What is your current role in health care?
“I was most recently the CEO and equity partner at E&A Therapy, Inc, which is an outpatient physical therapy network of 38 clinics in the Philadelphia market. We sold the company in the fall, so now I am taking a break from work. I am looking to make a positive difference with my next career move in the coming months, as I decide what is the best fit! For now, I am enjoying helping out the MHA second year students with their capstone project.”
What stands out as a favorite memory during your time as an MHA student?
“There are so many, but the fishing trip was a great time. Sandy Potthoff and Leslie Grant were telling some great Ole and Lena jokes around the campfire! We also had a great party at Station 19 sponsored by CliftonLarsonAllen (Greg Hart and John Reiling), so make sure to request they bring that back! Best classes were case law healthcare and, of course, the problem solving course!”
How has the MHA Program helped prepare you for your career?
“Everything we learned in the classroom, we were able to apply in a practical field assignment as well. That was the great thing about the program, as it wasn’t purely academic. The problem solving course truly provided the framework to resolve true healthcare issues in the field, by leveraging the alumni connections, which is a hallmark of the program.”
What challenges and opportunities will healthcare leaders encounter in the next 5-15 years? What skills will leaders need to be successful in light of these challenges and opportunities?
“The shift to digital care is here to stay. Patients will demand personalized care on their terms and we need to equip our teams to leverage data, technology and multiple healthcare venues to meet this demand. This means finding a simpler, integrated platform for patients and staff to use, providing a way to leverage outcomes data, and implementing a payment system that is rewarding to those who achieve this. As leaders, we also need to resolve the burnout issue our teams are facing, brought on acutely by the pandemic. Taking care of our employees’ mental and emotional health is paramount in order to ensure there are not massive clinical shortages in our future.”
If you could give one piece of advice to a current student, what would it be?
“Use the alumni network and stay connected to the program throughout your career. You will receive much more than you give, if you help the students through mentorship, providing projects, and keeping in contact with fellow alumni.”
Why is your class the best class ever?
“We were a small but mighty class of 24. I believe we had 23 if you don’t count Horacio, who never showed up for the program, yet we included his picture in all of our class photos! We have maintained a camaraderie for 22 years now, and even had two marriages as a result of our time spent together.”
