Professor, Division of Health Services Education, Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions, Regis University, Denver, CO
Volunteer Roles: Dual Membership Program Developer; Joint National and State Task Force representative
Why did you decide to get involved with MGMA?
I have been aware of MGMA for more than 30 years. However, it wasn't until attending a late 1990s Annual Conference in Denver that I realized the importance of MGMA.
What do you find most rewarding about volunteering for MGMA?
I hesitate to use the descriptor volunteer. My involvement is definitely self-serving, having the opportunity to network with the best and brightest medical group managers. We often discuss ROI. Volunteering at the national and state levels with MGMA has a very high return on the time we invest.
How did you decide that practice management was the career for you?
Practice management was not my first choice. I had worked in cardiopulmonary clinical research and diagnostics and then hospital department management for many years, although I was tiring of the paralyzing bureaucracy of large institutions. Practice management provided opportunity (and challenge) for greater responsibility that directly impacted the well being of many stakeholders, including physicians, staff and patients. This high-level of involvement continues to energize my work life.
What is the best tip you give to people who are just starting a career in practice management?
That's a difficult question because of healthcare's enormous scale, which is inclusive of inpatient, ambulatory, clinical, non-clinical and direct and indirect ancillary services. My takeaway message for early careerists is to find passion in whatever the chosen profession. I've known since childhood that healthcare would be my vocation. Fortunately after many years, it continues to be.
What is your favorite book or website or resource for practice managers?
MGMA's Body of Knowledge is ever evolving and provides the most comprehensive single-source primer for medical group managers.
How do you relax after a busy work week?
Healthcare is my vocation; hockey is my avocation. I've skated for decades, been a volunteer and patron with the Hockey Hall of Fame since 1994 and a member of the Society of International Hockey Research since 2013.
What is your top tip for maintaining work/life balance?
At the risk of being trite, it's all about family and close relationships, work fulfillment and moderation in all things.