Free business award certificate

It used to be a lot easier for doctors to run their practices. They dedicated themselves to providing the best available healthcare without worrying if the patient's benefits covered prescribed medications or about the ratio of expenses to the monthly budget. Managed care and other changes that swept over the healthcare industry have made a solid understanding of modern business principles as essential as medical knowledge to the successful practice of medicine.

In response to the many business demands being thrust upon physicians in today's competitive healthcare industry, the University of South Florida (USF) developed the first and only Multimedia Business of Medicine Online Executive Certificate Program A major benefit of the program is Bisk Education's proprietary c-learning technology featuring digitally streamed audio and video lectures that make the program available entirely online.

Business of Medicine Online Program

The program is designed to provide licensed physicians with the business skills they need to excel in the financially complex world of healthcare In addition to earning a certificate, graduates earn up to a maximum of 96 hours in Continuing Medical Education (CME) Category 1 credit toward the American Medical Association. Physician's Recognition Award.

USF's program allows physicians to study in the comfort of their homes or offices without disrupting their careers, family responsibilities, or other important commitments. Additionally, the quality of the education provided online is identical to that of a campus-based program, and the learning experience is equally rewarding.

Physicians can log on at www.USFcme.com 24 hours a day, seven days a week using a standard PC and Web browser to access the online lectures presented in a degitally streamed video format along with the instructor's lecture slides. The lectures can be reviewed as often as needed, and unlike a live presentation there is a pause and playback button.

Many physicians have a desire to return to school and earn a certificate or degree that could help them improve their practice, move up within their organization, add increase their earnings, but they just cannot find the time to commit to a traditional campus college program.

"The format of taking lectures over the computer is very convenient and allows me to pursue coursework at various times in the early morning or late at night. I wish the educational process had been so easy when I was in college," said Samuel Martin, MD, a vascular surgeon from Orlando, FL. "The Business of Medicine Online Executive Certificate Program at USF has been a delight and very informative. I have taken away from the lectures a great deal of information which we have already started to apply in our practice."

Course Load

The program draws upon USF's 10 years background of providing graduate level business courses for physicians. USF's Business of Medicine Program consists of four online courses. Each course is comprised of four classes (24 hours of presentation, six hours per class). The courses start on the first day of each month and must be completed by the last day of the following month. Since there is no set course schedule, physicians are able to take courses in any order they choose and work at their own pace.

The very same professors who teach in USF's on-campus classrooms teach online classes as well. Courses include: The Business Environment of Healthcare, Data Driven Management, Marketing and the Management of Service Quality, and Managing People/Developing Strategies. Upon completion of all four courses (in a 12-month period), physicians will receive a Business of Medicine Certificate from USF.

"I am a radiologist, and like most other physicians have not had any business classes," said Joel Hassien, MD, of Hannibal, MO. "The certificate program has been a very enjoyable experience, and I feel that I have learned so much in just the first few. modules. I am already setting goals for my practice and know that these will make a huge difference in the delivery of quality radiology to our community."

Another benefit of USF's program is the high quality content that provides the business knowledge that physicians now require. Physicians are also able to communicate with peers and moderators using lively synchronous chat rooms, message boards, and email. Founded in 1956, and now one of the 20 largest universities in the country, USF has built a solid reputation as a leader in learning, offering comprehensive state-ofthe-art, student-centered programs. USF's faculty includes 73 Fulbright Scholars and 42 endowed chairs.

USF's College of Business Administration, one of the largest business schools in the nation, is accredited by the International Association for Management Education (formerly AACSB), the premier accrediting body for business schools. In addition, USF boasts an excellent College of Medicine, which includes the world-renowned H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, a National Cancer Institute Designated Cancer Center.

Steve Valley is the public relations manager for Bisk Education Inc., a pro-vider of Web-based, interactive education programs. Program information is available online at www.USFcme.com/hcr. Physicians may request a USF Business of Medicine Executive certificate Program brochure, a CD-ROM and a free online course, "Patient Time and Management,"