Marie W. Murphy, manager at ECB Occupational Medicine, a department of Effingham Health System, recently graduated from Leadership GHA, a prestigious health care leadership program of the Georgia Hospital Association.

Murphy was among only 16 hospital employees from around the state to receive a leadership certificate from Leadership GHA at the association’s annual trustees meeting recently.

“This is a significant accomplishment for the 16 people who are already making a difference in the Georgia hospital community today and are committed to continued professional growth and achievement,” said Norma Jean Morgan, CEO of Effingham Health System. “Their investment of time in this rigorous leadership development course will pay major dividends as they continue to advance in their health care careers. We are extremely proud of Marie. As a respected member of the Health System’s leadership team, she exhibits, on a daily basis, the valued principles that we hold, share and practice.”

Responding to the need to develop new leaders to take the reins of tomorrow’s hospitals and health care systems in Georgia, the GHA board of trustees unanimously endorsed the creation of Leadership GHA in fall 2003. The six-month program, which begins each fall, utilizes a variety of techniques to educate participants on the unique and diverse issues that characterize Georgia’s health care system.

The program includes workshops, conferences, panel discussions and field trips to a variety of hospitals and health systems throughout the state.

Established in 1929, GHA is a trade organization of hospitals and health systems in the state providing education, research and risk management services to its more than 180 hospitals and health system members. Additionally, it represents and advocates health policy issues benefiting Georgia’s citizens.