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Spring Forum 2019: Consumer Empowerment: What’s Changing in Healthcare as we Expect More of Consumers?


Join us for dinner and a panel discussion!

Moderator: Claudine Swartz, Strategic Policy Solutions, LLC

Panelists:

  • Andrew Le, MD, CEO and Co-Founder, Buoy Health
  • Eileen McAnneny, President, Massachusetts Taxpayer Foundation
  • Katie Catlender, VP of Customer Experience Strategy & Operations, BCBS of MA

Remember the days when you visited the doctor when sick, picked up your medication at the local pharmacy, and had few out-of-pocket expenses?

Today, we’re self-diagnosing via online tools, tracking our heart rates and steps, and using message portals to contact clinician. In short, we’re engaging more and the healthcare industry increasingly wants consumers to:

  • Understand costs & choose the right source of care;
  • Monitor physical activity & diet;
  • Utilize self-service tools; and
  • Engage with a care manager at their provider or health plan.

How is this reality shaping the healthcare industry? Key questions we’ll explore in this panel discussion:

  • How are payers & providers shifting practices to engage consumers?
  • What consumer needs are start-ups fulfilling?
  • How are employers supporting consumers?
  • What role does government play in supporting increased consumer engagement?

Winter Warming in a Women’s Network

There is nothing like ringing in the first month of the New Year with fellow women in healthcare. It is always an honor for me to meet our member and non-member attendees at these casual events, and January 29th’s event at Joe’s in Dedham did not disappoint! What a great group of 20+ guests sharing ideas and goals for 2019!

The message was clear, that healthcare, no matter how vast an institution – is a small world, it was great to see so many “I haven’t seen you in forever! Are you still working at ____?”

Thank you for those able to attend, and not getting scared by the “snowy” forecast.
We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming Spring Forum event April 3!

Jennifer Pendleton, MS
WHCM Chairwoman

Jen and the group

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WHCM Winter Warmer 2019 Networking Event

Join colleagues, friends and members for an informal night of conversation and networking. Get out of the house during the winter season and be warmed through connections with other women in the healthcare industry. Appetizers and a cash bar included. Hope to see you there!

In the case of inclement weather, we will post a cancellation notice here by 12 pm on January 29th. 

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Professional Development Is Your Gift to Yourself

Knowledge is your competitive advantage. In today’s challenging global economy where the most valuable asset is your knowledge, education is no longer just a pathway to opportunity – it is a prerequisite. As the economy continues to grow, companies need employees who can think critically, successfully manage change, and apply new skills using more complex technologies. Simultaneously, organizations must continue to improve the way they do business, retain and manage their talent pool, and apply new best practice models quickly in order to remain competitive and sustainable.

We know that change is constant. As a result, the need for a knowledgeable workforce – one that is best prepared to compete in this economy – is in demand. Acquiring new knowledge, learning new skills and applying new techniques can help you master the challenges of change and enable you to be more effective and innovative. Increased competence improves confidence, and begins when you take the first step, investing in your education.

Innovative Healthcare Leadership Certificate (Online Only)

Healthcare today is a complex, technical business that is rapidly evolving. Healthcare leaders not only need to stay current with medical and technological advances; they also need to develop the skills to successfully navigate the shifts from a more traditional fee-for-service business model to new patient-centric, team-based care. It’s critical that today’s healthcare leaders acquire the skills to navigate the medical, technological, economic and social factors driving these system changes, to effectively shape and positively influence the future of our healthcare system.

Certificate and/or certification programs are also another way to stay relevant in the workforce. Certificate programs may lead to designations and are registered with national and international certifying organizations. Certificate programs teach to a body of knowledge that may satisfy the educational requirements for various certifications. Examples of certificate programs are:

  • Innovative Healthcare Leadership*
  • Reengineering Healthcare – Healthcare Quality Process Improvement
  • Business Process Management
  • CyberSecurity
  • Design Thinking
  • Business Analyst
  • Human Resources
  • Project Management
  • Supply Chain Management

Today’s professionals need flexible solutions that fit their busy schedules, global work environments and preferred learning style. Learn online, anytime, anywhere, when the time is right for you!

To register or learn more about Bryant University’s online Innovative Healthcare Leadership Certificate, contact: Jocelyn Willis, Business Development Manager | 401.232.6249 | jwillis2@bryant.edu

*Scholarships may be available for next enrollment on January 7, 2018.

Submitted by WHCM Steering Committee Member Jocelyn Willis

A Northern Networking Experience

On Monday, November 5, a group of about 30 women descended on the town of Woburn, north of Boston, to network, share ideas and get to know each other. The food was fantastic! The intensity of the discussion around the room was palpable, as well as the excitement. Connections were made and overall the event was an absolute success! A huge thank you to all who were able to attend, and those that coordinated the evening!

WHCM Chair Jen Pendleton and Co-Chair Debbie Zirman with our banner!
Women networking at the event

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blog post by WHCM Steering Committee Member Jennifer Pendleton

 

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Moving On, The S Curve, and Your Brand

I was thrilled to see more than 50 supportive, excited ladies at our recent Fall Forum on October 3.  It was a big night for our Women in Healthcare Management group, as we are entering into a “new year” with steering committee leadership and volunteers.  This year, we decided to put additional structure around the needed volunteer positions, with job descriptions and time commitment asked of each position.  We have asked ladies who volunteer for positions to commit to a year of helping out – October to October.  At the October 3 dinner, we announced our new volunteers, and I was happy to introduce the very capable, very organized woman who will be taking over my role as President/Chairwoman, Jen Pendleton.  I’ve served as Chair for 3.5 years, and before that, technology chair for 7.  I have seen firsthand the positivity and sense of community around our events and the relationships that grow out of those events.  There is much to be said for a community of women who lift each other up and support each other in times of need, and I will certainly be remaining an active member and part of the WHCM family.

I also wanted to briefly summarize our two breakout sessions from the Oct 3 Forum, presented by talented women who lent their time to grow the knowledge of our membership.   We had Laura Willis, Brand Strategist / “Core” Counselor from a business she started, Encore Revolution, discuss personal brand and how to balance your true self with the image you present to your work and professional life.  In the second session, we had Busayo Ola Ajayi, MS, SCP, SPHR, Director, Talent Acquisition, Diversity and Inclusion at Boston Medical Center and my friend Kaylee Davis, Business Development Manager from the Addison Group talk about getting hired – what are advanced strategies for finding and landing a job you love, and how to navigate that search/interview process.

I thought both sessions complimented and echoed each other.  Kaylee and Busayo discussed the S curve career trajectory which happens to us at any job – at first the job is new and you are in the low part of the S – you don’t know much, then you are accelerating and learning, then leveling off again.   You want to think about your next career step before you are ready to make your next move – this puts you at an advantage.  They discussed words to use on your resume like ‘earned’, ‘saved’, ‘achieved’ and how what keywords you choose in your bio and on LinkedIn can help you shape your brand.  Laura took the brand discussion one step further and linked it to interactions and networking.  Whomever you are talking to is your “target audience” – you can build a communication bridge by finding common ground – pets and kids are usually good places to start.  Think about the “so what” – you have XYZ as a strength, but what does that mean to the person you are talking to?

I look forward to the upcoming year and future networking events with all of you!

Blog post by outgoing WHCM Chairwoman Rachel Labas

WHCM Fall Forum 2018

We have another exciting fall forum planned!  Join us for a buffet dinner, two educational breakout sessions (running concurrently) and a chance to network.

Breakout sessions will be:

(1) The Power of Connection & Communication. The Power of You.

Laura Willis, Brand Strategist / “Core” Counselor, Encore Revolution

Are you ready to take your next step, and want to have a competitive edge? Do you want to do more work that you love, and have more success while doing it? Learn how uncovering your passion and who you are at the core can have a direct impact on getting more of what you want – it’s a combination of art and science. In this interactive session you’ll learn 5 keys to:

• Reignite your passion for your work and life
• Define an authentic personal brand and how it directly impacts your success
• Make a deeper connection with others and why it’s important
• Balance baring who you are with your expertise
• Understand the science behind deep connection
• Begin communicating with confidence and using the power of you!

Learn tips and techniques you can begin to implement right away. Come to be energized and inspired to take control of your success!

About Laura:  Ms. Willis is a brand positioning expert and strategist, who has created award winning web and print communications to help local, national and global companies, stand apart from the competition. With over 20 years in advertising agencies and mid to large corporations in the greater Boston area, she brings real-world expertise to her own business, Encore Revolution (www.encorerevolution.com). Laura combines elements of proven brand development techniques with personal growth and awareness work into a unique process which she uses to inspire business professionals through speaking engagements, educational programs and private coaching. She believes that when people align with their deeper purpose and passion and give it an authentic voice, they can make a bigger impact and have greater success. 

 

(2) How to Hire and Be Hired

This session will offer insights into how to find the right candidate, and how to find the right fit in a job where you will be the right candidate.

Busayo Ola Ajayi, MS, SCP, SPHR, Director, Talent Acquisition, Diversity and Inclusion at Boston Medical Center (BMC)

Busayo Ola Ajayi is a Human Resource professional with over 10 years’ experience. Currently the Director of Talent Acquisition at BMC she oversees an engaging team responsible for all the hiring and onboarding at BMC.  She also partners with the Assistant Director for Diversity and Inclusion at BMC to ensure that the talent acquisition strategies are aligned with ensuring with organization goals.  She has a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Development from Villanova University and is certified by HRCI and SHRM.  She has worked in higher education, insurance, healthcare, manufacturing and vision.

Kaylee Davis, Addison Group

Kaylee Davis is a Business Development Manager for Addison Group Healthcare, providing non-clinical staffing solutions to healthcare organizations around the country. As a member of the New England Division, Kaylee works with clinics and hospitals to provide best-in-class staffing solutions and human capital management consultation. Kaylee is also an accomplished public speaker and networker, serving on the Programming Committee for MGMA as well as an active member in ACHE and Women in Healthcare Management. Kaylee is passionate about improving the operational efficiencies within healthcare and contributing to patient care.

Networking by the Sea…in the Rain

We haven’t had a summer networking event in Boston in several years, so we decided to bring it back – Boston is so fun in the summer! Unfortunately, the torrential rains kept us from enjoying the outdoor patio, but close to 40 women showed up to network, and I was so happy to see new faces and meet a dozen new members, or ladies who were thinking about membership. One new member said she was “impressed by the caliber of professionals in attendance (even on a rainy day) and how open people were to offering career advice to others.”

What sets WHCM apart is that we are an organization run by women, with the purpose of helping other women in the industry. I am consistently proud of our membership, and their willingness to lift other women up – regardless of their position in the workplace or status. An interesting conversation theme I took part in at the event was discussing what other professional organizations our members belong to – one common theme is they were all were open to both men and women. But, many were involved with professional organizations specific to their field – healthcare finance or medical devices, for example. It seems like a good idea to join one general networking organization, like ours or perhaps the Boston Young Healthcare Professionals, and then one specific to your area of focus. And get involved! It’s a great way to meet people. Hope to see all my new connections (and more!) on October 3 at our Fall Forum.

Blog post by WHCM Chairwoman Rachel Labas

Messy, Magical Motherhood

Just like that, my son Dhruv has turned 1! As of this writing, he is almost 14 months. Wow!

I am trying to find a good metaphor for the last 11 months of being a full-time employee and full- time mom. A Roller Coaster ride seems appropriate, so does a stretched elastic band and being lost on an island. But I digress. Here, I reflect on my motherhood journey in the past 11 months.

First and foremost, it does take a village. I am forever indebted to my army of advisors (yoga teacher, doula, lactation consultant) and my girlfriends who helped me have child birth, breastfeeding and early parenting experiences I dreamt of. It was incredibly hard, both physically and emotionally, but having my village made me not quit. Paradoxically, being an immigrant living miles away from my real family and old friends by choice, I constantly question my choices and the implication of my choices on me and my husband as parents, and on my son. Questioning yourself becomes an intrinsic and unavoidable part of parenting. Goes something like this- Is he happy at day care? Should he be in daycare? Should I reduce my hours at work and stay home with him longer? You get the picture. It ebbs and flows – it has taken me some quiet time to realize that there is no absolute and there is no one right way of parenting and by extension of living life. I’ve also learned babies are amazingly malleable and resilient, and transitions are much harder on me as an adult than they are on him as a baby.

Welcoming the unsure messy parts is what makes parenting such a learning experience. I struggled less with the significantly increased volume of work (chores etc.) but rather with the unpredictability of a baby’s schedule. Learning to give up control is probably my biggest learning.

On its heels follows learning to compromise. It took me some time to be okay with not being able to “do it all”. I have reduced time for my spouse, family and friends, to exercise, to read, to focus on my career- to do all the things that I did before I had an infant. However, by not doing one thing also means I am choosing to do something, often related to the baby. And in the grand scheme of things, I am glad I made those choices. I chose to spend the time with my infant, because he is already a toddler!

Lastly, I’ve learned to ask for help. I’ve learned to champion for myself. In sleep deprived, guilt- laced moments, it is easy to get delusional about one’s own capacity and not pause to get a reality check. That is a dangerous slippery slope that I often remind myself to not get on. Having honest conversations with my spouse, my nanny, my manager at work has (I hope) helped them help me.

Motherhood is messy and magical. I am grateful to have had this wonderful experience and this adorable child that I call mine!

Blog post by WHCM Steering Committee Member Dhana Kotwal

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