147th Interagency Institute for Federal Health Leaders
The purpose of the Institute is to provide an opportunity for the seasoned, practicing federal health professional to examine some of the current issues in health care policy and management and to explore their potential impact on the federal health care system. The design of the course assumes a high level of conceptual knowledge and leadership ability on the part of the participants. Given the intelligence and sophistication of these selected executives, the faculty maximizes the learning experience by presenting materials resulting from research and experience, as well as examples and case studies from the contemporary national health policy decision-making process.
This event is by invitation only.
Target Audience
This activity provides continuing education for physicians, nurses, physician associates/physician assistants, pharmacists, dentists, and healthcare executives across the Military Health System (MHS). A certificate of attendance is available for other attendees.
Learning Objectives
Welcome, Course Overview and Participant Intros
- Explain how the Institute is organized to respond to identified learner needs.
- Recognize opportunities to learn and discuss with other health professionals a broad spectrum of current domestic, international, practice management and leadership issues that influence health care.
- Recognize fellow federal health executives who will participate in small group work/exercises to promote interactions among representatives of all agencies.
History of the U.S. Military's Role in Medical Advancements
- Give examples of innovations, treatments, and practices developed to address the unique challenges of warfare and military health.
- Explain how military-driven advancements underscore the vital role military medicine has played in the evolution of healthcare leading to improved patient care and outcomes globally.
Next Gathering Storm
- Describe how business and government leaders view trends in an attempt to anticipate and plan for the future.
- Describe major trends expected to impact an ever-more turbulent world that will impact economies and society as a whole.
- Explain how geopolitical instability, economic and financial dislocation and deceleration of globalization are going to force leaders to innovate, forge innovative partnerships, and maximize organizational resilience and agility to succeed or at least to persevere.
Lessons in Leadership
- Describe challenges of operating a successful health care enterprise with attention to patient and staff satisfaction.
- Describe how to approach providing quality health care to meet patient needs in an austere fiscal and staffing environment.
- Explain some basic requirements for re-engaging beneficiaries.
Health Policy: The Role of the Courts
- Describe the role of the judiciary in shaping health policy.
- Identify key decisions that have shaped the direction of health policy, particularly health policy related to the Affordable Care Act
- Explain the role of stare decisis when the court faces a legal argument.
The Federal Budget Process
- Summarize the Federal Budget Process including Presidential proposal, Congressional review, Appropriations, Mandatory vs. Discretionary spending and final approval.
- Relate how the Congressional Budget Office plays a crucial role in the federal budgeting process.
Preparing Health Professionals for the Future
- Explain why innovation and leadership are urgent matters for the medical field.
- Discuss the imperatives of effective leadership to move an organization forward.
Bio-Preparedness and Health Leadership Pearls
- Describe the process of strengthening the military, national, regional, and global systems so they are able to respond more quickly and effectively to biological threats.
- Explain how healthcare leaders can most effectively inform and influence policy and resourcing decisions by senior officials.
- Highlight the integral connections between health security, economic security and national security.
When We Become They: C-Suite Leadership
- Describe behaviors that have a positive impact on successful transitioning from senior to strategic leadership.
- Discuss how strategic leadership is different from senior leadership in successful organizations.
- Discuss how to prepare for strategic leadership to assure competency at the strategic level.
Leadership and Multidisciplinary Teamwork in Health Care
- Examine their skills, knowledge and ability related to leadership.
- Describe leadership, followership, and differentiate types of leaders and followers.
A Shift to Prevention and Wellness – Can We Do It?
- Delineate examples of the great public health achievements of the last century.
- Summarize lessons learned from the campaign against tobacco and how they can be applied to other public health issues.
- List components of the health impact pyramid that have the greatest impact on population health.
Washington Health Policy Update – 2026
- Assess the potential of proposed health care policy changes to improve the nation’s health care.
- Recognize cost-sharing reforms that could bend the health care cost curve and allow for Medicare to be there for future generations.
- Discuss whether health care financing policies will impede access to care.
Disaster Planning – National and International
- Describe the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) Pilot Program, including its problem set and goals with relevance to preparedness and surge readiness in the military and civilian healthcare systems.
- Describe Pilot projects underway that aim to enhance healthcare surge capacity and capability to improve military-civilian interoperability within the NDMS and across the broader U.S. healthcare system.
The Veterans Health Administration
- Report key efforts of the VHA to provide high quality services that are competent, compassionate, cost-effective, and evidence-based to improve the functional status of veterans.
- Explain how the VHA promotes health care delivery to achieve greater satisfaction among veterans.
AI in General; Healthcare Specifically
- Describe potential security risks that may occur due to common cyber vulnerabilities.
- List beneficial effects of cybersecurity related to public health.
- Recount why the healthcare industry is a lucrative target for cybersecurity incidents.
Keeping the End State in Mind
- Summarize how the Military Health System will continue to stabilize, modernize and integrate as a single enterprise across the military services.
Comparative Analysis of the Military Health System and the Veterans Health Administration: Key Insights for Health Care Leaders
- Differentiate the missions, organizational structures, and patient populations of the Military Health System (MHS) and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).
- Analyze key similarities and differences in funding models, range of benefits and services, and care delivery approaches across both systems.
China: Military and Political Status and Future Intentions
- Describe China as a major world power in relation to its rapid economic growth, military strength, large population, abundant resources and political influence.
- Discuss the implications now evident in China’s maritime security environment.
The Transforming Landscape of Aging
- Analyze options across the continuum of aged care for maintaining a good quality of life.
- Recognize the trajectories associated with extended life spans when planning age-appropriate care.
- Describe how programs designed to help adults optimize health might be integrated into preventive services in health care systems.
The State of the World
- Cite the value of the National Security Strategy.
- List current major strategic challenges that the U.S. military needs to address to be successful.
A Framework for Resolving Ethical Dilemmas
- Recognize that leaders must ensure that the mission is ethical valid to mitigate stress and a breakdown in moral values.
- Describe medical ethical challenges where guidance might be confusing or not readily accessible in a timely way.
- Explain how applied ethics is used in clinical medicine and medical research to determine the best and most appropriate actions to be taken.
A Perspective on the Middle East Including Iran
- Summarize the root causes of unrest and their effect on stability in Middle Eastern countries.
- Describe the Iranian strategic perspective in the global environment.
George Washington – Merit, Honor, Legacy
- Recall Washington’s leadership and commitment to the principles of democracy and independence.
- Recognize that Washington offered valuable advice on maintaining national unity, avoiding partisan divisions, and avoiding entanglement in foreign conflicts in his Farewell Address.
- Discuss how Washington’s contributions to the formation of the United States as a sovereign nation, his leadership during the Revolutionary War, and his commitment to democratic principles have led to his recognition as “Father of Our Country.”
The Private Sector Role in Federal Health Care Services
- Explain the scope and impact of private sector entities providing access and delivering health care to Federal beneficiaries.
- Discuss obstacles and opportunities for greater collaboration among private and public sector entities to provide health care services
- Describe the Defense Health Agency approach for outsourcing health care services
Financial Markets and Health Care
- Describe current monetary policies and their effects on financial markets and economic growth.
- Summarize the current fiscal situation that has implications for the future.
- Explain how the financial markets and the health care industry are interconnected in delivery of care.
Adaptive Leadership
- Recognize and avoid some of the common pitfalls military leaders face when devising strategy.
- Apply the key elements of Rummel's "kernel" to design strategies that successfully address key warfighter concerns.
VHA/DHA Health Care and Readiness Integration
- Summarize the efforts to create the integrated medical facility.
- Describe the operating challenges associated with managing the facility Give examples how the integrated facility differs from the typical VA or DoD medical facility.
- Give examples how the integrated facility differs from the typical VA or DoD medical facility.
Lessons Learned from Other Countries – Australia, Canada, New Zealand
- Distinguish one aspect of each country's health care systems that would have positive potential if adapted to a U.S. system.
Senior Federal Health Leaders Panel
- Discuss current issues being addressed by the health executive leadership that effect the Federal workspace.
- Interpret how current reorganization and operational tempo effects service members and their families.
- Report on models being developed for combat injury care when air and sea transport may be severely limited.
The Status of Selected Health Professions – Panel
- Identify factors that affect supply and demand as related to the health care professions.
- Summarize strategies that the health professions can implement to expand their impact on health.
Clinical Quality and the Patient Experience in the Military Health System
- Describe how patient surveys are designed to improve the patient experience.
- Discuss the preferred measurements of clinical results and risk management to improve quality healthcare and wellness services.
- Identify the tools and resources available to your organization to evaluate reliable health care.
Leadership and Media Relations
- Report key trends in journalism today that influence the news.
- Discuss how to use social media to the advantage of your health care organization.
- Identify components of successful information and image management while under media scrutiny.
Small Group Work and Participant Presentations
- Prepare a verbal and written response to the small group exercise that represents input/consensus from all group members.
- Present and defend their view about the task assigned to their group.
- Critique responses to the small group exercises in relation to personal and professional views on the assigned tasks.
Course summary
- 57.25 AAPA
DHA J-7 CEPO has been authorized by the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 57.25 hours of AAPA Category 1 CME credits. Approval is valid until Friday, October 9, 2026 - 11:59pm ET. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.
- 57.25 ACCME Non-Physician CME Credit
DHA J-7 CEPO is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing education. ACCME Non-Physician CME Credit providers will be provided a certificate of participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. ACCME Non-Physician CME Credit providers may receive a maximum of 57.25 hours for completing this activity.
- 57.25 ACHE
By attending this program offered by DHA J-7 CEPO, participants may earn up to 57.25 American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Qualified Education hours toward initial certification or recertification of the Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) designation. Participants in this program who wish to have the continuing education hours applied toward ACHE Qualified Education credit must self-report their participation. To self-report, participants must log into their MyACHE account and select ACHE Qualified Education Credit.
- 57.25 ACPE-Pharm
UAN: JA4008136-0000-26-155-L04-P
No valid paper/electronic statement of credit will be offered. DHA J-7 CEPO is accredited by the American Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) to provide continuing education for Pharmacists. This knowledge-based activity will provide a maximum of 57.25 contact hours of pharmacy continuing education credit. Participant CE records will be electronically communicated to CPE Monitor. There is no cost to participate in this activity. - 57.25 ADA CERP
DHA J-7 CEPO is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education (CDE). ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at ADA.org/CERP.
DHA J-7 CEPO designates this activity for 57.25 continuing education credits.
- 57.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
DHA J-7 CEPO is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
DHA J-7 CEPO designated this Course for a maximum of 57.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
- 57.25 ANCC
DHA J-7 CEPO is accredited by the Joint Accreditation/Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) to provide this Continuing Nursing Education Course for a maximum of 57.25 ANCC contact hours. Nurses should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
- 57.25 Attendance
- 57.25 IPCE
In support of improving patient care, DHA J-7 CEPO is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive 57.25 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change.
In order of appearance:
Richard F. Southby, Ph.D. Presenter has no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
David Smith, M.D. Presenter has no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Steven Carney, Ph.D. Presenter has no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Erik R. Peterson, M.A., MBA. Presenter has no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
CAPT Melissa Austin, M.D., MBS. Presenter has no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Sarah Rosenbaum, J.D. Presenter has no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Thomas Kahn, J.D. Presenter has no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Jonathan Woodson, M.D., MSS, FACS. Presenter has no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Paul Friedrichs, M.D. Presenter has no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
MG (ret) David Rubenstein, FACHE, MHA, MMAS. Presenter has no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Neil Grunberg Ph.D. Presenter has no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Boris Lushniak, M.D. Presenter has no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Charles Kahn III, MPH. Presenter has no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Thomas Kirsch, M.D., MPH. Presenter has no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Maj Gen (ret) Lee Payne, M.D., MBA, CPE, FACEP. Presenter has no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Frederic Lemieux, Ph.D.Presenter has no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Douglas Robb, M.P.H. Presenter has no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Gerard Cox, M.D., MHA, FACEP, FACPM, FACHE. Presenter has no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Daniel Caldwell, M.D. Presenters have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Elizabeth Cobbs, M.D. Presenters have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Col (ret) Cedric Leighton. Presenters have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Rev. Bertie Pearson, B.A., M.Div. Presenters have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Amb. (ret) Edward Gnehm. Presenters have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Sina Azodi, Ph.D. Presenters have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Douglas Bradburn, Ph.D. Presenters have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Honorable Patrick T. Henry, B.S. Presenters have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Joseph Chow, M.D. Presenters have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Thomas Jenkins. Presenters have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Julie Townsend. Presenters have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Reid W. Click, Ph.D. M.B.A. Presenters have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
LTC David Tyson, MS, MBA/MHA, MABS, FACHE. Presenters have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Robert Buckley, M.D., MPH, FACEP. Presenters have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Maj Gerren Martin, M.D. Presenters have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Kieran Bligh, DrPH. Presenters have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
MGen Scott Malcolm, MSC, CD, MD, CCFP, CCPE. Presenters have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
LtGen John DeGoes. Presenters have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
LTG Mary Izaguirre. Presenters have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
RADM David Buzzetti. Presenters have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
RADM Paul Jung. CMSgt. Presenters have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Thomas Warrington. Presenters have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Col Frederick Conner. Presenters have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Steven Davis, MD. Presenters have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Patricia McMullen, Ph.D., J.D., N.P. Presenters have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Tami Ritsema, PhD, PA-C. Presenters have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
COL Justin Schlanser. Presenters have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Paul Cordts, M.D. Presenters have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Lt Col (ret) James Vance, M.S. Presenters have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.
Disclosure: DHA J-7 staff, planners, authors, faculty, and content reviewers for this educational activity have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose. No commercial support was provided for this activity.
Available Credit
- 57.25 AAPA
DHA J-7 CEPO has been authorized by the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 57.25 hours of AAPA Category 1 CME credits. Approval is valid until Friday, October 9, 2026 - 11:59pm ET. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.
- 57.25 ACCME Non-Physician CME Credit
DHA J-7 CEPO is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing education. ACCME Non-Physician CME Credit providers will be provided a certificate of participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. ACCME Non-Physician CME Credit providers may receive a maximum of 57.25 hours for completing this activity.
- 57.25 ACHE
By attending this program offered by DHA J-7 CEPO, participants may earn up to 57.25 American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Qualified Education hours toward initial certification or recertification of the Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) designation. Participants in this program who wish to have the continuing education hours applied toward ACHE Qualified Education credit must self-report their participation. To self-report, participants must log into their MyACHE account and select ACHE Qualified Education Credit.
- 57.25 ACPE-Pharm
UAN: JA4008136-0000-26-155-L04-P
No valid paper/electronic statement of credit will be offered. DHA J-7 CEPO is accredited by the American Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) to provide continuing education for Pharmacists. This knowledge-based activity will provide a maximum of 57.25 contact hours of pharmacy continuing education credit. Participant CE records will be electronically communicated to CPE Monitor. There is no cost to participate in this activity. - 57.25 ADA CERP
DHA J-7 CEPO is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education (CDE). ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at ADA.org/CERP.
DHA J-7 CEPO designates this activity for 57.25 continuing education credits.
- 57.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
DHA J-7 CEPO is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
DHA J-7 CEPO designated this Course for a maximum of 57.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
- 57.25 ANCC
DHA J-7 CEPO is accredited by the Joint Accreditation/Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) to provide this Continuing Nursing Education Course for a maximum of 57.25 ANCC contact hours. Nurses should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
- 57.25 Attendance
- 57.25 IPCE
In support of improving patient care, DHA J-7 CEPO is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive 57.25 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change.
Requirements: CE/CME certificates are awarded to MHS participants who fully complete the activity, successfully submit the evaluation survey, and pass the posttest with a minimum score of 80% unless noted otherwise. The deadline to claim credit is Oct 9, 2026.
Access Code/Accommodations: Some activities require an access code to register or claim CE/CME credit. For inquiries regarding the access code or accommodations, please email DHA J-7 Continuing Education Program Office at [email protected].
For technical support, email [email protected].
There is no cost to participate in this activity.

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