Why were you interested in pursuing healthcare recruiting as a career?
Prior to joining Morgan, I always worked in large insurance companies with a focus on employee benefits. We provided a wide range of Life, Health and Disability products and services, with the lion’s share of our premium being Health Insurance. Morgan Consulting Resources had reached out to me a number of times regarding positions, so when I was thinking about making a change, I called. Over several months we talked about a number of possibilities, and then Paula Morgan said to me, 'Well this is kind of a wild idea, but what would you think about coming to work with us?' I had always been interested in working in a smaller firm and was curious about what went on, in other areas of healthcare that we only touched on the insurance side of healthcare. And so, the idea of working across a broad sector of healthcare was appealing to me.
What are your primary areas of responsibility?
My titles are Principal/SVP Business Development. My role and what I enjoy is talking with healthcare leaders, learning about what they do and what opportunities and challenges they are facing, and then building a relationship with them / partnering with them to find the best leadership talent that will help make their organizations be successful. As a partner in our firm, I also play a supporting role on our leadership team.
How has the healthcare landscape changed from the start of your career to today?
It has changed in so many ways -- and in other ways, not so much. There have been ongoing growth and advancements in technology, AI, education/degrees available, and laws. We have many forms of specialization, with so many niches when it comes to job expertise -- from clinicians to administrative/business roles that support the healthcare sector. There have been amazing changes that have cured people or provided a good quality of life through new treatments and medications. We talk more openly about illnesses such as cancer and behavioral health than we have in years past. Our ability to utilize data to improve many aspects of care has been a game changer. However, we still have found no cure for the common cold or some other benign but often still costly health concerns...and a sizable percentage of the population need to get care for such illnesses/conditions.
What do you feel is different about you in particular within your role that helps you guide your clients to success?
I worked in different leadership roles before joining MCR almost 17 years ago and that industry leadership experience has served me well. I think that often helps me understand current leaders’ positions on many opportunities and challenges they must deal with in their roles. I am a constant student of the many changes going on in healthcare every day, and I love that this allows me to share some of what I’ve learned with others. Having said that, honestly, I don’t think there is anything that is all that unique about what I do as compared to others who are dedicated to a service-focused business. I have always had a consultative approach with a goal of helping, mentoring, or being there to support a client, friend or a volunteer opportunity. I want to be there to assist when possible whether acting as a sounding board, bringing another perspective, or finding ways to engage a new client.
Why should healthcare organizations choose MCR to help fill their critical hiring gaps?
We have a lot of longevity on our team...what you see is what you get, we have no junior people behind the scenes doing the 'heavy lifting.' The team you get is doing all of the research, interviewing, writing, and presenting to our clients. We are a hardworking bunch; our team has a lot of tenacity, and we are fast workers. We track many stats such as how long it takes us to present qualified candidates, our average time to fill a position, etc. We continually look at what we can do to delight our clients -- and we also have high regard for our candidates, as without them, what would we be? We need to partner with both parties on the client side and the candidate side. Lastly, we are in communication with our clients frequently. We are in touch at least every week on what we have been doing on their search and our clients appreciate these updates.
What are your hopes for the healthcare industry in the future?
Regardless of any healthcare problems one may have, my hope is that our healthcare research and systems can continue to improve by continuing to give people a good quality of life as long as possible. At the same , need to make sure that those providing care for others feel cared for, too.
What’s something interesting about you that client may be surprised to learn?
I grew up on a farm way out on the prairie and I was a real tomboy. I have three wonderful sisters, but no brothers -- so I operated a lot of large farm equipment. It was an amazing way to grow up! 😊
