SA physician selected for global health leadership program

Dr Chloe Furst, a dual-trained geriatrician and palliative care physician working across both specialties within the Central Adelaide Local Health Network (LHN) has been selected in the International Hospital Federation’s (IHF) Young Executive Leaders program for 2024.

The Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA) congratulated Furst, who has been selected from over 250 applications for the program run annually for young executives working in member organisations of the IHF. The AHHA is a core member of the IHF in Australia, enabling members to have full access to the complete range of IHF member benefits.

Furst, who is the acting Medical Lead for the Acute and Urgent Care program at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, which includes general medicine, geriatrics, the emergency department and trauma, will participate in the program with other candidates from 32 countries and territories.

With a special interest in capacity, cognitive impairment, multimorbidity, end-of-life care and the ethics around these complex issues, Furst was also the Co-Head of unit for the Royal Adelaide Hospital Department of Geriatric and Rehabilitation Medicine and is the current State Division President of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Geriatric Medicine.

She has a strong commitment to the care of older adults, ensuring our hospital systems are safe for patients and doctors alike and that patients receive treatment aligned with their goals of care in the right environment.

“At AHHA, our vision is for the best possible healthcare system that supports a healthy Australia. With the challenges we face, our leaders will need strong skills and supportive networks to develop new approaches to complex problems,” said Kylie Woolcock, CEO, AHHA.

“The Young Executive Leaders program provides an opportunity for young healthcare leaders to build their network across our global community and grow their management and leadership skills by participating in a series of masterclasses, small group workshops and the annual World Hospital Congress.”

Ronald Lavater, CEO, International Hospital Federation, said, “The IHF launched its Young Executive Leaders program in 2019 as a way to build competencies, increase capacity and foster exchange among young hospital executives across the globe, and to create a voice for the next generation of international healthcare leaders. In the past four years, more than 135 new leaders from 36 countries have participated, including several strong contributors from Australia, and we’re delighted to welcome Dr Chloe Furst amongst this year’s selected candidates.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Rafik