Volunteer Roles: MPE22 Leaders Conference Volunteer Review Committee
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GET INVOLVED WITH MGMA?
I recognize the value of being a member of your professional association and have been a member of the MGMA for many years. Through membership, you support the profession and stay current on the latest tips and trends that support you and your organization. That is why I chose to become a Fellow in the American College of Medical Practice Executives (FACMPE), to continue to learn and pursue excellence in my role.
WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST REWARDING ABOUT VOLUNTEERING FOR MGMA?
Volunteers are the lifeblood of associations. Conferences, content, or robust online communities only happen when members volunteer. By offering my time to give back, I can support the community that has helped me. In addition, volunteering provides opportunities to meet new people, learn new things, and know you are making a difference for the association.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIP YOU GIVE TO PEOPLE WHO ARE JUST STARTING A CAREER IN PRACTICE MANAGEMENT?
With any role, especially practice management, there are so many things to learn. My best advice for those starting their careers is not to be afraid to ask questions. No one expects you to know all the answers, don’t be afraid to ask questions from your manager, colleagues, or staff to learn. Leverage your association and ask questions of the experts at the MGMA or your peers across the country in the MGMA Member Community. There is always someone willing to help, just ask. As you build your career you will have opportunities to give back and offer your expertise to others.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK OR WEBSITE OR RESOURCE FOR PRACTICE MANAGERS?
I am quite proud of the AMA STEPS Forward resources (www.stepsforward.org) that we developed in my organization. AMA STEPS Forward offers a collection of engaging and interactive educational toolkits that are practical, actionable “how-to” guides to transform and improve your practice. From embedding health equity into a smaller practice or health system to the saving time playbook, there are resources to increase the efficiency and improve the quality of patient care provided in your practice.
HOW DO YOU RELAX AFTER A BUSY WEEK?
I enjoy getting outdoors and being active. From walking in one of our forest preserves in my county (where I am a member of the forest preserve foundation development committee) to backpacking with my son, I appreciate being one with nature. I also enjoy traveling with my family and trying new things.
WHAT IS YOUR TOP TIP FOR MAINTAINING WORK/LIFE BALANCE?
When I started my career, I used the list method to track all the things on my plate. Several years ago, I moved to the calendar method. For every request or activity that is asked of me, if it takes longer than a few minutes to complete, I schedule it on my calendar. If the request can be answered in a minute or two, I just complete it. By adding to-dos to my calendar, I no longer need to worry about when I will complete them. I also add my personal commitments to my calendar, like attending my kid’s activities, so I know I will be available to attend and give my undivided attention. This method has made me more efficient with my time and I get more things done. For instance, my most recent MGMA volunteer opportunity was reviewing abstracts for the MGMA MPE: Leaders Conference (annual meeting) in October. Knowing I would be on a nine-hour flight to Hawaii for spring break with the family (see photo of me zip-lining in Hawaii), I booked time on my schedule to review abstracts during the flight. Instead of just sitting on the plane and being bored, I reviewed numerous abstracts. It was fun and made the flight go quickly. It’s amazing when you schedule your time how much you can accomplish in a day.