What accomplishments from the past year are you most proud of?
RRH has made great progress in increasing access for patients. This means we have improved office practice efficiencies that allow us to accept more patients in a more timely way. It is critical that patients receive the medical care they need in a timely way. Additionally, RRH has appointed several new physician leaders in the organization this year who are high caliber leaders. They will lead RRH care delivery to new frontiers of excellence.
What do you think the biggest changes in the health care industry will be over the next year?
Health care is a rapidly changing industry stimulated by both internal and external forces. Significant changes I expect to see in the coming months will be the continued evolution of changes currently underway. These include further development of new cancer therapeutics, growth of robotic surgery, increased reliance upon advanced practice providers because of growing physician shortages, and ongoing need for technology enabled healthcare such as telehealth and virtual nursing.
What is one change you would make to the health care industry if you could?
If I could make one single change to improve health care, I would choose to increase access. There are so many barriers to accessing high quality health care. Barriers such as financial and insurance processes, social determinants of health, health inequities, health care deserts, and staffing shortages to name a few of the big ones. Improving access is a very complex societal issue. It extends from within and without healthcare itself.
What advice would you give professionals who are just starting out in your field?
Healthcare careers are enormously fulfilling. Though demanding and emotionally taxing, they allow healthcare professionals the opportunity to make a difference in every patient's life. This is a great source of meaning and joy. Don't let the demands of the work overshadow the beauty of it.
What are your favorite activities in the Rochester area?
My family and I enjoy so much about the Rochester area. It is a great place to live, work and play. Together we enjoy the abundant agriculture here. Within a few mile radius of our home are multiple farms, orchards and vineyards. We frequently stop at farm stands and shop at the Rochester Public Market where we purchase locally grown produce.