ACHENTX Executive Connection - Summer 2024

THE EXECUTIVE CONNECTION OF NORTH TEXAS

BEYOND PROFIT

Philanthropy’s Influence on Healthcare in DFW

BOARD OF DIRECTORS THE EXECUTIVE CONNECTION

OF NORTH TEXAS

EDITORS

Amanda Brummit, FACHE

Sarah Sentmore

Kean Villarta

Bert Witherspoon

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Amanda Brummit, FACHE

Tom Peck, LFACHE

Melinda Schmidt

Audrianne Schneider, FACHE

Sarah Sentmore

Kean Villarta

Bert Witherspoon

ADVERTISING / SUBSCRIPTIONS

info@achentx.org

QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS:

ACHE of North Texas

Editorial Office, c/o Executive Connection 300 Decker Drive, Suite 300 Irving, TX 75062

p: 972.413.8144

e: info@achentx.org w: achentx.org

OFFICERS

President

Aaron Bujnowski, FACHE

Managing Director, Health Industry Group | Health Systems Practice, Alvarez & Marsal

Holdings, LLC

President-Elect

Ajith Pai, FACHE (Foundation Liaison)

President, Texas Health Harris Methodist

Hospital Southwest Fort Worth

Immediate Past President

Felixia Colón, FACHE

Sr. Vice President & Group Operations Officer

SCP Health

Treasurer

Patrick Brown, FACHE

Senior Vice President-Operations, National Group Surgery Partners

Secretary

Jared Lange (Networking Liaison)

Director, Business Sustainability & Development

Parkland Health

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer

Kris Sanders FACHE (Membership Liaison)

SVP Northern Market Growth & Development

Children’s Health

The ACHE of North Texas e-magazine, The Executive Connection, is published triannually and includes information on the latest regulatory and legislative developments, as well as the quality improvement and leadership trends that are shaping and influencing the healthcare industry. Readers get indepth reporting on the issues and challenges facing hospital and health system leaders today. We make it our job to tell you about the great things the organization and Chapter are doing every day to ensure the health of our community. If you have any news and updates that you want to share with other members, please e-mail your items to info@northtexas.ache.org. Microsoft Word or compatible format is preferable. If you have a graphic or picture that you'd like to include, please send it as a separate file. The following are the types of information that our members shared in past ACHE of North Texas magazines, Advocacy Issues, Legislative Issues, Educational Opportunities, Awards / Achievements, Promotions (Members On the Move), Committee Updates, journal submissions, conference submissions, and workshop participations, sharing

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dr. Jim Allard, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE

ACHE Regent-at-Large, District 4

Chief Nursing Officer, Medical City Arlington

Timothy Bowen, FACHE (Sponsorship Liaison) President, Baylor Scott White - McKinney

Crystal Brown (Foundation Liaison) Vice President Operations/COO Methodist Mansfield Medical Center

Noreen Butte, MD (Physician Advisory Chair/Liaison) Pediatrician

Christina Mathis, MHA (Sponsorship Liaison) Chief Operating Officer/Ethics & Compliance Officer, Medical City Plano

Angela Vincent Michael, FACHE (Education Chair/Liaison)

Director, Performance Improvement Methodist Health System

Cassandra Self, FACHE (DE&I Liaison) Program Director, Texas Health Resources

Jared Shelton, FACHE (As of April 2024)

ACHE Texas – North Regent President, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford

Michael Talley, RRT, FACHE (Mentorship Liaison) VP of Clinical Operations & Virtual Care, CHRISTUS Health

Keith Thurgood, PhD (Student Council Liaison) Clinical Professor & Program Director, MS Healthcare Leadership and Management, University of Texas at Dallas

Toya White, FACHE (Advancement Liaison) Chief Operating Officer & Chief Nursing Officer, Texas Health Resources

Corey Wilson, FACHE (Communications Liaison) Chief Operating Officer, Texas Health Harris Methodist Fort Worth

Timothy Wilson (DE&I Liaison)

SVP, Population Health Management, P3 Health Partners

MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT Aaron Bujnowski, FACHE

This year, with the collective effort of our dedicated members, ACHE of North Texas has witnessed some of the most exciting changes in its history. Last fall, during our yearly strategic planning retreat, I presented a challenge to our leadership: “Accelerate!” This strategic theme was not just a directive, but also a call to action for all of us to take our already successful chapter to new heights of impact, relevance, and connection. And 2024 has seen a tremendous acceleration in what we do, a testament to the commitment and hard work of each one of you. I’ll share a few examples.

The first example shows how “less” can be “more.” Traditionally, we’ve held a networking event and a separate mentorship kickoff event each year. In a move to streamline and enhance our activities, the Networking and Mentorship committees decided to merge these events. The result was one of the most invigorating events of the year. New mentees had the opportunity to meet a wide range of members, not just their mentors. Non-mentors were able to network with mentors, mentees, and other attendees. The energy and enthusiasm in the room were palpable, leaving us all with a sense of optimism and excitement, and it extended into the mentorship kickoff.

The second example is how “more” can be “most.” Our E ducation committee proposed a plan for an energizing new format for an education event. They suggested that we combine with two other ACHE chapters—the Midwest Texas and the East Texas—and hold a two-day event. The resulting education event was fantastic. We had almost 200 people attend. The faculty and speakers were energizing and informative. The food donated by our sponsors was delicious. The Networking committee also held an event on the evening of the first day, which enabled us to, once again, enhance the experience. We are already planning for an even more significant 2-day event in 2025.

My final example shows how our efforts at ACHE North Texas can have a national impact. Bob Kaiser at UT Dallas invited me to participate in his podcast, The Business of Healthcare. He had attended the 2024 ACHE Congress in Chicago, and he wanted to highlight all the great things ACHE can do for its members. I shared my journey through ACHE and all the things our chapter is doing for its members. Our episode was shared on social media by national ACHE, resulting in several chapters outside of Texas having new members join.

We are truly accelerating everything we do at ACHE North Texas. Our leaders are finding new and better ways to live our mission to be the premier healthcare leader organization in North Texas, and we’ve only just begun. We hope you join us and help us continue to accelerate in 2024!

MESSAGE FROM OUR ACHENTX

NORTH REGENT

Jared C. Shelton, FACHE

I am thrilled to be able to start a three-year term as District 4 Regent for ACHE Texas-Northern. As I get underway in this new role, I thought it might be helpful to start with a couple of questions some of you may be wondering: “What is a Regent? And what are their responsibilities?”

Great questions! ACHE Regents are elected to represent the members in their districts and further the mission of ACHE, which is to advance our members and healthcare leadership excellence. Regents are also tasked with serving as liaison between the local chapters and the ACHE Board of Governors. I take these responsibilities very seriously and I look forward to helping our members in any way I can while also working to share best practices from the chapters to the national level and vice versa. The Texas-Northern area encompasses three different local chapters: ACHE of North Texas, East Texas ACHE Forum, and Texas Midwest HealthCare Executives. I look forward to meeting as many of you over the next three years as possible and working together to continue the tradition of excellence in each chapter.

As I begin my three-year term, I want to say how excited I am to have the privilege to serve the nearly 2,000 members in ACHE Texas-Northern. I have been a member of the ACHE of North Texas chapter my entire career and I’ve been able to build meaningful relationships, broaden my knowledge of healthcare leadership, and advance to board certification because of ACHE. To be able to give back through this role is incredibly meaningful to me and I look forward to working with you over the next three years.

I would be remiss if I didn’t say a huge thank you to Trinette Pierre who just finished her term as Regent. Trinette is a talented healthcare leader and tireless advocate for the ACHE Texas – Northern region and its members. I am very fortunate to know Trinette and will attempt to follow her example of connecting people and advancing healthcare leadership in the region.

Finally, I had the opportunity to attend ACHE Congress this past March in Chicago. I always enjoy the excitement of being in one place with so many fellow healthcare leaders. Well, next year, that place is going to be a little closer to home for us as ACHE Congress 2025 will be held here in Texas, in Houston from March 24-27 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Make sure to mark your calendars and I hope to see you next year for a Lone Star State version of ACHE Congress!

Jared C. Shelton, FACHE

President, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford Regent for Texas - Northern ACHE

Unleash your power

You can achieve anything you put your mind to. The power to crush any goal is in all of us. Let’s set it free.

MESSAGE FROM OUR

REGENT-AT-LARGE

Jim Allard, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE

Colleagues,

As your District 4, Regent at Large, I am hopeful your summer has kicked off to a great start. You deserve only the best, because you matter!

From a National ACHE standpoint, it is important for you to be aware of several programs that are in place to support and lift our healthcare leaders and community. Under the diversity and inclusion umbrella, there is the Executive Diversity Career Navigator (EDCN), which is a collaborative of free access to information, tools, and inspiration for navigating career paths to senior level positions. Additionally, one can find the Diversity Career Resources link through the ACHE website and find more information about EDCN, the Thomas C. Dolan Executive Diversity Program, the Career Accelerator Program, Gender and Race/Ethnicity Studies along with a multitude of networking opportunities.

All of these amazing resources can be located at https://www.ache.org/career-resource-center/ special-groups/diversity-career-resources

Finally, as one looks to further their career and assess individual expertise, consider the ACHE Healthcare Executive 2024 Competencies Assessment Tool; and/or to elevate leading through a lens of equity, consider the Inclusive Leadership Competencies Assessment Tool.

As always, if I can be of assistance, please feel free to connect. In this role, I am actively assisting Regents, DEI Committees and local leaders around the DEI agenda of ACHE. With that said, I am also available to assist with local ideas, programming, and support as well.

Best,

Jim Allard, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE

Regent-at-Large, District 4 (2023-2026)

Celebrating exceptional leadership

BakerHostetler’s Dallas Healthcare group supports ACHE of North Texas and values its commitment to promoting excellence in the healthcare management field.

ACHENTX MEMBER

SPOTLIGHT

Crystal V. Brown, MBA Vice President Operations at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center

Why did you go into health care? Why do you stay?

When I began high school, I thought that I wanted to be an attorney, however my high school counselor helped me realize that I loved serving people in unfortunate situations. She introduced me to a healthcare administrator program where I could obtain high school credits and also work at a local healthcare organization in a non-clinical role. This program exposed me to so many different non-clinical paths in healthcare that allowed me to serve people at their most vulnerable times.

With over two decades of experience in Human Resources, Supply Chain, and Hospital Operations, I choose to continue serving in healthcare because I know that it is a diverse environment where people need to feel seen, heard, and helped, and I enjoy having the ability to do this daily.

How long have you been a member of ACHE?

I have been a member of ACHE since 2015 and joined the Board of Directors for ACHE North Texas in 2024.

What have you gotten out of or do you get from your membership in ACHE?

I consider myself a lifelong learner, and being a member of ACHE ensures that I always have an avenue to foster my learning in new and innovative ways as healthcare continues to evolve. They offer education in various platforms including online webinars, in-person education events, and through their annual conferences. ACHE also offers healthcare professionals the ability to take the Board of Governors Exam in Healthcare Management to become a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. As an active member of ACHE I have met so many dynamic healthcare professionals across various organizations that I can collaborate and network with about healthcare issues that we face daily.

What advice would you give early careerists or those considering membership?

I am passionate about the growth and development of early careerists which is why I am serving as a mentor for this year’s Mentorship Program. I advise them to get involved with ACHE early as a student and participate in all of the events that are dedicated to them, participate in the annual case study competition if eligible, and then advance into a full member post-graduation. The connections and exposure they will have to some of healthcare’s best and brightest professionals is invaluable.

Tell us one thing that people don’t know about you. Outside of work, I enjoy savoring life’s pleasures with my family and friends, indulging in food, wine, and travel.

ACHENTX MEMBER

SPOTLIGHT

Christina Mathis CEO of Medical City Frisco

What are you doing now?

I am privileged to serve as the CEO of Medical City Frisco. I started my position in November 2023.

In your opinion, what is the most important issue facing health care today?

Providing access to high quality, cost effective care continues to be a top priority. We must continue to find ways to optimize our efficiency and operations in a way that creates this end result. What I find exciting about this time in health care is that there are so many ways to solve for this challenge.

For example, Medical City Frisco is part of HCA Healthcare, and we are focused on leveraging the scale of our enterprise to enhance care delivery models. By partnering with Google Cloud, we are leveraging AI and big data to redesign caregiver workflows, implement best practices, and ultimately statistically improve health outcomes in the communities we serve.

How long have you been a member of ACHE?

I have been a member of ACHE since joining as a student in 2016.

Why is being a member important to you? Has ACHE membership been a benefit to you in your career?

Being an ACHE member is so important to me because this organization has been with me in every step of my career journey! From the resources and development I gained as a student, to the networking and events I had access to as I moved to different cities for new roles, I have felt ACHE has always been there for me.

What advice would you give early careerists or those considering membership? DO IT!

Tell us one thing that people don’t know about you.

I love antique and estate sales. There is nothing better than finding something unique at a great price! I also love cooking and my husband tells me I am pretty talented at it.

How did you get into health care? What’s your “why?”

I always wanted to work in a career where I could help people. The reason why I enthusiastically do my job every day is to care for the people who care for our patients. Ensuring that our colleagues and physicians have the resources they need, and the connection to their purpose, to allow them to do their work with excellence is what gets me up every morning.

ACHENTX MEMBER

SPOTLIGHT

Cassandra Self, DHA, FACHE, CMM, LSSYB Program Director, Clinical Supply Specialist (Supply Chain Sourcing) at Texas Health Resources

Why did you go into health care? Why do you stay?

I have always had an interest in the medical field. In high school, I was an athletic trainer for three years and covered sports year- round. I started off at TAMU-Corpus Christi, majoring in athletic training. I left retail operations in 2005 to move into a case management role at a large hospital in Corpus Christi and have worked in various roles throughout my career. Health care is always changing, and there is always something to learn.

What have you gotten out of or do you get from your membership in ACHE?

I have met so many people in my 5 years with ACHE that I may not have crossed paths with otherwise. Being involved at the chapter and national level, you’re able to work collaboratively with people in other health systems, states, and regions. There are so many great learning and networking opportunities. As a natural introvert, the work I do with the chapter helps me make connections and meet others outside of my bubble.

Your advice to others on how to get involved in ACHE?

Join a committee (or two), meet people and grow those relationships organically through the work you are doing together. Find your “why” in joining that committee and be engaged. Offer your skills and expertise when you can to help the committees and chapter meet their goals.

How would you encourage fellow members to maximize their ACHE memberships?

Be a mentor to help others with the Fellow/Board of Governors process, it can be formal through the mentorship or advancement committees or informal. Be involved with local chapter events to meet other Fellows and earn education credits toward recertification.

What advice would you give early careerists or those considering membership?

It’s an investment in yourself and your future. Professional organizations allow you to meet people of similar interests and goals. Most people are willing to help point you in the right direction or make connections, you just have to ask.

Tell us one thing that people don’t know about you.

I like to quote songs and movies, it’s usually pretty random and catches people off guard.

SPOTLIGHT

Angela Vincent Michael, MHS-HFM, FACHE, CPHQ System Director, PI & Project Dev, Methodist Health System

Why did you go into health care? Why do you stay?

My journey into health care is inspired by my mother, a two-time cancer survivor. Her experience propelled me into the role of her advocate, where I quickly learned the profound influence that healthcare systems, structures, and strategies have on patient care and outcomes. Motivated by a desire to enhance these facets, I embarked on a career to make a meaningful difference.

I remain dedicated to health care because of my daughter, who was born weighing only 1 pound 10 ounces and possesses an indomitable spirit. Now 12 years old, she personifies the adage, “Faith is daring the soul to go beyond what the eyes can see.” She embodies my belief in our healthcare system and its unsung heroes. I am convinced that we all bear the responsibility to deliver safe, exceptional care to our patients and communities, and we are granted the extraordinary chance to influence future generations of healthcare leaders.

What have you gotten out of or do you get from your membership in ACHE?

My 15 year journey with ACHE is an ever-evolving adventure of learning and growth. I actively pursue personal development through initiatives like the Dolan Career Accelerator and ACHE North Texas mentorship programs, alongside enriching webinars and events, all while working toward my FACHE certification. Along this path, I’ve forged enduring friendships and honed vital professional skills, from boardroom dynamics to championing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging . The leader I’ve become is a testament to the unwavering support of my tribe: my spouse, family, friends, and the ACHE community. They have become integral to my voice and identity.

What advice would you give early careerists or those considering membership?

Think of ACHE as your career’s cozy living room. Here, you’ll bump into pals, wise guides, and cheerleaders who’ll join you on your professional journey. Your discoveries and pursuits are really up to your zest, your fire, and your mingle game with the ACHE folks. It’s not flawless, but hey, it’s not trying to be. If you’ve got an itch for curiosity, a thirst for knowledge and a heart for lifting others as you climb, then you’ve found your tribe!

Tell us one thing that people don’t know about you.

Strumming the guitar, twirling in classical Indian dance as a kid, and salsa-ing into adulthood, I never saw myself as an artist. But lo and behold, I took up painting and—bam!—artistic enlightenment struck. The cherry on top? Someone adored my debut masterpiece so much, they wanted to make it their own.

MEMBER UPDATES

To submit your update, milestone, award or accomplishment, CLICK HERE.

KIANTE BLAKLEY launched his own company, MedDivine Health, LLC. MedDivine Health, LLC is a faith-based healthcare staffing and professional development company specializing in career development and mentorship for allied health professionals to address staffing needs of healthcare facilities.

LISA A DONALDSON is Director of Nursing, Baylor Surgicare Fort Worth, Texas.

ANNETTE DUNCAN earned her LLM in Healthcare & Pharmaceutical Compliance from Drexel University Thomas R Kline School of Law.

JULIA ESPARZA graduated with her Master’s in Healthcare Administration degree from Texas Woman’s University. She was also inducted into the national Upsilon Phi Delta Healthcare Management Honors Society.

SHELEZA MOHAMED joined the American Heart Association as the inaugural Director of Government Grants Administration. She previously served as Department Administrator at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. Sheleza was also elected as 2024 Chair of Region V (Texas and Oklahoma) for National Council of University Research Administrators.

ANGELA STEVENSON was promoted to AVP, Specialty Operations at Lifepoint Behavioral Health.

ANISSA VASQUEZ graduated on May 11 from Angelo State University with her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration Management.

MAYRANI VELAZQUEZ was promoted to the position of Manager of Behavioral Health Stakeholder Engagement at Children’s Health. Leading her team, she oversees the growth of behavioral health programs across a nine-county region, encompassing pediatric and family practices as well as public schools.

DEMETRIA WILHITE congratulates her colleagues at University of Texas Arlington’s MS Health Care Administration Program for achieving CAHME accreditation.

A

TALE OF PROMISE OR A TALE OF CAUTION?

Artificial Intelligence’s (AI)

Impact on Healthcare In North Texas

Insights into area health system’s AI strategies from those leading the charge.

By Tom Peck, LFACHE

Artificial intelligence – AI – is everywhere. From chatbots to suggested programs we’d be interested in watching and products we might be interested in buying, we are interacting with and being influenced by AI constantly.

While you have undoubtedly heard the terms AI, GenAI, and Machine Learning, defining them may help put the information in this article in context.

Artificial intelligence is the theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages.

GenAI, according to the Oxford Dictionary, is a form of machine learning that involves a series of algorithms that help professionals perform routine tasks, like reorganizing and classifying data and creating content, like text, audio, images, and videos. Unlike traditional AI that analyzes and reacts, GenAI actively learns from massive datasets to identify hidden patterns and anomalies.

Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence that uses algorithms to learn from data and make predictions or decisions.

While healthcare has been a rather late entrant in the AI realm compared to other industries, North Texas health systems are rapidly analyzing and adopting AI capabilities.

ACHE of North Texas wanted to know how local health systems are approaching AI and their philosophies about using it to deliver care and enhance operations. AI leaders from Parkland Health, Baylor Scott & White Health, and Texas Health Resources provided insights into how their organizations are wrapping their arms around the burgeoning technology.

The following subject matter experts contributed to this article: Brett Moran, MD, Senior Vice

President, Associate Chief Medical Officer –Chief Medical Information Officer, Parkland Health; Scott Miller, Vice President of Analytics and Intelligence, Baylor Scott & White Health; Alejandro C. Arroliga, MD, Chief Clinical Innovation Officer, Chief Academic Officer, Baylor Scott & White Health; and Joseph Sudomir, Senior Vice President Chief Information Officer, Texas Health Resources (THR).

How is your organization approaching AI?

“Cautiously” and “with caution” were the words used by all contributors when they addressed this question.

Sudomir says THR is “cautiously curious” about the intersection of AI and healthcare. “We are proceeding with some work, but at a measured pace. At the end of the day, it needs to be safe for our patients and create a win in terms of efficiency and effectiveness for our caregivers.”

“Cautious enthusiasm,” is how Dr. Moran describes Parkland Health’s approach to AI. “We have been intentional in trying to establish processes for ensuring AI is used safely and appropriately prior to aggressive deployment of additional models.”

“Baylor Scott & White has been cautious and responsible, creating a framework from an ethical and clinical point of view in order to make sure we are using AI in the proper way,” explains Dr. Arroliga. “We have spent the last 19 months creating this framework with input from clinicians, administrators, leaders, and other key stakeholders.”

How is your organization planning to use AI for patient care planning and for day-to-day operational planning?

Area health systems are using their Electronic Health Record (EHR) as a springboard for AI pilots.

Dr. Moran cites several examples: a model that alerts the Rapid Assessment Team when it identifies patients who may be clinically deteriorating based on the latest information available in the EHR; a model created by an orthopedist on the medical staff that helps physicians identify risk of mortality in the first 48 hours for patients who have sustained orthopedic trauma injuries; AI generated In Basket message drafts that will help physicians and APPs more rapidly respond to patient requests for medical advice; deploying ambient listening AI solutions in the near future that allow clinicians to complete their required documentation more efficiently.

Sudomir says THR is evaluating opportunities on a case-by-case basis. “Our initial use cases focused more on the clinical setting. However, any solution must adhere to our guiding principles of safety, proven efficacy, creating efficiency, and allowing for human override.”

“We are leveraging as much as we can from our EHR partner,” says Miller. “Cognitive Compute includes predictive risk models for such clinical challenges as readmission. If we identify a use case for which there is no AI model in the EHR, we build it ourselves, then apply it in the same way the EHR would. For GenAI, we are looking at the in-basket response feature that generates a draft response to a patient question and sends it to the provider to review. Currently we are piloting in basket response and ambient listening that will summarize a physician/patient conversation in the patient’s chart and provide it to the physician to edit.”

What are the biggest benefits you see AI bringing to your organization? What are the greatest threats posed by AI?

Sudomir says the biggest benefits for THR include creating efficiencies, enhancing

decision support, automating tasks to allow employees to spend more time performing core job functions, and generating a greater return on certain investments. “Considerations include safely deploying capabilities, specifically with regard to but not limited to patient care, as well as concerns by employees about job displacement,” he explains.

“Benefits to Parkland Health include efficiency, satisfaction, bringing back ‘joy at work’ through helping with or completely replacing some of the bureaucratic tasks that have been inflicted upon clinicians for decades,” says Dr. Moran. “A very real threat is the creation of too many regulatory bodies requiring too many differing measures of oversight, creating new bureaucracy itself, and making for inequity of who can deploy AI.” Other risks cited by Dr. Moran include deploying AI blindly or with little oversight or review resulting in unintended consequences, AI drift where the model doesn’t perform as it should, use of HOOTL (human out of the loop) that may create greater risk of greater patient safety impact due to less human oversight, risk of ethics in terms of use of deep fake images and videos that may create confusion in the public regarding the truth, and risks of job security as AI becomes more integrated into healthcare.

Dr. Arroliga and Miller also cite efficiencies as benefitting Baylor Scott & White. “We think the pilot with ambient listening holds great promise,” says Dr. Arroliga. “Physicians have told us the AI technology allows them to look at their patients and evaluate their body language during a telehealth encounter, rather than looking at the keyboard as they are typing in their conversation. We are trying to identify the biggest opportunities in a very systematic fashion, especially in terms of improving quality and removing costs from the system. A threat

that is ever-present is countering the perception that we are trying to replace staff with AI. Our message has always been we’re augmenting human performance with AI technology, providing staff with the capabilities to be more effective and efficient.”

Are you crafting specific policies and procedures around the use of AI in your organization, especially in terms of governance?

“While I can’t give you the specifics of our policies, suffice to say we convene a group of clinician administrators, lawyers, and others – everyone who has something to say about AI,” explains Dr. Arroliga. “We have robust discussions about a broad range of topics related to AI. We pay particular attention to keeping personal health information confidential and being compliant with all of the requirements that are needed regarding AI. Our policies are a reflection of what is known currently about the technology and about where we are as a healthcare system.”

“More important than policies or procedures is the actual strategy and process for lifecycle management of AI,” says Dr. Moran. “If there is one take home point, healthcare organizations must organize and have a specific plan for lifecycle management of AI – how do you request it, how do you assess potential technologies, and how do you deploy, maintain, oversee, and sunset them?”

Sudomir says THR developed an initial policy around utilization of AI in 2023. “The policy was specifically focused on GPT technologies in the organization,” he says. “We are currently working on developing a broader set of policies to manage the larger spectrum.”

A May 17, 2024 FierceHealthcare.com article “Report: The Generative AI Roadmap, Its Hurdles and Strategies to Mitigate,” highlights a recent report from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Lucian Leape Institute, a think tank within the IHI. The report was compiled by an expert panel Including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft as well as Harvard Medical School, The Leapfrog Group, and Kaiser Permanente. The goal of the report was to identify the main areas where generative AI is likely to be used as well as its challenges and the potential ways to mitigate them.

In addition to a several specific recommendations for various stakeholders, the report identified six best practices to guide the ongoing development of GenAI tools and their integration into clinical care delivery:

• Serve and safeguard the patient.

• Learn with, engage, and listen to clinicians.

• Evaluate and ensure AI efficacy and freedom from bias.

A brief survey of participants in both “Leading with Trust” breakout sessions during ACHE North Texas’ March Women’s Health Executive Network (WHEN) conference suggest preferences for technologyenabled trust building within their organizations. Three themes emerge that may help leaders better understand the role of technology in trust building among teams. A fourth finding may indicate differences in trust dynamics and communication with leadership.

Survey respondents represent approximately 20 percent of conference participants and 100 percent of session attendees. The group includes a mix of roles and experiences.

to build trust needs to be continuously

developed.

Technology enables trust building

Significantly, all respondents see a role for technology in building trust. Approximately 60 percent said the extent to which technology helps build trust is “great” and none said technology has no role in building trust.

While technology preferences emerge in the findings, all technology options received positive responses to some extent. Because technology preferences vary by the type of communication or interaction, offering team members technology options best supports trust building across the enterprise.

In general, respondents favor technologyenabled, live, work-related interactions. Notably, live voice interactions out rank live video interactions in hybrid working relationships.

In addition, the top three preferred channels for team building—live voice, live video, and secure messaging—support collaborative working. Those are seen to build trust more than technology-enabled shared learning experiences or knowledge sharing.

Interestingly, respondents prefer scheduled interactions—meetings or team building sessions—more than spontaneous interactions using sure messaging work-related social platforms.

Convenience may be a key consideration

The preference for voice over video in team building may be a preference for the more convenient channel, despite video’s potential for richer interactions. Survey respondents prefer email for feedback to leadership, also outranking 1:1 video interactions.

Communicating with leadership

The final theme emerging from survey findings relates to communication with leadership. Specifically, respondents feel email is most effective for providing feedback to leadership. Email is preferred over live, 1:1 video interactions, the second-choice option. In addition to the potential convenience of email for feedback to leadership, the opportunity to review and edit before sending, or the “shield” of written communication over verbal interactions may come into play. Leaders may want to explore how levels of trust influence the ways in which team members prefer to share feedback.

A call to action

Finally, respondents had a clear message for leadership. The best way to build a culture of trust is more transparent communication.

With a range of technology choices—voice, video, email, secure messaging, and apps-communicating consistently, clearly and openly across all digital communication channels can help grow and strengthen an organizational culture of trust.

BEYOND PROFIT Philanthropy’s Influence on Healthcare in DFW

By Amanda Brummitt, FACHE

Dallas-Fort Worth is a hypercompetitive market for healthcare with a lot of investment in the space. And, that’s good! It funds a lot of great care and….philanthropy!

But, did you know that we have tons of organizations quietly serving our community with no profit in mind? We highlight three organizations that show how a vision for improving the health of the community through philanthropy can truly have an impact. You probably won’t see Light Up to Live, Lightpath Health, or National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) North Texas on the cover of a business journal, but you will cross paths with the

humans they have positively impacted.

LIGHT UP TO LIVE

Angela Enright, Chairman of the Board for Light Up to Live, a long-time volunteer in the DFW area, graciously shared the organization’s story with us.

The journey of Light Up to Live began with the Randall Reed Family, owners of the Texas-based World Class Automotive Group, who witnessed their son’s comrades returning from service with chronic pain, post-traumatic stress, brain trauma, and depression, making the transition to civilian life challenging. The convergence of physical and mental anguish contributes to alarmingly high veteran suicide rates—ranging from 23 to 50 veterans per day, depending on the source. Motivated to address this crisis, the Reed family founded Light Up to Live.

Light Up to Live now confronts veteran health issues through innovative approaches, including polychromatic light therapy systems, highly trained service dogs, and physician-assisted psychedelic drug therapy. Primarily serving veterans in the DFW area and Texas, all services are provided to veterans at no cost.

By eliminating healthcare barriers, Light Up to Live significantly enhances mental and physical well-being while reducing veteran suicides.

Their mission extends beyond mere survival; they empower veterans to thrive. The impact of their efforts is tangible, exemplified by the story of Frank G., who endured seven years of chronic pain and narcotics following injuries from a roadside bomb. After just 45 days of using the polychromatic light system, Frank is now pain-free, actively engaged in workouts and employment, and no longer reliant on pain medications, including over-the-counter options. Notably, Light Up to Live has not lost a single veteran recipient to suicide.

Despite having only one staffer, Light Up to Live remains agile, ensuring prompt and tailored support for veterans. Regular visits and checkins are integral to maintaining close connections with the individuals and organizations they assist.

Interested in contributing? Light Up to Live welcomes volunteers, sponsors, and donations.

LIGHTPATH HEALTH

Eight zip codes in South Dallas have the lowest life expectancy in our area and the highest vulnerability to chronic disease. There’s as much as a 26-year gap with other area zip codes. In this landscape where access to healthcare often feels out of reach and health inequities abound, Lightpath Health stands as a beacon of hope. Under the dedicated leadership of Executive Director Michelle DeGrate, this exceptional organization provides completely free primary care to those who need it most – their uninsured neighbors ages 16+. With an unwavering commitment to community well-being, Lightpath Health offers a lifeline to neighbors who might otherwise go without essential medical services.

They operate with a clear and compassionate mission: to deliver high-quality, ongoing primary care to their uninsured neighbors with care and dignity. They are the “town doctor” for the community offering quality over quantity. This care includes preventive services, chronic disease

management, acute care, and health education.

They are currently serving 100 neighbors out of St. Luke Community United Methodist Church and they’ve just embedded their second clinic in the Cedar Crest neighborhood where they expect to serve another 300 patients. While they expand, they will keep the needs of their neighbors as the driver. Each location will focus on the unique needs both health-wise and socially. And, DeGrate’s roots as a front line social worker are invaluable as she guides the organization towards delivering great care and improving health equity.

Lightpath Health’s remarkable efforts are bolstered by the support of local brain trust, Catalyst Health, a partner that shares the vision of accessible healthcare for all. This collaboration allows Lightpath Health to access services far beyond the typical resources that a small non-profit clinic would have, such as a prescription management program, care team management, and clinicians to staff the clinic.

The success of Lightpath Health relies heavily

on community support and involvement. As a new organization, simply supporting them with likes on social media is huge. Medical professionals willing to donate their time and expertise are vital at community events. Additionally, financial contributions are crucial.

NAMI NORTH TEXAS

Recipient of the ACHENTX Humanitarian Award, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) North Texas, under the leadership of Executive Director, Dr. Athena Trentin, stands at the forefront of mental health advocacy in our community.

NAMI’s mission encompasses combating mental health stigma and dismantling barriers to treatment, fostering a culture of assistance and optimism that transforms narratives of trauma into stories of empowerment. Central to their approach is the promotion of mental health education within the community, empowering individuals to seek support, and extending a helping hand to those in need. Family discussions and a diverse array of treatment modalities are emphasized as pivotal components of mental health care.

Functioning as a comprehensive resource hub, NAMI caters not only to individuals grappling with mental health challenges but also to their families and the broader community. Through a spectrum of offerings including classes, support groups, and culturally sensitive resources, they tailor their services to address the distinct needs of various racial, faith-based, and ability-based communities, with special attention given to the Indigenous community. Additionally, they even provide specialized support programs for first responders.

Trentin shared a poignant anecdote about a mother whose participation in a NAMI family support group proved transformative during a

challenging period for her son. Five years later, the mother reached out by phone to express her gratitude, coincidentally speaking with the volunteer teacher of her group, initiating a heartfelt conversation about the enduring impact of the skills she acquired in the support group on her relationship with her son. Such stories abound within NAMI, illustrating the profound difference their programs make in people’s lives.

Despite being a team of only six, the NAMI North Texas team operates nimbly and relies heavily on volunteer support to deliver its programs. Their commitment to expanding their range of offerings ensures inclusivity and accessibility, meeting individuals at their point of need and fostering trust within the community.

Keen to contribute? NAMI North Texas welcomes volunteers, donations, and participation in their annual walk, vital for sustaining their provision of free services and igniting hope in the journey toward mental wellness.

GET INVOLVED

Philanthropy and volunteering plays a crucial role in enhancing community health in DallasFort Worth, demonstrating that impactful healthcare extends beyond profit margins. Light Up to Live, Lightpath Health, and NAMI North Texas exemplify this through their dedicated services.

Light Up to Live empowers veterans with innovative treatments and support, significantly reducing veteran suicides. Lightpath Health provides free primary care to uninsured residents, addressing severe health inequities in South Dallas. NAMI North Texas champions mental health advocacy, offering essential support and education to individuals and families. These organizations, driven by their commitment to community wellbeing, transform lives through accessible and compassionate care.

For more information on supporting these vital initiatives, visit their respective websites: LightUpToLive.org, LightpathHealth.org, and NAMINorthTexas.org.

FEBRUARY 17, 2024

2024 DFW HEALTHCARE STUDENT SUMMIT

By Bert Witherspoon

The 2024 DFW Healthcare Student Summit, hosted by the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas (ACHENTX) Chapter, took place on February 17-18 at the University of Texas at Arlington Ft. Worth Campus. Aditi Nethikar commenced the event by acknowledging sponsors, fellows, first-time guests, and the host. Michael Hollman followed, highlighting UTA Fort Worth’s healthcare management program before introducing Dr. Arthur Gonzales, the first panel moderator and Director of the Healthcare Management program.

Dr. Gonzales entertained the audience with a humorous story before introducing the panelists. The Healthcare Operations Panel included Crystal Brown, MBA, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center; Justin Pond, Chief Operating Officer at Baylor Scott & White Medical CenterWaxahachie; Loren Fouch, LCSW, Chief Executive Officer at Millwood Hospital; and Gregory Chelsey, MHA, Chief Operations Officer at Medical Specialists Associated.

The panelists discussed various career-related topics, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal values with organizational values, mentorship, sponsorship, and networking. Crystal Brown and Loren Fouch highlighted the ongoing workforce challenges, while Justin Pond and Gregory Chelsey shared insights on career progression and the significance of core values over certifications.

After a break, ACHENTX Executive Director John Whittemore spoke on the benefits of ACHE membership. The second session, moderated by Keith Thurgood, PhD, focused on AI in healthcare administration. Panelists included Pamela Salyer, PhD, RN, NI-BC, an expert in nursing informatics; Dr. Ogan Gurel, a BioHealth Innovation Specialist; Nick Kagal, Vice President of Business Development at SpinSci Technologies; and Dr. Harvey Castro, a physician and AI healthcare advisor.

The panelists shared their expertise on AI’s impact on healthcare, emphasizing the slow adoption of AI in the US and the potential benefits of AI in improving patient engagement and operational efficiency. They also discussed

the importance of embracing change and integrating AI with traditional medical practices.

The event continued with a networking lunch, followed by a keynote address from Dr. Alexis Burnett, Division Vice President of Surgical and Procedural Services for Medical City Healthcare. Dr. Burnett shared her “3 Rules of Leadership” and concluded with an engaging story, energizing the audience and leaving them with practical leadership insights.

Overall, the summit provided valuable networking opportunities, career advice, and insights into the future of healthcare administration, particularly regarding the integration of AI.

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

DIGITAL HEALTH IN THE HEALTHCARE DELIVERY SYSTEM

By Amanda Brummitt, FACHE

Moderator

Nick Kagal, FACHE

Vice President of Business DevelopmentCustomer Success, SpinSci Technologies

Panelists

Chris Gallagher, MD, FACC

Chief Executive Officer, Access TeleCare

Urooj Mansoor, MD

Physician, Legacy Internal Medicine

Seth Mollitt

Senior Vice President, Product Development & Innovation, SCP Health

In a fascinating virtual event hosted by the American College of Healthcare Executives’ North Texas Chapter, top industry experts convened to shed light on the transformative potential of Digital Health. Led by Dr. Chris Gallagher, Nick Kagal, Dr. Urooj Mansoor, and Seth Mollitt, the event offered healthcare executives a deep dive into the role of digital technologies in shaping the future of healthcare.

The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a driving force, accelerating the adoption of digital solutions across the healthcare landscape. From telehealth services to artificial intelligence and personalized medicine, the intersection of healthcare and digital technology has become an integral part of the industry’s fabric, shaping how care is accessed and delivered.

The discussion tackled various aspects of digital health strategies, including their implementation within organizations and their impact on clinical practices. Attendees gained insights into the technical challenges, operational considerations, regulatory requirements, and financial implications associated with digital health initiatives. Moreover, the conversation extended to how digital health is reshaping the healthcare delivery system, offering a glimpse into its future trajectory.

Telemedicine emerged as a game-changer, offering both patients and providers unprecedented convenience. Notably, it has significantly reduced no-show rates by up to 80%, while also expediting treatment initiation in critical situations such as UTI and COVID-19 management.

Additionally, remote patient monitoring technologies have facilitated better communication between patients and healthcare providers, enabling personalized and precision care, plus validation of patientreported symptoms.

Innovations such as ambient listening technologies hold promise in enhancing care quality and documentation accuracy, providing additional insights into patient care.

However, amidst the excitement surrounding digital advancements, the panelists emphasized the importance of ensuring equitable access to

digital healthcare solutions for all individuals.

Looking ahead, the panelists envisioned a future where seamless data integration and interoperability across healthcare systems would streamline workflows and minimize redundancy. Furthermore, they highlighted the need for greater coordination among regulatory bodies to facilitate cross-state care and ensure regulatory compliance.

In summary, the event served as a call to action for healthcare executives to embrace the digital revolution, leveraging innovative technologies to drive efficiency, improve outcomes, and enhance access to healthcare services for all. As digital health continues to evolve, visionary leadership and collaborative efforts will be essential in realizing its full potential in transforming the healthcare landscape. 

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

STRATEGICALLY MAPPING YOUR EARLY CAREER DEVELOPMENT

By Kean Villarta

Moderator

Sunil Sinha, MD, MBA, FACHE, FACP Vice President of Population Health and Quality, Sentra Health Plans

Panelists

Melissa Arana

System Director, Clinical Services Department

Baylor Scott and White Quality Alliance

Matthew Lin

Undergraduate Research Fellow University of Texas at Dallas

Marion Spears Karr, MA, FACHE Managing Partner and Founder In-FLOW Executives

On February 22, ACHENTX held its virtual education event, “Strategically Mapping Your Early Career Development.” Moderated by Sunil Sinha, the panel included Melissa Arana, Matthew Lin, and Marion Spears Karr, who offered their expertise and experience to early careerists in the healthcare administration industry.

The panel started out by highlighting the importance of relevant higher education degrees, such as Master’s degrees. Melissa shared that these degrees, along with professional certifications, are not only required for many jobs but could also offer increases in salary during negotiations.

Marion and Sunil then shared the importance of networking when it comes to securing jobs. Marion suggested utilizing resources such as executive search firms, which help organizations find top candidates for certain roles. Networking allows early careerists to build relationships, get career advice, learn from others, and show visibility. Joining professional organizations such as ACHE is a great way to network.

Matthew and Melissa also spoke about the importance of professional development and gaining new skills. One can continue to fine-tune new skills by attending educational webinars, reading blogs, news, and social media, keeping up with industry experts, and networking. Early careerists must also not forget about working on their soft skills.

Finally, Marion spoke about personal brand. Having a strong personal brand can help build online presence, establish credibility, connect with individuals and organizations, and give competitive advantage. 

FEBRUARY 23, 2024

AHLC POP-UP LUNCHES

MARCH 1, 2024

ACHENTX’S WHEN ANNUAL WOMEN’S CONFERENCE: BEYOND ALL LIMITS

By Melinda Schmidt

Once again, Texas Women’s University (TWU) hosted the 2024 Women’s Healthcare Executive Network (WHEN) event on Friday, March 1st, featuring Krista Medlock as the Keynote Speaker focusing on inspiring women to be successful. The break-out sessions addressed areas specific to challenges women encounter daily and how to adjust to overcome these issues.

The event started with breakfast and networking, and then we quickly moved on to our break out sessions. The session choices this year were Dr. Veronica Tetter and Dr. Karla Evans covering “The Importance of Mental Wellness for High Impact Women: Women Going Beyond All Limits” and Jennifer “J” Alexander, who is always a favorite, addressing

“How to Go Beyond all limits on LinkedIn.” She definitely understands the inner workings of LinkedIn! Laura Evans presented “Leading with Trust,” and to complete the sessions was Ebony Travis Tichenor speaking on “Sky’s the Limit: Unleashing Confidence to Surpass Boundaries.”

My first session was with Ebony Travis Tichenor and her topic was “Sky’s the Limit: Unleashing Confidence to Surpass Boundaries.”

S he had a very energized group! There were lots of discussions and sharing of stories that were very personal of nature. By building an unshakable confidence and believing in yourself, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to completing! Owning your identity and taking care of yourself during your journey as you make your path is something that still resonates with me.

For my second session, I attended Laura Evans “Leading with Trust” as I was intrigued by Laura’s background in behavioral health. It was interesting to hear about her passion helping others, specifically supporting women to gain the confidence to grow on their own. So many women have self-doubt and don’t take the chance when it is presented to them. Understanding how to overcome this fear and push forward comes from within—once you have this power, nobody can take it from you.

After a networking break and lunch, Krista Medlock wrapped up the event with her

Keynote Address focusing on “Success Against All Odds.” With her background in brand development, her personal mantra is “I t’s kind of fun to do the impossible,” which is something all of us women can relate to! She shared her daily “grit” check – nothing is impossible. The remark “Lift as you climb” struck a chord with me because, as I continue to work in the corporate world, I strive to assist other women. It is critical to your success to have a champion or advocate for yourself with whom you can share your deepest thoughts and receive candid feedback. Expanding upon this message and vision can take you to the place of your passion.

The day concluded with the WHEN Committee providing door prizes and closing comments thanking the event sponsors, TWU, volunteers, and everyone in attendance. 

FORT WORTH BOTANIC GARDEN

MARCH 25-28, 2024

ACHENTX GOES TO CONGRESS

By Kean Villarta

The 2024 ACHE Congress on Healthcare Leadership took place in Chicago on March 25-28, 2024. With over 5,000 attendees and 150+ education and networking sessions, this year’s theme was “Big Ideas, Make No Small Plans.” Our ACHE of North Texas chapter was well-represented with members speaking at sessions, attending networking events, and being recognized at the Convocation Ceremony for attaining their Fellow status.

The 2025 Congress will take place on March 24-27, for the first-time ever, moving from Chicago to Houston, Texas.  Be sure to mark your calendars now, as this year’s Congress sold out.  We’re hearing a lot of Texas members plan to attend next year, so you will want to be amongst the first to register to make sure you get a ticket.  Be on the lookout for the email from ACHE national later in the year for when registration is open.

A special thanks to Pinnacle Healthcare Consulting for hosting the Texas Cocktails at Congress Reception. 

MAPLE BRANCH BREWERY

APRIL 16, 2024

PHYSICIAN OPPORTUNITIES IN HEALTHCARE LEADERSHIP

By Bert Witherspoon

The event was hosted by the University of Texas at Dallas Center for Healthcare Leadership and Management. Don Taylor, MHA, Colonel (retired), USAF, and Executive Director of the Alliance for Physician Leadership, opened with remarks emphasizing the event’s goal of creating a platform for physician leaders to engage with CEOs and discuss their challenges.

Ajith Pai, PharmD, FACHE, President of Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest Fort Worth, introduced ACHE and its local North Texas Chapter. He highlighted the significant presence of UTD alumni within the chapter and stressed the career advancement opportunities for physician leaders to influence decisions from a clinical perspective.

Dr. Noreen Butte, Pediatrician and CMO at MedExpanse, representing the Physician Advisory Committee, welcomed attendees and underscored the committee’s mission to enhance healthcare through physician leadership.

The event featured an impressive buffet provided by UTD , including hand-rolled meatballs, grilled chicken and vegetable skewers, seafood-stuffed mushrooms, a charcuterie board, dips, spring rolls, desserts, and a variety of beverages.

Don Taylor provided an overview of the Healthcare Leadership and Management program at UTD, detailing the program’s origins,

its purpose in developing physician leaders, and its national ranking. He then presented a video about the school.

The panelists Mark Kruzel, MD, MBA, Associate Medical Director in Oncology at Quest Advanced Diagnostics; John Marcucci, MD, Regional Chief Medical Officer at Baylor Scott & White DFW – East Region; and Mark S. Schnitzer, MD, FACHE, Surgeon, Educator, Physician Advisor, Medical Director, and Consultant, shared their experiences. Dr. Schnitzer expressed pride in his FACHE credentials.

Ajith Pai asked Dr. Butte about leadership opportunities for physicians. Dr. Butte explained that the Physician Advisory Committee is exploring certificates, degrees, teaching, mentoring, and other leadership roles for physicians, highlighting their partnership with UTD.

Before opening the floor for audience questions, when asked how physicians can be recognized as leaders, Dr. Kruzel emphasized the importance of strategic vision and presence, quoting Zig Ziglar: “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”

@patient-physician-network

@PPNHCo

APRIL 24, 2024 - AFTER HOURS NETWORKING

RANGERS V MARINERS

SECOND QUARTER EDUCATION EVENT

By Bert Witherspoon

Panel 1: Sustainable Strategies to Support Well-being for Healthcare Professionals

Moderator

Dawn Zell Wright, JD, MBA, SPHR, FACHE; System VP for HR Operations; CHRISTUS Health

Panelists

Lara Burnside; Partner, Chief Experience Officer, Executive Coach; CSE Leadership LLC

Kim Cummings; SVP Human Resources, Employee Experience; Children’s Health

Brett Stanley; Director of Wellness; Methodist Health System

Panel 2: Financial Sustainability of Healthcare Organizations: A Plan of Action

Moderator

Steven Edgar, FACHE, PT; Chief Executive Officer; Medical City Denton

Panelists

Bob Karl; Chief Financial Officer; CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic

Dawn Coates; Regional Vice President, AGS

Jamie Hill-Watters; Chief Revenue Officer; Alpha II

This event featured two thoughtful panel discussions. he first focused on sustainable strategies to support well-being, beginning by clarifying the difference between resilience and well-being (you need well-being to be resilient). The group did a round of box breathing to help with presence in the moment, as well as an exercise to think about their current state and ideal state of well-being.

Sustainable Strategies to Support Well-being Panel

What do you believe is leadership’s role in well-being? What initiatives are provided by your organization?

Leadership responsibility is big – leaders must lead the pack and empower people to create a sense of belonging and community, and h elp connect back to their “Why” and sense of purpose. A recent study revealed that 78% of physicians and advanced practice practitioners said they would not become a provider.

Leaders must also model good self-care behaviors. Some ways that organizations support well-being include:

Care for the Caregiver team – Employee Assistance Program director, Chaplain, Behavioral Health director, clinician.

MHS Cares – this team helps with response to critical incidents.

Mental health first aid training – how to talk to someone, recognize symptoms and connect to resources. Team of ambassadors. Free access to

HeadSpace meditation app. CHRISTUS offers the Calm app.

How do you drive employee engagement?

A happy employee is not necessarily an engaged employee. There’s a strong correlation between health, mental health and engagement. Face-to-face time is important (i.e., Methodist’s “tea time” – a cart with snacks, stopping to talk with employees, offer resources; pocket positivity cards – affirmation + QR code to resources). Simplicity is important – quick moments. It’s about progress – not perfection. Employees want recognition every seven days. Productivity increases when employees are thanked specifically for what they’re doing. Leaders need to be mindful and visible. People want to be seen and heard – make them feel like they matter. Trust your people.

How have you as a leader balanced work-life better?

How can we support this and grow a workforce? This is about awareness and getting rid of things that are not yours to do (especially challenging for empaths). Use techniques to help you refill your energy. Make time for vacation – true time off. Build your team so there’s depth on your bench. At the beginning of the year – plan time off – block it. Must role model this. Walking meetings are effective, too.

Quick tips to build well-being?

Box breathing. Find my feet – focus on feet –how they feel. Put specific parameters on a goal – i.e., walk 2X/week. Be the leader that they need. Make sure they know that they’re heard, understood and that they matter. Stretch often/open up your chest cavity. Gratitude. Three Good Things study – Duke University. For remote teams, use Zoom and chat, send handwritten thank you notes.

Financial Sustainability Panel

The discussion began talking about how slim margins are today and the ways we must all do more with less. One system’s move to a single electronic medical record helped. Workforce management is a challenge – can’t find enough qualified people to do the work. It’s important to look at how artificial intelligence (AI) can help and how to support rural hospitals that are struggling. Support partners that can help make a difference. Capacity management – discharge planning and length of stay . Utilization –working with surgeons to keep operating rooms s open in the afternoon and evening. Being part of a delivery system is an advantage – can flex staff from one location to another. Right thing to do for the patients and employees.

Security breach – Change Healthcare situation. CHRISTUS had recently switched. Cybersecurity insurance rates have doubled and tripled. Don’t have to use a single vendor. How do we mitigate the risk? Include insurance clause for situations like this (i.e., deadlines to submit claims to CMS). This can also help with affiliations – can help read images, etc. This helps with disaster recovery, too.

Collecting data – HMA revenue cycle key performance indicators /map keys (5 major groups). Change budgeting and forecasting from annual to quarterly; use predictive analytics. Must understand revenue cycle. Find and use best practices.

Value Based Care (VBC) –

Nutritionists, dietitians, smoking cessation, obesity, does their insurance cover the gym, etc. Will the patient participate? Look at the whole picture (i.e., transition coordinator). Align incentives with VBC – i.e., patient satisfaction, quality.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 50

Building the pipeline – Graduate medical education , residencies, nursing programs, etc.

What’s your Why?

Jamie – Inclusion and belonging – we need to look like the communities we serve; health equity panels, etc. Homelessness, addiction issues, etc. Service opportunities (vs happy hours); scholarship programs, mentoring. Intentional selection of board members; early careerist programs.

Bob – Exciting time in health care – lots of opportunities (AI – coding); collaboration –learn from different perspectives. Shift from the hospital to outside the walls. Lots to look forward to.

Dawn – Four to five 5 generations right now working in health care. How to manage appropriately. Be flexible and inclusive. Healthcare is a calling.

Robust Q&A sessions followed each panel. The evening closed with appreciation for the panelists. A contribution to ACHENTX Foundation was made in honor of all panelists and moderators. 

APRIL 30, 2024

BREAKFAST WITH THE PRESIDENT AND CEOROBERT WALKER, FACHE

By Bert Witherspoon

Sharing insight from more than 45 years at Scottish Rite for Children (SRC), President & CEO Robert Walker provided a meaningful overview of his career journey, the history of the hospital, it s growth, challenges and opportunities . He also recognized Steve Love, President and CEO, DFW Hospital Council, for his support and service to the healthcare community.

Walker earned his MHA from Trinity University and did his residency at Parkland, which was foundational to his career. He worked at Doctor’s Hospital in Garland for 3 years and then moved to SRC. He shared some of SRC’s rich history – built in 1922 during the polio epidemic. The Masons met with Dr. W.B. Carre ll (the first orthopedic surgeon in Dallas) to provide care to children with polio at no cost to their families. The current campus was built in 1978 and the Frisco Sports Medicine Complex was built in 2018.

“Culture is key,” Walker emphasized, and it is based on SRC’s core values: Child-focused, Accountability, Respect, Excellence, Research, Integrity, Transforming and Education. “This is how we make decisions – and fulfills our purpose, which is giving children back their childhood.” Each of the 1,200 staff members has a role in the patient and family experience.

and patient care – the six centers for excellence are Sports, Hand, Foot, Spine, Hip and Limb Lengthening. Fellows who have trained at Scottish Rite are practicing around the world (SRC has the largest pediatric fellowship in the country). They treat many complex conditions, including scoliosis, clubfoot, hand differences, hip disorders, sports injuries and fractures, along with related arthritic and neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia. Working with colleagues in Russia, SRC experts also developed the True Lok limb lengthening and preservation device.

“This place gave us hope.”

SRC’s areas of focus are teaching, research

The impact that SRC has on patients and families is compelling. Former patient Cody Dean attended and shared his story. At 5 years old, he told his parents he wanted to run. At SRC, Cody received prosthetic running blades, which enabled him to run and participate in sports. Now a young adult, Cory enters medical school this summer with the goal of becoming a pediatric anesthesiologist, practicing at SRC.

“That’s why you stay somewhere 45 years,” said Walker.

Organizational changes over the past 12 years rounded out the presentation – elements included the revenue cycle (SRC had not charged for services prior to 2012), Epic, building the Frisco campus, and a board restructure.

The program concluded with a short question and answer session.

How do you address the pace of change? Stay true to your personal philosophy and values. Change is how you educate people about the “why.” Things to consider today –what is the true impact of AI? Look back at the internet and the impact it has had on our lives.

What advice would you share with early careerists?

It’s an exciting time to be in health care – there are so many opportunities. Ask the questions – “How do we continue to increase access?”

“How do we manage costs?” The delivery model will look different. Be a part of the solution – think about creative ways to address opportunities. Look at the little things that can become big things. Think about the impact on a patient, patient family and/or the organization.

A donation to the ACHENTX Foundation was made in honor of Mr. Walker and the SRC team.



Lessons Learned

• Lead by example

• Treat others the way you’d like to be treated

• Don’t change who you are to fit in

• Surround yourself with an excellent team

• Focus on excellence

• Be physically and mentally fit

• Be able to adjust to change

• Put patients first

MENTORSHIP PROGRAM ORIENTATION

MEANINGFUL INNOVATION

MULTI-CHAPTER HEALTHCARE FORUM

OPENING KEYNOTE PRESENTATION

Code Blue - Recognizing & Responding to Medical Identify Theft

By Sarah Sentmore, MHA

Presenter

Kelle Slaughter; Senior Investigator; Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Southwest Region

Medical identity theft poses severe risks, including financial losses and potential denial of care, making it crucial to recognize its signs, like unexpected bills, contact from debt collectors, or denied care due to exhausted benefits. Kelle Slaughter emphasized this during her discussion, detailing causes, prevention strategies, and recovery methods for attendees.

Protecting health data requires awareness of potential breaches and safeguarding your medical information. Causes range from lost

wallets, stolen mail, data breaches, insecure Wi-Fi, or phishing schemes. In case of a data breach at your institution, swift action is necessary. Mobilize to understand the breach, act to preserve data, and remove compromised information. Victims should notify health plans, consider credit freezes, and report incidents to the FTC. Regularly reviewing credit reports is advised, with free weekly reports available from major credit bureaus.

The FTC emphasizes proactive reporting of identity theft incidents and provides free publications to aid in prevention and response. By following these recommendations, individuals can better safeguard their health data privacy and mitigate the risks associated with medical identity theft.

Resources from the FTC are available to individuals and organizations dealing with medical identity theft. Understanding the signs, causes, prevention tips, and recovery steps is essential for safeguarding against this pervasive threat to personal and financial well-being. 

Population Health ManagementAccess, Outcomes

and Financial Implications

By Sarah Sentmore, MHA

Moderator

Herron Mitchell, FACHE; Chief Operations Officer; Foremost Family Health Centers

Panelists

Stephanie Copeland, MD, MBA, CPHQ, FAAP, CPXP; Regional Medical Director for Quality and Risk Adjustment; OptumCare North/West Texas Region, WellMed/USMD; National Medical Director –Quality Performance Management/Optum Clinical performance

Brian D. Jones, MD, MBA, CPE, FAAFP; Chief Medical Officer, Methodist Patient Centered ACO; VP of Value Based Care, Methodist Health System

into operational workflows, aligned incentives, and innovative support models.

In recent years, the healthcare industry has increasingly focused on advancing value-based care to improve community health. Recognizing that addressing an individual’s health and wellbeing extends beyond clinic walls, providers are embracing new care models. However, understanding the financial implications is crucial for successful implementation.

Dr. Copeland and Dr. Jones delved into the benefits and challenges of shifting to value based care, highlighting the integration of numerous metrics and screenings into primary care, complicated by Electronic Medical Records workflows and staffing burn out. They emphasized the need for care models integrated

Effective population health management partnerships with payors, independent physician associations ), and community experts are essential, alongside a shift to value-based services and intentional team building. By reducing inappropriate spending and emphasizing preventative care, population health management can lower healthcare expenditures.

For better care coordination, some best practices include patient education at every visit, leveraging hospital portal access to manage transitions in and out of the hospital, and involving families in care decisions. Ultimately, aligning networks with the right incentives is pivotal for successful population health management and ensuring community well-being.

Navigating Supply Chain Challenges in the Current Healthcare Environment

By Sarah Sentmore, MHA

Moderator

Benson P. Chacko, FACHE; President; Methodist Southlake Medical Center

Panelists

John Kott, FACHE, CMRP; Cook Children’s Health Care System

Cheryl Petersen, MBA, BSN, RN, NE-BC; Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer; Cook Children’s Medical Center, Fort Worth & Prosper

Cassandra Self, MSHA, FACHE, CMM; Program Director of Clinical Supply Services;Texas Health Resources

In this breakout session, our panelists discussed the world of supply chain in hospitals and challenges especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. The panelists discussed what has improved since the onset of the pandemic, including transportation of supplies, the availability of raw materials, and lessons learned from the pandemic.

Supply chain departments are better prepared for unpredictability by having daily safety briefings, managing quantities of resources appropriately, and not relying on one supplier for critical supplies. Collaboration between departments (and hospitals) has increased and communication between clinical and nonclinical departments have also improved.

The use of predictive analytics have also benefited supply chain departments. Data is being used to identify trends, find alternate products, and rank vendors. As AI continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how it will be utilized by supply chain to improve practices.

Finally, the panel discussed the importance of greener practices without taking substantial financial hits. Many hospitals are paying closer attention to sustainability, waste, and sterile processing. They emphasized that most initiatives will save money in the long run for the hospitals and the industry as a whole. 

Bri nging bette r to the bedside.

Mihir Patel, MD Regional Chief Medical Officer

The Role of Data and Advanced Analytics in Transforming Healthcare

By Bert Witherspoon

Moderator

Nick Kagal, SpinSci Technologies

Panelists

Dr. Mehmet Ayvaci, University of Texas Dallas

Brian Kenjarski, Methodist Health System

Nitin Kunte, NTT

The focus of this panel was how data and advanced analytics are revolutionizing healthcare delivery and operations.

The session began with light-hearted introductions, where each panelist shared a

fun fact about themselves, setting a relaxed and approachable tone. Nick Kagal humorously noted the challenge of holding the post-lunch panel, making the topic of AI engaging despite the timing.

The discussion kicked off with a fundamental question: “Who owns data analytics in healthcare organizations?” The panelists emphasized that data ownership is subjective and context-dependent. For instance, Dr. Kenjarski highlighted the transformation he’s witnessed as clinicians increasingly engage with and critique data. He argued for empowering those who use the data, such as nurses and doctors, rather than restricting data access to IT departments or administrative personnel.

The panelists agreed that healthcare lags behind other industries in data utilization due to its complex, highly regulated nature. Nitin Kunte pointed out that while healthcare can learn from other sectors, the unique challenges and regulations in healthcare require tailored solutions. He stressed the importance of software interoperability to facilitate seamless data sharing across different systems.

A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the application and limitations of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare. Dr. Ayvaci discussed AI’s potential to enhance efficiency through biometric data and image analysis, such as its current use in physical therapy for capturing patient movements. However, concerns about AI “hallucinations” (producing incorrect outputs) and bias were highlighted. Kunte noted that while currentgeneration physicians might be hesitant to rely on AI due to legal concerns, future generations, MULTI-CHAPTER

more accustomed to these technologies, are likely to adopt them more readily.

The panel also explored the impact of AI on workflow, emphasizing its role in automating lower-level tasks and augmenting decisionmaking processes. There was a consensus on the need for comprehensive education in data literacy for all healthcare leaders to foster a culture that embraces new technologies.

Addressing disparities in healthcare data, the panelists advised starting with the problem rather than the data. This approach ensures that efforts are focused on solving meaningful issues rather than getting lost in data sorting, thereby avoiding Data Analysis-Paralysis.

Looking ahead, the panelists envisioned a future where data analytics enable personalized care tailored to an individual’s genetics, diet, and exercise regimen. This personalized approach promises significant improvements in patient health outcomes.

Overall, the event underscored the transformative potential of data and advanced analytics in healthcare, while also acknowledging the challenges and complexities that come with it. The insightful discussions provided attendees with a deeper understanding of how to harness data for improved healthcare delivery. 

Inclusive Leadership in Healthcare

By Kean Villarta, MHSA

Moderator

Michael Belkin, FACHE; Senior Vice President; Curative Clinical Search

Panelists

Danielle Jenkins; CEO and Founder; NursingInstyle Consulting, PLLC

Nadine Nadal-Monforte, MPH, CPH; Director of Community Health Development; CHRISTUS Health

Ajith Pai, PharmD, FACHE; President; Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest Fort Worth

leadership discussions. Leaders must be held accountable for creating these initiatives.

Inclusive leadership remains an important goal for many hospitals. This breakout session discussed the current status of diversity, equity, and inclusion, where we fall short, and how we can meet those goals.

Initiatives such as diversifying leadership, creating safe and inclusive spaces, working with women and minority-owned businesses, and using Social Determinants of Health with patients prove how the industry has advanced in this space. However, there is still more progress to make as there are still healthcare disparities that exist in the region and the state.

Creating objectives and metrics, as well as working with Human Resources to attract diverse talent, will drive inclusive leadership. We should also continue to educate physicians and clinical professionals and include them in

Finally, leaders should monitor progress by evaluating their organizations’ performance in the established objectives, comparing themselves to other organizations in the community, and assessing if leadership reflects the diversity of their staff and community.

Behavioral Healthcare Approaches to Increase Value for the Organization and Meet Community Needs

By Amanda Brummitt, FACHE

Moderator

Walter Taylor, PhD, FACHE of North Texas Behavioral Health Authority

Panelists

Teneisha Kennard of JPS Health Network, Sejal Mehta, MD, MBA of Psychiatric Medical Associates

Matt Roberts of North Texas Behavioral Health Authority

They explored various aspects, including stigmas, isolation, access, resource allocation, telehealth, managing limited inpatient resources, reduced reimbursements with increasing expenses, and caring for the caregivers.

The discussion emphasized the significance of screening and resources at the primary care level, along with appropriate followup, addressing co-morbidities, and treating substance misuse. They highlighted the importance of integrating therapy with medications to enable patients to potentially discontinue medication usage.

Additionally, promising treatments such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and psychedelics were covered, with Dr. Mehta locally leading research on psilocybin and other psychedelics.

The necessity of care management alongside these treatment modalities was underscored. Addressing basic needs like electricity and

food was emphasized as crucial for an effective treatment response.

In short, collaborative efforts and innovative strategies are crucial for enhancing behavioral healthcare accessibility and effectiveness. 

MULTI-CHAPTER HEALTHCARE FORUM

Managing for Morale - Effective Management Techniques to Retain Your Staff

By Sarah Sentmore, MHA

Moderator

Pamela Stoyanoff, MBA, CPA, FACHE; President & Chief Operating Officer; Methodist Health System

Panelists

Kristen Dunlap; Corporate Human Resources Director; Methodist Health System

Kevin Johnson; Founder; Express Pros Training; Ed Marx; Author, “Voices of Innovation” & “Healthcare Digital Transformation;” Podcaster, “DGTL Voices;” Blogger, “CEO Unplugged”

When morale is low, and burnout is high, effective leadership becomes paramount. The panelists kicked off a discussion on addressing workforce challenges particularly with a multigenerational workforce. They emphasized the need for flexibility and creativity in enhancing the workplace environment, whether remote or in-person.

Managing today’s diverse workforce requires a personalized approach. Understanding individual work preferences, generational differences, and having effective communication are essential. Additionally, building personal connections, fostering development, and building relationships are vital for employees to feel a sense of belonging and engagement.

Retention strategies play a pivotal role in maintaining workplace morale. Suggestions from the panelists include offering meaningful work, recognizing achievements, involving staff in decision-making, and transparent leadership. With multiple generations in the workforce today, personalized development plans, the ability to coach, and having relationship skills are crucial to employee engagement.

Ultimately, aligning leadership practices with staff needs and aspirations is key to managing morale effectively and ensuring a positive work environment conducive to growth and success.

At Texas Health, we will be there for you and your loved ones. With an experienced staff and technologically advanced care, our dedication is to your health. Whether you need 24-hour emergency care or wellness services, we’re equipped to handle your health care needs.

& Vascular Neurosciences ■ Orthopedics ■ Weight Loss Surgery Women & Infants ■ Wound Care

Vituity is different.

In today’s healthcare environment, different is good. We are a 100% physician-owned partnership, and we’ve been that way since day one.

Ownership creates stability.

Stability creates engaged physicians.

Engaged physicians make better decisions.

Explore the difference at vituity.com/healthcare-services

MULTI-CHAPTER

Care for the Uninsured and Underinsured

By Bert Witherspoon

Moderator

Dr. Richard G. Greenhill, Program Director of the Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management Program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Panelists

Michael Malaise, Senior Vice President of Communications & External Relations at Parkland Health

Teneisha Kennard, Executive Director of Behavioral Health – Ambulatory Services at JPS Health Network

Joel Hunt from Acclaim Multispecialty Group

ignore their needs without impacting overall public health. He emphasized the necessity of using technology to identify gaps in care and highlighted the importance of establishing trust within these communities to effectively address healthcare equity issues.

The session underscored the critical importance of addressing the needs of uninsured and underinsured patients, emphasizing that this issue affects the entire healthcare system. Michael Malaise highlighted the financial burden on the healthcare system, explaining that everyone ultimately pays for the care of the uninsured or underinsured, whether through higher service costs or increased taxes. He noted that investing in preventative and early care for these populations can save significant costs downstream, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, where many individuals needed care they could not afford.

Dr. Greenhill stressed that uninsured and underinsured patients span the entire health spectrum, making it impossible to isolate or

Joel Hunt added that addressing the needs of the uninsured and underinsured is fundamentally about doing the right thing for human beings. He pointed out that healthcare administrators must commit to prioritizing these issues within their strategic planning. Michael Malaise supported this by sharing that some organizations have adopted mantras of community commitment, such as hiring 30% of their staff from local neighborhoods, to build trust and ensure community representation in healthcare decision-making.

Teneisha Kennard emphasized that addressing healthcare inequities is not a quick fix but a long-term, systemic effort requiring substantial commitment from senior leadership. Small

changes, she noted, can have significant generational impacts, both positive and negative. She stressed the importance of having community members actively involved in managing and implementing healthcare initiatives, which she described as community organization at its best.

The panel also discussed the evolving culture of healthcare, noting a shift from providers being the sole experts to becoming partners in care with well-informed patients. This change fosters a collaborative environment where patients bring their research and treatment plans to discussions, seeking confirmation or adjustment from their healthcare providers.

Key takeaways from the session included the importance of partnerships, collaboration, and actionable items in addressing the needs of the uninsured and underinsured. The panelists advocated for validation and support from other healthcare systems and government entities, emphasizing the critical role county health systems play in supporting community health.

In summary, the panelists highlighted the multifaceted challenges and necessary strategies for improving care for the uninsured and underinsured. They called for a commitment to equity, community involvement, and systemic change to create a more inclusive and effective healthcare system. 

MULTI-CHAPTER HEALTHCARE

Quality Management Systems: Ensuring High Quality Care

By Amanda Brummitt, FACHE

Moderator

Denise Elliott, FACHE, CLSSMBB, Quality Management Officer of VA Heart of Texas Healthcare Network

Panelists

Mark Schnitzer, MD, FACHE, CEC, Strategic Planning Advisor at InnovationMed Institute,

Shernette Kydd, PE, PhD, MBA, CLSSMBB, CPHQ, Assistant Vice President of System Effectiveness at Cook Children’s Healthcare System

Dr. Kydd emphasized the importance of identifying early adopters and individuals driven by curiosity and passion for embracing performance improvement principles.

The session emphasized the necessity of establishing clear goals and measures rooted in robust analytics. Central to this is understanding the current situation and charting a path toward where one needs to be.

“In an integrated quality system,” Dr. Mark Schnitzer noted, “tracking must align closely with the organization’s mission and vision, showcasing the proximity to fulfilling these guiding principles. This will transcend leadership changes.”

The process of setting goals and metrics typically initiates in the executive suite but is crucially realized by frontline employees. Dr. Shernette Kydd stressed, “There’s a tendency to fall short when different phases of the organization are at varying levels of maturity in their strategic processes.”

“Empower them with knowledge and tools,” she suggested. “Commence with small-scale initiatives and foster advocacy among team members.”

Moreover, the panel highlighted the significance of documenting lessons learned to facilitate knowledge sharing across the organization. Dr. Kydd urged, “By documenting our challenges and triumphs, we equip other departments with invaluable wisdom for overcoming similar hurdles.”

In essence, the panel underscored that achieving high-quality care necessitates a systematic approach grounded in clear objectives, alignment with organizational values, and a culture of continuous improvement. Through collaborative efforts and a commitment to shared learning, healthcare systems can navigate challenges and realize their full potential in delivering exceptional patient outcomes.

Integrating the Principles of Patient-Centered Care

By Sarah Sentmore, MHA

Moderator

Brett Lee, FACHE; President; Texas Health Frisco Hospital

Panelists

Mass Cham, FACHE; Director of Lab & Pathology Operations, Methodist Mansfield Medical Center;

Sophia McRae, CPXP; Vice President ofStandardization, Innovation & Experience; Compass One Healthcare

Stephanie Wells; Director of Patient Experience; Methodist Health System

The foundation of patient-centered care is the incorporation of patients into their care. The panelists offered their professional insights on best practices from their hospitals and other industries. While hospitals have various quality metrics, patient centered care involves measuring quality through the patient’s perspective, emphasizing trust and understanding. Examples from the panelists included wayfinding tools for patients to navigate the hospital, providing warm handoffs, or ensuring patients feel seen and heard. Patient-centered care prioritizes compassionate staff and effective communication, aiming for positive patient experiences.

The panelists provided strategies for incorporating patient-centered care. These strategies involve setting behavior standards, adjusting communication channels to suit patient preferences, and utilizing digital advancements. Essential for ongoing

improvement are actions like collecting patient feedback, engaging interdisciplinary teams, consulting subject matter experts, and gaining support from executive leaders. Transparency in utilizing feedback fosters collaboration between patients and providers, ultimately enhancing overall care delivery and patient satisfaction.

The insights shared by the panelists underscore the significance of patient-centered care in improving the patient experience. By incorporating patient perspectives, prioritizing compassionate staff, and embracing continuous improvement strategies, hospitals can foster a culture of empathy and collaboration that ultimately leads to enhanced care delivery and patient satisfaction.

MULTI-CHAPTER

The Value of Developing and Implementing Alternative Care Models

By Amanda Brummitt, FACHE

Moderator

John Carter, MS, MBA, FACHE of Pinnacle Healthcare Consulting

Panelists

Day-Vene Gilliam, FACHE of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

Belinda Tommey, BSN of Dallas Nephrology Associates

“These innovative models prioritize value and overall care enhancement over traditional feefor-service approaches,” stated Carter.

Gilliam emphasized the ownership of funds by employers and members, stressing the imperative to deliver tangible value. Highlighting the significance of addressing patients holistically and tackling barriers to compliance, she underscored the central role of primary care providers as care quarterbacks. “Providing them with tools and data for informed referrals is crucial for successful execution of value-based care, with a simultaneous focus on eliminating healthcare inefficiencies,” Gilliam added.

Tommey echoed the sentiment of embracing value-based care models, stating a preference for active participation rather than being passive recipients. “Understanding the economic dynamics of these models and effectively communicating trade offs within the internal team are essential elements,” Tommey shared.

Emphasizing the importance of chronic care management to prevent hospitalizations, she advocated for continuous patient engagement beyond office visits.

In short, the panel encouraged attendees to embrace alternative care models for enhanced outcomes and sustainable improvements. 

CLOSING KEYNOTE Health and Human Services

By Sarah Sentmore, MHA

Presenter

Jason Meadows; Special Agent in Charge, Dallas Region; HHS/Office of Inspector.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) plays a crucial role within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), focusing on protecting federal funds from fraud, waste, and abuse. Its primary emphasis lies on Medicare and Medicaid programs, which constitute significant portions of DHHS resources.

During his presentation, Jason Meadows provided insights into the wide-ranging investigations conducted by the OIG, covering criminal, civil, and administrative domains, aimed at addressing fraud and misconduct across DHHS programs and beneficiaries. Healthcare fraud, particularly concerning areas

such as kickbacks, durable medical equipment, hospice, opioids, home health, telemedicine, genetic testing, patient abuse/neglect, behavioral health and COVID-related fraud, remains a key focus.

The impact of the OIG’s efforts is substantial, with over $3 billion returned to DHHS and the National Health Service in fiscal year 2023 alone, including $148 million from the Dallas region. Through its dedication and strategic approach, the OIG continues to fulfill its mission of safeguarding federal funds and upholding the integrity of DHHS programs, ensuring accountability and trust in the healthcare sector.

AFTER HOURS NETWORKING RECEPTION AT THE MULTI-CHAPTER HEALTHCARE FORUM

By Bert Witherspoon

If you missed the Multi-Chapter Education Forum at Texas Health Harris Fort Worth in May, hopefully, you had the chance to attend the After-Hours Networking Reception at Texas Health Clearfork. If neither event made it onto your calendar, you truly missed a remarkable educational experience coupled with an impressive social gathering and a sensational culinary display.

Following the panel discussions at the Education Forum, attendees traveled a short four miles to Texas Health Clearfork for an extraordinary reception. Hosted by Aramark and their healthcare nutrition partners and staff, the event featured a buffet spread worthy of heads of state.

Attendees enjoyed beverages and networked with peers from the three chapters present before indulging in an incredible array of food. The tables were laden with charcuterie boards, turkey pesto finger sandwiches, salmon and couscous salad, Chicken Piccata, Chicken Tinga Tacos, BBQ Pork Tacos, Chicken Curry Katsu Bowls, as well as a variety of pies, parfaits, crumbles, and cookies. The culinary offerings showcased the exceptional capabilities of Aramark in partnership with Texas Health Clearfork’s commitment to quality.

Texas Health Clearfork is a gem within the Texas Health network. As part of Texas Health Harris Fort Worth Southwest, Clearfork’s website boasts, “Texas Health Hospital Clearfork is a PREMIER DESTINATION FOR JOINT CARE® facility. We focus on providing an

enhanced experience for you while we care for your joints. The latest in advanced technology, individualized care plans, and our joint care coordinator serve as important resources for every step of your joint care journey. We’re committed to rapid recovery with hospital stays as short as 24-36 hours and therapists to help you return to a healthy and active lifestyle.”

Leah Boom, Manager of Support Services at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest Fort Worth & Texas Health Hospital Clearfork, expressed pride in their outstanding facility and exceptional team. “Patients routinely say that they feel like they’re in a hotel, not a hospital, and with our Aramark partners, we’re able to provide food that matches that feeling,” she said. The event exemplified this high standard, offering an experience that mirrored the opulence and care patients receive at Clearfork.

Adding to the evening’s enjoyment was a performance by ACHENTX’s very own Nick Kagal, FACHE, FHIMSS, and his band, Sonic Dissonance. Nick, who plays guitar and bass in the local cover band, entertained guests as they dined on the amazing spread and engaged in inspirational conversations.

The After-Hours Networking Reception at Texas Health Clearfork was not just a testament to the collaborative spirit of the North Texas healthcare community but also a showcase of excellence in healthcare hospitality. It underscored the importance of networking and shared experiences in advancing healthcare

leadership and innovation. The event provided a platform for meaningful dialogue and the exchange of ideas, all while enjoying worldclass food and entertainment.

In summary, the reception was a fitting conclusion to a day filled with insightful discussions and learning. It highlighted the dedication of Texas Health Clearfork to not only patient care but also community engagement and professional development. For those who attended, it was an evening to remember; for those who missed it, it was an opportunity lost.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Many other ACHENTX Events are in the works. Please monitor achentx.org/events or the weekly announcements for more details to be announced soon.

Date Event

Thursday, July 18, 2024

Friday, July 19, 2024

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Better Together: Navigating Healthcare Together

After Hours Networking Event: Texas Rangers v Baltimore Orioles

Breakfast with the President - Juan Fresquez, Jr.

"Q3 Virtual Interactive Education Event Panel 1: Navigating Key Legislative Issues Facing Healthcare Leaders Panel 2: Ethical Challenges in Healthcare Leadership"

Tuesday, October 08, 2024

July 8-19, 2024

The State of ACHE

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Course

NEW ACHENTX MEMBERS

FEBRUARY

Amnah Andrabi

Kashif Aslam

Salina Bein

Tamala Bell

Paul Broker

Janea Brunson

Matthew R. Bryant, MBA

Robin Carter

Quanesheya V. Chapman

C A Cintron, MD, MBA, FASA

Daylen Dameron

Sean T. Dardeau, FACHE

Reshmitha Dega

Annette Duncan

Brittany Elko, MHA

Michael L. Evans, PhD, LFACHE

Kelly Faulkner, MS

Leslie A. Fields

Mathew G. Garcia

Barton Gill, MHA

Dalton Gill

Trissi S. Gray, EdD, MBA

Jonathan Groves

Kristen Guerra, MHA

Sydney Haley

Nicole L. Harris, BS, MHA

Brian Hutchinson

James M. Hutchinson, II

vilat keomoungkhoun

Tabitha Lee

Matthew Lin

Celeste Mancinas, MHA

Talia Mathew

Chrystina S. McHugh, EMBA

Shealee M. Mitchell

Peyton Montgomery

Mohamad Asaad Nasri, MD, MPH

Brandon T. Nicotri

Vinee Patel

Christopher Quiros

Maggie Reyes

Shay Robinson, BS, MHA

Olivia Rodriguez

Nikarlo Rogers

Krista Schnitker

Jonathan R. Shane

George Solomon

Tawanna StLewis

Angel R. Thampy, BSN

Cori Weaver

Joshua D. Wohlers, MHA

MARCH

Kelly Barker

Rachael M. Bennett

Rachel N. Brock

Collin A. Buford

Kyle Callahan, MBA, MS, PA-C

Jen Davis

Karen H. Dowling, FACHE

Laura Hall

Narmin Hemani

Tomas G. Hernandez

Da Nine L. Hester-Harris, DNP

Chidinma B. Iwunze

Ashlee Jacob

Valencia A. Jefferson

Oluwatoyosi Kaffi

Segun V. Kamiyole

Thanushen Kanapathipillai

Michelle Kevin-Aligah

Lemapu Lemanua

Angela K. Linder

Steffi C. Mary, MBBS, MHA

Stela McCleskey

Jerald Moser, MD

Tamar Odle

Yetunde A. Ogunleye

Kathleen O’Neill

DeMarcus Owens

Rachan Rao

Sindhu Ravula

Elizabeth C. Reed

Col Nancy L. Salmans, FACHE

Julie Sexton

Jay Smith

Urmi P. Subramanian, PT

Maricela Trujillo Spinelli

Seckin Ulualp, MD, MBA

APRIL

Adewale Adebayo, MD, MBA, MPH, FACHE

Tolunimi O. Adedeji, MD, MBA

Kyle Affoon

Nana S. Akom

Susanne M. Albert

Mohammad P. Aslam

Kenneth Benson, III

Jessica Berry, PA-C

Marisela R. Camarena

Tyler C. Davie

Naga Sankar S. Devineni, MD, MHA

Amber N. Duncan

Dennise Erwin, MBA

Brianna Garza

Philip J. Hamilton

Miricle Hawkins

Sufia S. Husain, DNP, MSN, RN

Lauren Jones, MD

Natalie A. Jones

Laura Lacross

Amy LittleSun, MBA

Amy Lyons, MBA

Biju L. Manthuruthil

Edward Pacheco

Sandra R. Parry

Noe Perales

Linley Pierce

Craig A. Rigby, BS

Tamika K. Robinson, BDS, MHA

Robert S. Smith, DHSc

Edward D. Tcheng

Vaishali Vaishali

Rene Valdez

Tiffany Young

MAY

Mariam Abeje

Samah Ahmad

Rafia Aziz

Beatriz Ann L. Betito, MHA

SGM William Butler

Daniel De La Torre

Franklin A. Fru

Samuel Gray

Erin N. Griffin, MHA

Praveen Reddy Guntaka

Manish Gupta

Jordan L. Haygood, JD

John Hines

Kathleen Jones

Gina T. LaMantia, FACHE

Catherine A. Landrum

Jerome Lisk, MD

Ryan Madhiri

Robert Metzger

Eric Metzler, OTR/L

Moosa Mohammed

Natasha Norman

Toby Oleru

Hiba Ramm, MBA, BA

Ashley Ray

John M. Sautter, Jr.

Linda Sparkman

Sharrlondrea Thompson

Taylor A. Wallace

NEW ACHENTX FELLOWS

FEBRUARY

John P. Carter, MBA, MS, FACHE

Sondra L. Davis, PharmD, FACHE

Jared H. Lange, FACHE

Steven Schaefer, FACHE

APRIL

Shonna Bracco, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE

Patrick J. LaFontaine, RN, FACHE

Justin Peter, FACHE

RECERTIFIED FELLOWS

FEBRUARY

Brook S. DesRivieres, PharmD, MS, FACHE

Cassandra L. Self, FACHE

Susan Steed, LFACHE

Mary R. Wylie, DHA, FACHE

MARCH

Susan L. Baldwin, LFACHE

Gregory L. Haralson, FACHE

APRIL

Angela R. Ward, FACHE(R)

MAY

Stanley Davis, FACHE

Cody C. Hunter, FACHE

Matthew R. Malinak, FACHE

Robert E. Smith, FACHE

WE APPRECIATE THE SUPPORT OF OUR ACHENTX PLATINUM SPONSORS

WE APPRECIATE THE SUPPORT OF OUR ACHENTX GOLD SPONSORS