Rudy Molinet, 61, is a firm believer in the value of lifelong learning. Now in his “fourth career,” the adjunct professor at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) understands the importance of surrounding himself with knowledgeable professionals, and of joining organizations that can provide a wealth of resources for him and his students.

“For me, personally, it’s a boon to network with high-level individuals in healthcare so that I can increase my body of knowledge to help my students,” he said of joining the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) 3-1/2 years ago. “I’ve learned so much through the presentations and workshops, including keeping abreast of new and evolving trends.

“If I need to research a healthcare topic, one of the first places I go is to their database, which features tremendous case studies and real-world applications of knowledge,” he added. “I share this information with my students who can leverage it to become better leaders.”

Molinet began his career as an emergency department and home healthcare nurse, then held several healthcare leadership positions, including as executive vice-president of sales and marketing for a specialty pharmacy company. He moved on to a career in real estate before becoming the CEO of executive coaching firm, Artemis Synergies.

A 35-year healthcare veteran, he is now leading the Leadership Boot Camp and MBA Executive Forum courses offered by FAU’s Executive Education department, which is designed to help Executive Master of Health Administration (EMHA) and MBA students learn critical leadership skills. As part of the coursework, Molinet hosts subject experts to speak with students about contemporary issues facing healthcare.

“Many of the leaders that I invite into my classes are FACHE-credentialed, and include a number of people who began in entry level positions and are now C-suite executives,” he explained. “I believe that it’s important for the students to interact with people who are doing the job every day and to see a path forward to which they can aspire.”

Students also are able to take advantage of Molinet’s consulting background, and he works with a number of MHA and MBA students on leadership development. “Because of my background in coaching, students reach out to me, and I am currently coaching about 30 percent of my students, helping with career planning and setting goals,” he said.

Molinet has found his membership in ACHE so beneficial that he requires all of the students in the Leadership Boot Camp to join, with the university paying their dues.

“All 62 students in my EMHA classes are now part of ACHE as student affiliates, and are also members of the local chapter,” he said. “They are required to attend two networking events during the semester through ACHE or other organizations, and to write a report with three key takeaways. “Students have really embraced ACHE as a way to gain leadership skills by working with other leaders,” he added. “It’s also beneficial to ACHE members, who get the opportunity to see healthcare through a younger person’s eyes. Some have even informally become mentors, which is something that happened organically.”

Molinet also encourages his students to pursue the FACHE credential. “Some are already seasoned enough to meet the full criteria, so they can upgrade their memberships and sit for the exam,” he said. “I’m also practicing what I preach by pursuing my own FACHE credential, which I’m hoping to complete by the beginning of next year.

“If you want to become a healthcare leader, you should become board-certified,” he added. “It’s hard and a lot of work, but if I can do it at 61, so can you.”