montana health care leadership program graduates 2022 class

The Montana Medical Association (MMA) announced today that seven health care professionals graduated from the 2022 Healthcare Excellence in Leadership Program (HELP), a top-tier leadership program aimed at equipping Montana health care professionals with the leadership skills needed to create positive change in their practices, hospitals and surrounding communities.

“These graduates join the ranks of other top-tier alumni who are leaders in Montana’s health care industry,” said MMA CEO Jean Branscum. “They will make waves in the health care arena and are prepared to embrace the new and emerging expectations of medical professionals and drive change that can lead to better patient care.”

Graduates of the 2022 program include:

Kara “Mimi” A. Bartoletti, D.M.D., Dental Medicine, Southwest Montana Community Health Center, Butte
Margaret “Maggie” K. Cook-Shimanek, M.D., MPH, Occupational & Preventive Medicine, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Missoula
Anne W. Giuliano, M.D., Radiology, Radiology Partners, Billings
Jerimiah “Jeri” L. Lysinger, M.D., Pediatric Pulmonology, Billings Clinic Pediatric Center, Billings
Shawn G. Patrick, Pharmacy Director, Pharmacy, Community Health Partners, Inc., Bozeman
Robert R. Roeper, D.O., Emergency Medicine, Monida Healthcare Network, Missoula
Laura L. Williamson, MPH, Epidemiology, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Helena

Program graduates were honored during a celebration at the 144th MMA Annual Meeting in Bozeman on September 16, 2022.

The Healthcare Excellence in Leadership Program was created in 2013 by Montana physicians to help industry health care professionals step into new and emerging leadership roles and engage in vital health care policy discussions across the state. Participants in this top-shelf leadership program attend five monthly sessions across Montana to learn about the state’s health care issues and gain critical leadership skills. In 2019, the program branched out to including professionals from the full health care team, providing opportunities for more Montana health care professionals to move into leadership roles to spearhead the development of effective patient care.

One hundred and forty-seven talented physicians and other health care professionals have participated in the leadership program’s first eight years. Past participants have accepted top leadership roles in Montana health care institutions and received multiple industry awards, including the MMA’s Legacy of Leadership Award. The 2022 Legacy of Leadership Award was presented to 2018 HELP graduate Megan A. Evans, M.D., the Health Officer for Beaverhead County, for her significant contributions as a leader in public health. Through her efforts in building vaccine confidence with timely and accurate COVID-19 information and disease prevention, Dr. Evans made strides in promoting well-being and keeping her community safe during the most demanding of times.

The 2022 program was developed through the support from the MMA Foundation and sponsorship by Allegiance Benefit Plan Management Inc., Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana, Billings Clinic Foundation, FutureSYNC International, and Rocky Mountain Health Network. The MMA Foundation supports physician education in Montana.

The program features a top-notch faculty line-up and approach proven to enhance the leadership skills of Montana physicians and health care professionals and grow their knowledge of health care policy in Montana. Health care professionals interested in participating in the 2023 program are invited to contact the Montana Medical Association to request a program application at mma@mmaoffice.org or (406) 443-4000 for more information.