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DENVER, Oct. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc. (NYSE: DVA), one of the nation's largest and most innovative health care communities, recently held its 150th DaVita University Academy – the company's award-winning, leadership development and cultural orientation program for new teammates. Nearly 2,000 DaVita teammates from around the globe were in attendance for the event.

DaVita University Academy is a two-day one-of-a-kind experience for new and recently hired DaVita HealthCare Partners teammates – from entry-level teammates to C-level executives – that introduces them to the distinctly un-corporate culture that is the company's hallmark. Participants at "Academy" learn what leadership looks like at DaVita as well as ways to use the concepts at home in their personal lives. Academy proves that fun doesn't inhibit learning, it enhances it.

"There were only 43 attendees at our first Academy in 2001. Now each Academy averages 500 participants and includes teammates, family members, Village Service Partners, and all levels of policymakers and elected officials," said Kent Thiry, chairman and CEO of DaVita HealthCare Partners. "The Academy is an investment in the personal and professional fulfillment of our teammates that they will carry throughout their lives."

At each Academy, attendees learn about the DaVita Village and identify ways to enhance their own leadership within their respective organizations; improve interpersonal skills such resolving conflict effectively, understanding each person's communication style and how it impacts their personal/professional relationships; and network with DaVita HealthCare Partners teammates as well as members of the executive team.

The 150th DaVita University Academy was held Oct. 15-16, at the Buell Theatre in Denver. Attendees had the opportunity to tour Casa Del Mundo, DaVita's World Headquarters building, as well as enjoy special appearances of DaVita Blues All Stars, a musical group composed entirely of current teammates that recently played at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. 

About DaVita HealthCare Partners 
DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc., a Fortune 500® company, is the parent company of DaVita Kidney Care and HealthCare Partners. DaVita Kidney Care is a leading provider of kidney care in the United States, delivering dialysis services to patients with chronic kidney failure and end stage renal disease. As of June 30, 2014, DaVita Kidney Care operated or provided administrative services at 2,119 outpatient dialysis centers located in the United States serving approximately 168,000 patients. The company also operated 84 outpatient dialysis centers located in 10 countries outside the United States. HealthCare Partners manages and operates medical groups and affiliated physician networks in Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Florida in its pursuit to deliver excellent-quality health care in a dignified and compassionate manner. As of June 30 2014, HealthCare Partners provided integrated care management for approximately 829,000 managed care patients. For more information, please visit DaVitaHealthCarePartners.com.

Contact Information

Media:
Vince Hancock
vince.hancock@davita.com       
(303) 876-6618

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SOURCE DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc.