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Robert Karam, BS, BSN, MA, FACMPE, |
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Lee Ann Webster, CPA, FACMPE, |
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Marynell Lubinski, FACMPE, |
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Dan Kasinec, FACMPE, |
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Kelley Suskie, MHSA, FACMPE |
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Gregory Feltenberger, PHD, MBA, FACMPE, FACHE, |
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Michael O'Connell, MHA, FACMPE, FACHE, |
Why did you decide to get involved with MGMA?
Robert Karam: The decision to volunteer with MGMA was an easy one based upon professionalism of the organization and my belief that volunteerism is the reimbursement we pay for being part of this stellar association.
Kelley Suskie: I joined MGMA in 1996 because my mentor told me I needed to join MGMA so I can ensure I am “plugged into lifeblood of healthcare management”.
Dan Kasinec: I decided to get involved in MGMA to access the resources, get continuing education, to network, and to improve my weak areas. After I became a fellow I decided to give back by volunteering with the association which has led to more growth in my knowledge and friendships I never would have had a chance to develop.
Lee Ann Webster: I began attending MGMA meetings shortly after entering the field of medical practice management so that I could attain the knowledge and skills that I needed to perform my job.
What do you find most rewarding about completing board certification and Fellowship through ACMPE?
Tracy Bird: The personal satisfaction that came from Certification and then Fellowship made me feel as though my knowledge and experience had been validated. Further, having the credentials has allowed me to connect with other Certified and Fellow members who are always available to bounce ideas and questions off. My resource pool has grown significantly.
Marynell Lubinski: I find the volunteer opportunities related to the board certification and Fellowship process such as the Papers committee or serving as a Forum rep very rewarding. I continue to learn from my amazing colleagues through these activities while help others develop their knowledge as well.
Robert Karam: Most rewarding in completing certification and fellowship is the achievement of those platitudes – which initially seem daunting and lofty. In retrospect following achievement you realize the breadth and honor of what you have attained.
How did you decide that practice management was the career for you?
Kelley Suskie: Practice management was the perfect healthcare career fit for me as I am able to remove administrative burdens of the physicians I serve so they can spend their time taking care of patients…that and I faint at the sight of blood.
Dan Kasinec: I enjoyed practice management because of the variety of work, types of groups and size of groups which made for plenty of interesting opportunities. I also enjoyed the wide variety of tasks necessary to become an effective practice manager vs. just being narrowly focused in one area.
Lee Ann Webster: Basically, practice management found me. Prior to working in practice management, I worked in public accounting. I performed a significant amount of work for medical practices. When I was on maternity leave with my second child, my current employer (who was then one of my clients) offered me a job. I took the job – and the rest is history.
How has ACMPE board certification and Fellowship helped you tackle problems as a healthcare leader?
Tracy Bird: The process of becoming board certified and a Fellow taught me how to think critically, look at all sides of a situation, and to objectively problem solve. That exercise in and of itself has made me a better healthcare leader.
Marynell Lubinski: Certification and Fellowship is centered around the Body of Knowledge (BOK). Mastering the topics of the BOK provided me a solid base to use in my day to day responsibilities.
Lee Ann Webster: The recognition is nice, but the networking with colleagues I met along the way and those with whom I work in my MGMA/ACMPE activities is wonderful. The ways in which we support each other, learn from each other and have fun together is truly amazing.
Robert Karam: It has become apparent to me over time that the certification and Fellowship achievements have enabled confidence, respect and endorsement of decision making within my career path.
What is your favorite book, website, or resource for practice managers?
Kelley Suskie: Back to Balance (of course!) & Good to Great
Lee Ann Webster: My favorite resource of the moment depends upon the current pressing issue(s) in our practice. Lately, it has been “everything MIPS.” I’ve accessed the MIPS info on the MGMA website, put in a few calls to the Government Affairs staff (who are great) and attended MIPS sessions at conferences. Annual Conference is huge for me. Since I am a financial person, the Financial Management and Payer Contracting Conference is also a favorite.
Dan Kasinec: The Compensation Survey.
Tracy Bird: There are so many favorites however, the one best “go to” overall practice management book I use is Physician Practice Management by Wolper.
What do you look forward to most at MGMA18 Boston Annual Conference?
Kelley Suskie: I look forward to welcoming our newest fellows and celebrating their accomplishment. I look forward to sharing more details with anyone interested board certification and fellowship through ACMPE.
Robert Karam: I could not begin to list the many, many things I gain from attending every Annual Conference. Suffice it to say that at each conference I find and learn something new that was not on my radar previously.
Marynell Lubinski: I look forward to presentations by thought leaders in our industry, and the networking opportunities. Of all my professional affiliations, I feel most comfortable with my MGMA colleagues and enjoy networking with them. I’m in awe of the knowledge base within MGMA members and the willingness to share it with others.
Dan Kasinec:The breakout sessions, the exhibit hall, and reconnecting with friends is always on my agenda but I have not been to Boston in many decades so I am looking forward to wandering the city a bit.
What is your top tip for maintaining work/life balance?
Robert Karam: Top tip is to maintain a sense of humor in all we do. I like to remember one salient thought and that is when everything is said and done the only thing we will have left are memories.
Tracy Bird: I use faith, family, and friends to keep me grounded and remember they come first no matter what. Keeping that priority allows me to give my best self to my work.
Marynell Lubinski: Maintaining that balance is an ongoing challenge for me! A key is to create and stick to a realistic list of what I want to accomplish each day, and keeping to a set time to end my work day. This allows me to achieve something every day while ensuring there is adequate time set aside for family.
Lee Ann Webster:It is important to have interests outside of your job, and I have quite a few of these. Find your hobbies/outside interests and spend time with them. Don’t be afraid to try a new activity you think you might enjoy.