For this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams welcomes Steve Dickens, the recipient of the 2024 MGMA Lifetime Achievement Award. A healthcare leader with over 30 years of experience, Dickens shares highlights from his healthcare journey while emphasizing the pivotal role MGMA has played in shaping his career and his passion for mentoring the next generation of medical practice professionals.
Embracing the MGMA Opportunity
Steve Dickens' path to success was not a straight line. Hailing from a small town in Tennessee, Dickens initially focused his career on the hospital side of healthcare. It wasn't until his colleagues encouraged him to join MGMA that he discovered the transformative power of the organization. "One of the first things they said to me was, 'We want you to join MGMA. We want you to expand your network because we believe there are connections there that will benefit us,'" Dickens recalls.
Dickens heeded their advice and attended his first MGMA chapter meeting, despite initial hesitation. "I almost backed out,” he says. “It was January, it was cold, it was wet, it was dreary, but I was like, 'Okay, the doctors really want me to do this, so I'm going to do it.'” That decision proved to be a pivotal moment, as Dickens was immediately captivated by the energy and insights of the MGMA community.
Unlocking New Opportunities
As Dickens became more involved with MGMA, he began to reap the benefits of his engagement. "I think the turning point was the chapter hosted a fall meeting every year, and the people who were the leaders of the chapter came to me and said, 'We would like for you to introduce our keynote speaker today,'" he explains. This opportunity opened the door to Dickens' leadership journey within MGMA, ultimately leading him to serve as the organization's chair during a critical time of transition.
Reflecting on his MGMA experience, Dickens emphasizes the wealth of resources, education and connections the organization has provided. "There is no doubt in my mind that I would not be sitting where I am in the job that I am today had MGMA not provided those resources, that education and those connections to me," he says.
Navigating the MGMA-ACMPE Merger
As MGMA chair during the organization's merger with ACMPE, Dickens played a pivotal role in guiding the process. "It was a really exciting time," he recalls. "The leaders who were on the MGMA and ACMPE boards really were the definition of a leader … and they had a vision of bringing the two organizations together into this one."
Dickens' leadership during this transition was crucial, as the organization navigated challenges such as the loss of a CEO and the Ebola outbreak. "Little did I expect, though, that I was going to be doing it without a CEO,” he says. “Most of the year, we functioned without a CEO so that ended up with me becoming the face of the organization."
Connecting with the MGMA Audience
Dickens' ability to connect with the MGMA audience is a testament to his passion and expertise. MGMA podcast host Daniel Williams recalled a workshop Dickens led in 2018 at MGMA's Annual Conference, now known as the Leaders Conference. "I sat there not knowing what to expect. And I'll tell you, Steve, your energy, your connection with the audience, it was incredible," Williams recalls.
Dickens attributes his successful engagement of the MGMA community to his love of live audiences and his goal of providing practical, problem-solving insights. "My goal is to provide a little bit of entertainment if I can, but it is also to translate it to something that works in their everyday life," he explains.
Championing Diversity and Inclusion
Dickens' commitment to MGMA extends beyond his personal involvement, as he has played a significant role in developing the Diversity Leadership Council and Practice University. "With the events of the last few years, aside from the increased focus on a need for diversity and inclusion, we've seen a lot of staffing changes and turnover, and that's brought a lot of new people into the business," he explains.
Dickens' involvement in these initiatives demonstrates his dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for healthcare professionals. "The goal there is to broaden mindsets, and I do believe that if people can see someone else as just a person who's trying to make a living, who's trying to take care of their family, who's just trying to find a little bit of happiness in life that they would realize whatever characteristic it is about them that is different, they’re still a person just the same as you are, with the same hopes and aspirations, dreams and fears.”
Conclusion
Throughout his career, Dickens has embodied the spirit of MGMA, leveraging the organization's resources and connections to drive his own professional growth and, more importantly, to mentor and support the next generation of healthcare leaders. As the recipient of the 2024 MGMA Lifetime Achievement Award, Dickens' journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of active engagement and a willingness to give back.
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