Volunteer Roles: Article Assessment Author, Conference Content Committee Member (MPEC and TOC20), Body of Knowledge Oversight Subcommittee, Fellowship Submission Committee
Why did you decide to get involved with MGMA?
MGMA- ACMPE is the premier organization in the nation to advance the profession of healthcare management, leadership, advocacy and supports health administrators and leaders in doing so. It spearheads healthcare advancement by providing executives advanced solutions in medical practice management. In the last few years I strongly relied on MGMA as the best source and guide for implementing newer innovative solutions to improve healthcare practices, achieve higher bottom lines, operations and risk management, quality improvement, compliance, and regulations at the national level. I have updated myself on major government affairs and affordable care regulations and changes via MGMA and its stellar resources and advocacy. When I joined MGMA, it was imperative for me to be on top of my career and education in healthcare leadership and management. I did this by becoming a board certified executive through ACMPE and then achieving the “gold standard” of FACMPE. I practiced medicine prior to transitioning into healthcare management, and felt that as an executive I should be board certified and a Fellow to demonstrate the skills and knowledge in my practices for improvement. MGMA-ACMPE is the nationally recognized and respected body by healthcare administrators and doctors across the US to be associated with.
What do you find most rewarding about volunteering for MGMA?
Helping other healthcare administrators achieve board certification and guiding executives by becoming a Fellow in ACMPE is rewarding. I like being an article assessment author. It is fulfilling to guide new authors in pursuit of ACMPE Fellowship by peer reviewing, grading and evaluating their outlines, proposals, business plans, and manuscripts. Being a part of the Body of Knowledge committee, which is advancing and updating new BOK literature and MGMA books is very enriching, since the committee has other member with a huge breadth of knowledge in practice management. Reviewing research and analysis reports to support the MGMA research group helps me share my knowledge and learn from them. Being a part of planning committees for MGMA conferences, by peer reviewing highly innovative abstracts and papers is intellectually rewarding as I gain knowledge from authors, thought leaders and other healthcare executives.
How did you decide that practice management was the career for you?
I started my career a physician. While I was practicing medicine, I felt that clinical practice cannot work in silo, and there is so much around it that can improve it. Therefore, I armed myself with a masters in health administration to improve my credentials and skills in practice management, strategy, leadership, operations, and finance. I felt that if we want our doctors to be board certified, then healthcare executives must demonstrate the mastery of their skillset through board certification and fellowship as well. I felt that it was imperative for those with clinical background to understand the business, compliance, regulatory and leadership aspects of healthcare delivery to scale medical practices and health systems. Therefore, I added those skills and qualifications in my career. I worked as Chief Quality Officer, Vice President of Physician Leadership & Medical Policy, CAO and now Deputy CEO in healthcare organizations. I keep one thing in mind- how can I bring the clinical and business side of healthcare closer to find that sweet spot for organic growth and innovation.
What is the best tip you give to people who are just starting a career in practice management?
Join MGMA to keep yourself abreast of latest trends in healthcare practice management. After the required qualifications and experience, pursue board certification and then Fellowship to advance your knowledge and career. Try to volunteer at MGMA. Join MGMA's local state chapter, whether you are a student or professional. Request mentorships. Many healthcare leaders and administrators that belong to MGMA are always happy to pass on the knowledge and mentor the newer ones. Healthcare is improving rapidly. Be a strong observer and stay curious, as that's what can improve your knowledge and skills in practice management and leadership.
What is your favorite book or website or resource for practice managers?
Favorite Book: Hardwiring Excellence by Quint Studer.
Favorite website and resource: Connection Magazine of MGMA for the latest healthcare practice innovations and trends/case studies; Harvard Business review.
How do you relax after a busy work week?
I was raised in India during my formative years, and I love cooking Indian food and curries. Cooking is therapeutic and helps me wind down.
What is your top tip for maintaining work/life balance?
Know the difference between "important vs. urgent". Invest in "important". Don't let "urgent" work drain your energies on a daily basis. Most of us run on a treadmill to complete the urgent tasks, skipping the important ones. "Important" tasks at home and work need planning. Thoughtfulness is the rewarding and balancing factor. The best tip I can give is that "work is a part of life, but not life". Try to figure out what you like and capitalize on your strengths -both at work and home, if possible. Try yoga, play an outdoor sport, do meditation and "pranayama" (meditative breath exercises). It helps bring life energies into perspective and charging oneself. We all charge our iPhones in 24 hours, forgetting how to charge this "i". Also, asking for help from co-workers when occupied to the brim is helpful and won't make you look weak.