What was your first job in healthcare?
I started in healthcare in the field as an Emergency Medical Technician at the age of 16 – in administration, my first job was as an Account Manager for Hartford HealthCare.
What is a trait you admire most when you see it in your colleagues?
I believe it is compassion and understanding in the height of chaos as you can never lose touch as to why we are here.
What is your favorite book that gave you insight into your career?
Truly, three biographies on Walt Disney – an iconic innovator and leader in customer service and business. His vision and that of the Walt Disney Company has carried into countless industries, including healthcare.
A successful day at work is: Feeling accomplished without feeling overwhelmed, and at the end of the day, being able to separate work from my personal life, even it is for just a short time.
What is a career achievement you are most proud of?
I would definitely say it is earning my fellowship with ACHE as a board certified healthcare executive, as it is a benchmark and standard that every healthcare administrator should seek to achieve and earn.
What is an area you are looking to improve in your own life?
Like so many, it is the work-life balance that is often a struggle, but one that is so critical.
What does it look like for you to ‘unplug’ from work?
During the week, it is spending time in the evening with my wife and two daughters, whether it is a family dinner or quick game night before bed. On the weekends, it is definitely working in the yard.
What is your greatest motivation?
To never settle – I am always looking for something new to achieve and something new that I can be proud of.
What do you think are the greatest challenges/opportunities for the healthcare industry right now?
The workforce shortages are so clearly evident in all fields. The industry for so long rested on “status quo” and ignored so many warning signs of long term employee shortages due to turnover. Now that we are here, the pandemic did not create the issues we face, but definitely expedited them. Turnover is occurring at a faster rate, and as such, we need to be agile, innovative, and progressive. This includes developing new or better partnerships and pipelines for career development and advancement.
What drove you to pursue Fellow status?
I see the designation as an FACHE as a career achievement as it is an important step to achieve in leadership advancement. FACHEs are the subject matter experts in healthcare and their value is so critical for healthcare, both now and into the future.
What do you believe is the greatest benefit you have gotten from being an ACHE member?
The networking potential that is available only as a member of the ACHE cannot be undervalued – whether it is the education events where we can learn from great healthcare leaders, friendships earned from socials, or the ability to connect with senior leaders, the value as an ACHE member is as great as the effort you put into it.
What advice do you have for young professionals considering a career in healthcare?
Patience and persistence is key as healthcare is continuously evolving and the opportunities continue to develop. Along these lines, always have an open mind in which area of healthcare may be of interest as one door often opens several others.
