George Mason University's College of Public Health is equipping future health care leaders with essential skills in artificial intelligence (AI) through its graduate-level health administration and policy course (HAP 621).Taught by Associate Professor Renee Geschke during the fall 2025 semester, the course emphasizes the importance of making data-informed, ethical, and emotionally intelligent decisions as AI increasingly influences health care environments.
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hap.gmu.eduIn a new project, students evaluated real-world decisions while engaging with AI tools and proposing responsible implementation strategies within health care settings.Each student selected or proposed a leadership scenario related to AI, allowing them to experiment with tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, Tableau, and Power BI.Through this hands-on approach, they explored how AI impacts leadership communication, emotional intelligence, team engagement, and critical ethical considerations, including bias, transparency, and accountability.
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hap.gmu.eduStudents were challenged to analyze scenarios where AI systems might be implemented, such as an AI flagging a patient at high risk for hospital readmission.They had to address potential concerns about data accuracy and bias while balancing innovation and ethical oversight.This project culminated in actionable leadership strategies for responsible AI implementation in health care settings.
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hap.gmu.eduJadon Thomas, a health informatics student and oncology nurse at the DC VA Medical Center, noted the significance of this coursework."This assignment helped us think beyond everyday use and consider how AI is being integrated into clinical environments," he stated.He emphasized that understanding AI tools is crucial for connecting clinical needs with technological capabilities in the future of health informatics.
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hap.gmu.eduThe motivation behind this project stemmed from Geschke's recognition that students were encountering AI tools in informal contexts but lacked structured skills to leverage them effectively."Ignoring AI would place students at a disadvantage when entering the workforce," Geschke explained.Instead of prohibiting AI, she designed a curriculum that explicitly teaches responsible usage of these technologies.
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hap.gmu.eduThe shift from traditional documentation methods to AI integration in electronic medical records marks a transformative phase in health care.Thomas highlighted this transition, stating that "AI will be integrated into these electronic medical records to improve clinical workflow and reduce burnout," further solidifying the necessity for health care professionals to be adept in AI technologies.
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hap.gmu.eduThe Department of Health Administration and Policy (HAP) at George Mason is committed to providing innovative education and research that improves the quality of care and healthcare service delivery.Their mission includes preparing professionals for careers in various health care sectors, including health informatics, risk management, and policy development.
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catalog.gmu.eduAs AI continues to transform health care, the skills acquired in courses like HAP 621 will be invaluable for emerging leaders in the field.Health care organizations are actively developing and adopting AI-driven tools, making it essential for students to gain knowledge and experience with these technologies to shape future workflows, responsibilities, and expectations in their careers.
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hap.gmu.eduThe proactive approach taken by George Mason's College of Public Health exemplifies the institution's dedication to student-centered and experiential learning, preparing graduates to thrive in a rapidly evolving health care landscape.As they navigate the complexities of AI integration, these students will be better equipped to lead with innovation and ethical governance in their future roles as health care leaders.
