Sarah Pavelka

Sarah Pavelka, PhD, MHA, OTR/L, CPHQ, FNAHQ has over 20 years of experience leading, consulting, and coaching in leadership, organizational performance, and continuous improvement in business, industry, education, and healthcare. Sarah, is the Assocate Dean for the MHA and the Tempo (Competency) Based MHA and BS Healthcare Management programs at Walden University. Dr. Pavelka has professional and academic experiences are as a 13-year faculty member for the Masters in Healthcare Administration program at Des Moines University and an Improvement Faculty for the Iowa Healthcare Collaborative.

Sarah holds degrees in Biology and Psychology from Luther College; an Occupational Therapy degree from Concordia University-Wisconsin; MHA from Des Moines University, and a Ph.D. from Walden University. She is a Fellow for the National Association for Healthcare Quality (FNAHQ); a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ); and has credentials in Occupational Therapy, Ergonomics, Lean, and Six Sigma Black Belt.

Education

PhD, Walden University

MHA, Des Moines University

Occupational Therapy, Concordia University, Wisconsin

BS, Luther College

Public Service

National Association for Healthcare Quality, Board Member - Chicago

Iowa Hospital Association and National Association, Board Member - Des Moines

Baldrige Performance Excellence - Examiner (NIST), Volunteer -

Awards / Honors

CAHME Program Candidacy status achieved, CAHME, 2022

Lean Champion of the Year, Iowa Lean Consortium, 2018

Faculty of the Year, Des Moines University, 2018

Faculty of the Year, Des Moines University, 2015

Faculty of the Year, Des Moines University, 2009

, Des Moines University, 2007

Publications

Pavelka, S. The Relationship Between Hospital Leadership Activities and Clinical Quality Outcomes in Iowa.

Presentations

Pavelka, S. (2024). Managing Up - Representing Yourself and Your Team to Garner Support and Resources. US Department of Health and Human Services

Pavelka, S. (2023). Presenting Quality to your Board. National Association for Healthcare Quality

Pavelka, S. (2022). Advance Healthcare Leadership. Iowa Hospital Association

Pavelka, S. (2022). Advance Healthcare Leadership. Iowa Hospital Association

Pavelka, S. (2021). Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality.

Pavelka, S. (2022). Community Health Needs Assessment. Iowa Healthcare Collaborative

Pavelka, S. (2018). Lean Application Series. WI Healthcare Collaborative

Pavelka, S. (2018). Lean Certification Class. Iowa Hospital Association

Pavelka, S. (2018). Relationship between Healthcare Leadership and Quality Outcomes. NAHQ

Pavelka, S. (2018). Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality. National Association for Healthcare Quality

Pavelka, S. (2018). Leadership and Patient Centered Care. Iowa Hospital Association

Pavelka, S. (2018). Transformation Leadership and Lean. South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations

Pavelka, S. (2018). Systems, Quality and Improvements. Alleganey Medical System

Pavelka, S. (2018). Transformational Leadership. Iowa Health Information Management

Pavelka, S. (2018). Quality and Healthcare Operations. Iowa Physician Assistant Association

Pavelka, S. (2018). Lean and PDSA Improvements. South Dakota Community Health Centers