Aurora to launch joint educational program with UW-Oshkosh

Milwaukee – Aurora Health Care today announced that it is partnering with the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh on a unique, year-long, career-readiness program for 20 diverse students. The initiative which kicked off today at Aurora Medical Center Oshkosh, is aimed at better preparing a diverse, multi-cultural class for leadership, career development and success in today’s health care workplace.

“Aurora is excited to embark on this journey with this group of bright young students at UW-Oshkosh,” said Amy Rislov, chief human resources officer with Aurora Health Care. “We believe it is our collective responsibility to ensure that students are equipped with the skills that they need to thrive in the workplace.”

The program curriculum includes monthly classes on leadership, professional development and how to successfully apply them in health care careers. The participating students were selected based on their interest in health care careers and their involvement in diverse student groups, such as the Multicultural Education Coalition and Men in Nursing.

One of the special aspects of the program is the participation of senior leaders at Aurora, including Dr. John Newman, president and chief medical officer at Aurora Medical Center in Oshkosh. Aurora leaders will share their experiences and perspectives on topics such as Understanding Yourself as a Leader, Understanding the Art of Negotiations, and Strategic Planning – Setting the Vision, Mission, Values and Purpose. The program grew out of Aurora’s efforts to build a diverse talent pipeline by providing students with the experience and exposure necessary to successfully pursue a future in health care.

“Our communities have so many talented people and it is our hope that we can retain those individuals who can in turn give back to the communities we serve,” added Rislov.

Aurora leaders have been working with Dr. Brent MacWilliams, interim assistant dean of the UW-Oshkosh College of Nursing and Dr. Sylvia Carey-Butler, associate vice chancellor, academic support of inclusive excellence with the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, to establish the unique approach.

“Aurora’s commitment to this initiative reflects an organization focused on ensuring diverse students starting their career have the added benefit of hearing first-hand about experiences of successful health care leaders,” said Carey-Butler. “These are lessons that often take years to gain in the workplace and this is one way to ensure tomorrow’s workforce reflects the diversity of our community.”