On Tuesday 8th Jan, the University of Manchester China Centre hosted a Healthcare Leadership Forum as part of a series of centre-based Healthcare Industry events. The forum was co-organized with Leadin Training Group and offered an insightful opportunity to General Managers, HR Directors, Operations Directors and Physicians from healthcare service, medical technology, life sciences as well as students and alumni from healthcare industry.

Ms. Sherry Fu, China Centre Director

delivered welcome speech

From a leadership perspective, the style of leadership that uses the best evidence in decision making is through collective expertise and systematic research that impacts the public good. The use of PESTLE analysis was kept as a comprehensive concept to overlook the influence of political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental factors.

Dr. Stephen Brookes, MSc IHL Programme Director

"Significant changes are being proposed across most elements of Chinese healthcare, and there is a key aim is to improve the quality of care through primary mechanisms with an intention to train general practitioners and allied health professionals.

"As we recognize in other international healthcare systems, a key priority is to encourage the development of healthcare leaders; clinicians and non-clinicians alike. This is particularly important in supporting the intended infrastructure reforms and, indeed, to ensure that prevention is given as much priority as treatment." said Dr. Brookes.

Following the leadership aspect in Healthcare, Dr. Jian Li, who gained his Global MBA from the University of Manchester and founded China Centre Alumni AI Club generously shared his industry knowledge from AI and the technological frontier in healthcare.

Dr. Jian Li, Head of Healthcare, Intel IoT Group, China

Today healthcare is not just a clinical topic that only healthcare professionals care about. There is a strong thirst for knowledge from public on emerging healthcare trends and techs (e.g. Precision Medicine, AI for Health, Future Healthcare). And we also believe public adoption and engagement is a BIG driver for a meaningful healthcare reform in China today.

"Several trends have been prominent in the use of AI technology in healthcare domain, such as medical imaging analysis and diagnosis assistance, healthcare service/distance treatment, mobile and personal health tracking, advanced analytics and research such as MRIs, and personal health assistance via mobile apps. I strongly believe that future healthcare needs cross-discipline, data-driven and disruptive innovation mindset and solutions.” Said Dr. Li.

The two keynote speeches were very insightful from two inter-related perspectives, with the common purpose of seeking to improve healthcare and enhance healthcare practice and services to patients.

Dr. Jian Li (left), Dr. Jan Nyrop (middle), Dr. Stephen Brookes (right)

The panel discussion welcomed Dr. Jan Nyrop from Concord Cancer Hospital. With over 10 years’ experience practicing medicine in China and now work with one of the top cancer hospital in Asia, Dr. Nrop were able to bring a cross-cultural and cross-system view into the discussion. Differences contrasting European, Chinese as well as public against, private and Hybrid healthcare solutions stimulated interesting opinions. 

The leadership aspect was given special attention form questions of the audience, as to how to lead and manage different type of professionals in healthcare practice, research and development in medicine. Contrasting views were presented by Dr. Brookes and Dr. Li in the future trend of Chinese Healthcare – whether primary and integrated care or distance diagnostics will play a greater role.

It is within the common belief that Technology is revolutionizing the way both healthcare and education is delivered. The firm belief - “No barriers, No boundaries” is the common theme that University of Manchester China Centre programme follows. 

The new part-time blended-learning MSc International Healthcare Leadership (MSc IHL) to be launched in March is tailored for healthcare professionals and those who wish to venture into the industry. Application for the programme is now open. 

Contact China Centre for detailed programme information and application guidance