PHILADELPHIA (February 28, 2013) – Under heavy pressure from government regulators and insurance companies, more health care providers across the country are brushing up on their business skills.

A new partnership between the Haub School of Business and Lancaster General Health (LGH) will soon offer local physicians, nurses and key administrators an MBA degree to compliment their medical expertise and help health care professionals better adapt to industry changes.

Joseph A. DiAngelo Jr., Ed.D. '70, dean of the Haub School, says Lancaster General CEO Thomas E. Beeman, Ph.D. '75, FACHE first approached SJU in early 2012 to discuss SJU's academic offerings.

"Health care is moving from managing not just an individual’s health, but also a population’s health," said Beeman. "Educating physicians to take a vital role in helping communities deliver on the promise of a healthier future will require different skills that are well embedded in the Haub School's MBA program."

DiAngelo said Lancaster General Health has a reputation for excellence and he looks forward to working with the health care system for many years to come. "We're excited to have these health professionals in the classroom," said DiAngelo. "They understand patients and their needs; our job is to teach them the business skills to improve overall effectiveness and efficiency."

LGH colleagues will begin the Haub School's program with in-person residencies and online courses mid-March 2013; graduation of the first cohort is anticipated for May 2015.