Medicine runs in my family. I’m proud to be a third-generation physician, currently leading healthcare transformation at Kaiser Permanente Colorado and committed to using my combination of business skills and clinical expertise to drive positive, sustainable changes that benefit patients and healthcare providers.
As I began medical school and gained an appreciation for the work my grandfather and uncles had put in to achieve their profession, I hit a bump in the road. I required four surgeries during my first year of medical school that challenged me in a way I had not experienced in my privileged upbringing. I leaned on the strength of my family to notonly ensure I completed medical school on time, but also to turn a difficult scenario into something that could impact others. Once I recovered and completed my first year, I felt a need for belonging and purpose that I was not feeling from the “book years” of
medical school. This longing combined with my love for music led to the establishment of Rock for Riley, a medical student-led philanthropy benefitting Riley Hospital for Children. My leadership journey had begun. Eighteen years later, Rock for Riley is going strong, reignited by a new crop of student volunteers every year, and has raised more than $800,000 to date.
As I continued my medical education and returned to Louisville for family holidays, I noticed the conversations with my family often revolved around the business of healthcare as much as the care they were providing. When Indiana University School of Medicine began to offer a combined MD/MBA program, I discussed this with both generations of physician role models in my family. Their immediate reply was clear: we desperately need physician leaders who understand both the clinical care and business side of health care. I signed up and completed my dual degree program prior to starting my residency training which has proven to be critical in the continuation of my leadership journey. I have the ability to speak and translate both languages which has been key to my success within Kaiser Permanente. Simply put, The Kelley School of Business has made me the physician leader I am today.
Currently I am the Chief Acceleration Officer of the Colorado Permanente Medical Group, co-leading a major change program for Kaiser Permanente Colorado. Through smart strategies, rigorous program execution, and clear communication, we’ve been able to exceed every goal for financial savings while increasing service levels and maintaining patient satisfaction.
Previously, concurrent with my role as a Clinical Anesthesiologist, I took on a variety of business challenges across the state and region. What I learned: People are eager to get on board once they grasp the vision, see the path to the future, and understand the specific changes they need to make.