Paul Berkley, FACMPE, Administrator & CEO, Healthcare Associates in Medicine, PC

Volunteer Roles: Press Interview on handling physician emergencies; as well as other volunteer roles with certification in recent years.
 

Why did you decide to get involved with MGMA?

MGMA represents, in my mind, the most viable organization to promote and define the practice of medicine. It is dominated by administrative/management professionals who can provide insight and understanding. It is vested in improving the patient care experience through managing healthcare resources. From the inception of my becoming a healthcare professional, I recognized that only physicians treat patients, not hospitals — everything other than the physician is simply a resource. Through managing physician practices we can have a greater impact on the patient.

What do you find most rewarding about volunteering for MGMA?  

I enjoy the involvement that permits me to learn and understand the differences we experience in the medical practice management arena due to group size, organizational structure and geography. The opportunity to volunteer permits a broader involvement in the overall healthcare environment and the potential to impact positive change.

How did you decide that practice management was the career for you?

My course was serendipitous. Leaving ROTC in college I was assigned as a Medical Service Corps officer. From there I remained in the field, first in hospitals and then an involvement with medical group practice.

What is the best tip you give to people who are just starting a career in practice management?

I believe that there is no "best" tip but it is more about enjoying what you are doing. You must enjoy your day-to-day journey and look forward to tomorrow. It should never be work but simply an opportunity to feel that you contributed to society, enjoyed the experience, helped others and got paid for the effort.

How do you relax after a busy week? 

Golf, cooking, food, travel, good theater and movies and enjoying my family. Of course, sometimes the relaxation is the "busy week" and the work occurs on my "off time."

What is your top tip for maintaining work/life balance?

I find that the balance occurs by enjoying everything that I do. I don't try to balance it; but try to make time for everything. Things I do are not isolated but often interface with one another. For example, last summer my trip to Chengdu, China, included a visit to the local hospital and medical clinic and then onto the market where various foods were on display, ending in an evening of music with my wife and friends. This was a balance.