Summa Health President and CEO, Cliff Deveny, M.D., shared his time as a virtual guest presenter for Kent State College of Public Health undergraduate students on December 9 for the “Leadership and Management during a Disease Outbreak” course module. Dr. Deveny discussed Summa’s extensive communication program, collaborating with area health care systems, public health agencies and state government in the midst of a pandemic. He stressed the need for frequent, transparent information updates available to patients, staff and throughout the community. In addition, Dr. Deveny fielded student questions on leadership and his advice on success and professionalism, and offered useful advice about emerging career opportunities for public health graduates.
“I can’t thank Dr. Deveny enough for spending his time with our students, especially during this most challenging time in history for hospital leadership. To be able to see Summa’s communication techniques and hear what’s worked directly from Dr. Deveny during a worldwide pandemic is priceless to our students,” said Bob Howard. Howard, Bill Franks and Matt Stefanak are retired public health and hospital executives who developed the course and serve as course instructors and public health ambassadors for the college.