Chancellor Victor J. Boschini, Jr.

If you were to walk down the corridors of any hospital in Fort Worth while wearing a Texas Christian University shirt, chances are you’d be greeted by a knowing smile, a hand sign and an enthusiastic “Go Frogs” from many people.

That’s because TCU is more than everyone’s favorite hometown team to cheer on; TCU has become a popular presence and valued partner to our area health care institutions. For many years, the university has enjoyed affiliations with North Texas hospitals through students from the Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences and the TCU Pre-Health Professions Institute. And the formation of the TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine is an exciting new chapter in our university’s story.

TCU’s Neeley School of Business also is playing a part in improving the future of medicine. When administrators at Fort Worth’s Cook Children’s Health Care System and John Peter Smith Health Network sought out ways to better prepare their professional employees for leadership, both institutions turned to TCU. The business school’s innovative programs have been a perfect fit to help physicians and other health care staff live up to their fullest potential.

TCU Neeley Executive Education offers a slate of courses not found in any medical school toolbox: negotiation, design thinking, communication and other forms of problem-solving. Through classes and small project groups, hospital personnel have rediscovered the power of ideas. TCU is helping these health care professionals learn to step up as leaders at their respective institutions and gain a better understanding of how their contributions relate to the nation’s health care system.

The results of Neeley’s partnership with the two health care systems have been eye-opening for the leadership participants and positive for all involved. Physicians have discovered new ways of thinking and relating, reacting with surprising enthusiasm about giving up Saturdays in their already full schedules. This excitement is a heartening reminder of the value of a liberal arts education, where connecting different areas of study makes learning a lifelong adventure.

Can leadership be taught? Read the Business of Medicine story, and we think you will agree that it can. And that there’s no better place to learn about leadership than at TCU.

With great pride, I have yet another reason to say this: Lead On, Horned Frogs!

Victor J. Boschini, Jr.
v.boschini@tcu.edu