Volunteer Roles: Article Assessment Author, Member Community Clean Up
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GET INVOLVED WITH MGMA?
I belonged to both ACHE and MGMA as a graduate student. Once I started my career in group practice, I found MGMA to be the most beneficial.
WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST REWARDING ABOUT VOLUNTEERING FOR MGMA?
I just enjoy feeling like I can contribute, even in small ways.
HOW DID YOU DECIDE THAT PRACTICE MANAGEMENT WAS THE CAREER FOR YOU?
I entered college as a pre-med/biology major. It didn’t take too long into my freshman year to realize I didn’t enjoy the classes and couldn’t see myself on the front lines of medicine. I knew I wanted to do something in healthcare, so I stuck with the major. Leadership roles and opportunities that I experienced in college pointed me towards a more “behind the scenes” focus, and healthcare administration was the perfect fit.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIP YOU GIVE TO PEOPLE WHO ARE JUST STARTING A CAREER IN PRACTICE MANAGEMENT?
It sounds simple, but my biggest piece of advice is to be yourself.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK OR WEBSITE OR RESOURCE FOR PRACTICE MANAGERS?
I recommend What Exceptional Leaders Know by Tracy Spears & Wally Schmader.
WHAT IS YOUR TOP TIP FOR MAINTAINING WORK/LIFE BALANCE?
My husband travels frequently for his job and our 10 and 14-year-old boys both play competitive basketball. One is on a travel baseball team as well. It’s highly unusual for there to be a day when one of them doesn’t have a practice or game. Their schedules force me to complete the workday by a certain time and not get pulled back in after-hours or on the weekends. I’m also extremely lucky to have bosses that are truly supportive of work/life balance. If you’re struggling with this, schedule activities for yourself that you can’t back out of!