GCHM Capstone Final Projects
Past students and their mentors speak to the unique experiential learning opportunity whereby students address a professional challenge under the guidance of an advisor.
Discover how the Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management (GCHM) at McGill equips healthcare professionals with the skills, confidence, and perspective to lead meaningful change. From clinicians and administrators to emerging leaders across Canada and around the world, our students and alumni share how the program has shaped their careers, strengthened their leadership, and empowered them to make a lasting impact in their organizations and communities.
Halak Patel
Manager of Clinical Practice-Allied Health
Integrated Care Solutions (ICS) – Bayshore Solutions
Ontario, Canada
GCHM 2023
My key realization was that leaders are not simply born; they are crafted through a process of learning, relentless effort, and thorough dedication.
The highlight of my GCHM program experience was undoubtedly the invaluable teaching moments shared by our esteemed speakers and advisors and the opportunity the program provided, to build meaningful networks and connections with like-minded individuals who are equally dedicated to enhancing the healthcare system.
The GCHM Program changed my career significantly. As a mid-level manager, my commitment is to leverage the knowledge I gained through GCHM, to foster an improved work culture and enhance the overall satisfaction of both my team and our clients.
Jamal Omer MD
Deputy Chief Medical and Clinical Officer
Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital Jeddah
Jiddah, Saudi Arabia
GCHM 2024
I chose the GCHM program to strengthen my leadership and management skills in healthcare while gaining an international perspective on healthcare systems.
The program contributed significantly to both my professional and personal development by equipping me with strategic decision-making tools and strengthening my confidence to lead teams and implement new initiatives.
The most impactful aspects of the program were the interactive case discussions and the practical insights shared by faculty and peers, which I was able to apply directly to my work. The emphasis on teamwork and collaboration was invaluable, allowing me to learn from colleagues with diverse backgrounds and to approach challenges with fresh perspectives.
Overall, the GCHM program has played a meaningful role in shaping my career by opening new opportunities in healthcare management and providing a strong foundation for continued growth and advancement in my field.
Fey Villacampa
Nurse in Charge
Gamètì Health Centre
Northwest Territories
GCHM 2024
I was motivated to enroll in the Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management (GCHM) program during my maternity leave to better prepare for the challenges of returning to my role.
Working in a remote Arctic community involves multiple layers of responsibility and accountability, often with limited access to resources and support. I wanted to strengthen my leadership skills, expand my knowledge, and develop practical strategies to better support my team.
Key outcomes included developing a prototype orientation toolkit for incoming nurses to support retention and promote safe, trauma-informed care, as well as leading a quality improvement initiative focused on improving workflow efficiency and strengthening community engagement.
Engaging with peers from diverse healthcare backgrounds allowed me to gain new perspectives, share challenges, and learn practical approaches that I could apply in my remote practice setting.
Overall, the program helped shape my leadership approach to be more collaborative, evidence-based, competency-focused and strength-based, allowing me to lead with greater intention and purpose. I also appreciated the program’s format, as it made it possible to balance my academic responsibilities while caring for my newborn.
Lauren Finlay
Medical Administrative Assistant
Shriners Hospitals for Children
Montreal, Quebec
GCHM 2025
Although I initially experienced some feelings of imposter syndrome, the GCHM quickly created a safe, respectful and supportive learning environment where those doubts disappeared by the end of the first day.
The program encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and grow far more than I anticipated. Learning alongside healthcare professionals from across the globe was truly inspiring, as we shared experiences and learned not only from one another, but also from our exceptional instructors and mentors.
By the end of the program, I felt an immense sense of pride in my accomplishments and sincere gratitude for the experience.
Nale M Mbewe
Registered Nurse, Team Lead
Hospice Care Ottawa (HCO)
Ontario, Canada
GCHM 2025
Through the GCHM program, I strengthened my leadership skills and applied frameworks such as Lean Six Sigma, PDSA, and LEADS in a capstone project to improve the hospice care admission process at HCO.
The project focused on refining patient admissions and optimizing resources through standardized education and consent protocols supported by financial analysis.
Balancing family, school, and work while expecting my fourth child was challenging, but the program’s flexibility and the support of faculty and peers helped me remain focused and resilient, reinforcing the importance of adaptability in leadership.
The GCHM program has provided me with practical frameworks, confidence, and a strong foundation for continued growth, which I look forward to building upon in the International Masters for Health Leadership (IMHL) program.
Dr. Mohamed Badawy
Dr. Badawy, site director of anesthesia at Montreal Neurological Hospital, pursued the GCHM program at McGill to develop management skills. The program provided tools to optimize the department's function and helped him solve real-life problems in the operating room.
Where are they now?
Witness firsthand the transformative impact the GCHM has had on the careers of our Graduates over the years, as they continue to make significant contributions to the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare management.
