Donald Sefcik, senior associate dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine, has been named chair of the Michigan Health Council board of trustees. MHC is a non-profit organization committed to connecting health care professionals with jobs, promoting health care education and addressing health care workforce issues across the state.
Sefcik will serve a two-year appointment for the 26-member board. During his term, Sefcik sees the council increasingly looking at issues related to interprofessional education and collaboration and team-based training and health care.
“I’m very happy to be a part of the health council because of its multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary nature,” Sefcik said. “The board is composed of individuals representing the perspectives and needs of physicians, physician assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, physical therapists, dentists and optometrists, focusing on the needs of health care professionals – what they need as leaders, educators and employers. It’s an eclectic, energetic group, which is an environment I enjoy.”
The MHC’s initiatives include pre-professional education for high school students, promoting clinical experience for those studying health care careers, and assisting those already in practice. It also offers job placement programs that connect prospective employees with employers and brings issues in health care employment to light.
Other college-affiliated members within the council include Carol Parker, academic affairs director; Sandy Kilbourn, director of external programs; and Dennis Paradis, executive director of the Michigan Health Policy Forum.