.
Traditionally, doctoral programs in healthcare have followed a conventional academic model. However, the rapidly changing healthcare landscape, marked by technological advancements, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the need for nimble leadership, has necessitated innovative educational approaches. Non-traditional and executive doctoral programs have emerged as compelling solutions. The emergence of executive doctoral programs is a continually emerging phenomenon, with the first programs becoming available in the early 1990s (Banerjee & Morley, 2013; Gill, 2014; Freeman & Forthun, 2017).
These programs allow business leaders to explore topics in business, leadership, technology, and management in greater depth and gain the skills needed to become successful leaders in their respective organizations (Banerjee & Morley, 2013; Gill, 2014; Freeman & Forthun, 2017) In addition to the increase in the number of programs, the quality of these programs has also improved significantly (Banerjee & Morley, 2013; Gill, 2014; Freeman & Forthun, 2017). As these programs have become more widely accepted, universities and other institutions have invested more resources into developing and delivering their executive doctoral programs (Banerjee & Morley, 2013; Gill, 2014; Freeman & Forthun, 2017). This increased investment has allowed for more rigorous and comprehensive courses and programs and more innovative approaches to teaching and learning (Gill, 2014; Freeman & Forthun, 2017; Ampaw & Jaeger, 2012).
Healthcare leadership is an intricate and demanding field that requires a profound understanding of clinical practice and organizational dynamics and the ability to navigate complex challenges. While many healthcare professionals receive extensive clinical education, their leadership and management training may need improvement. This gap can impede their effectiveness as leaders within healthcare organizations. An executive doctorate or a doctorate for working adults emerges as a compelling career and leadership development tool, offering several benefits to individuals in healthcare leadership roles, especially those whose prior education has been primarily in clinical areas.