Our WHCM Summer event is being held on Monday, June 24 at Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza in Newton. 
Please join us for our outdoor patio WHCM summer networking event. Event will include dinner, soft drinks, networking, and socializing with some new and old friends. Always a great time and hopefully some nice weather!
In the case of inclement weather, we’ll hold the event inside the restaurant. We look forward to seeing you!
Our spring forum team put together an engaging and topical panel discussion this past April. Moderator Claudine Swartz, a WHCM steering committee member, did a fantastic job moderating for a second year in a row; asking thoughtful questions, and playing off the conversation to keep each panelist engaged. As a marketing manager for a health system, the most interesting part to me was the discussion around encouraging patients to take control of their health, but concurrently how difficult it is to navigate the health system. How can we help patients to stay well given these complexities? Of particular interest was VAL Health’s VP of Business Development Georgia Buck and her discussion of Behavioral Economics – what makes people take an action? One concept we’ve tried to employ at my organization is that of the “tribe” mentality; meaning if you see that others
(neighbors, friends) are doing something, you are more likely to do it too. We recently launched an ad campaign that had real community members (not actors) in it who were actually coming to us for their primary care, to create that tribe familiarity.
Others in our steering committee discussed with me their favorite takeaways – Jen Pendleton, our WHCM Chairwoman, mentioned what she enjoyed most and really resonated from the panel was identifying the New World order we are participating in within healthcare, i.e. consumerism. “I truly enjoyed all the work by each of the panelists… going into identifying transparency and pricing as well as choices of healthcare. Each panelist could define in their own business how they are wading the waters [of] this new business model of patients being customers.” Kristina Phillipson, a WHCM membership committee member, was also intrigued as I was by how behavioral economics can be applied to affect healthcare consumer behavior. “I heard in the panel discussion a real shift in perspective to seeing patients as consumers. Healthcare is going beyond seeing patients as just Medicare vs Commercial and paying more attention to the diverse needs of multiple consumer segments. The speakers did a great job explaining how healthcare organizations must respond to market segments while also trying to pivot some towards healthier behaviors.”
We hope to see you at our next forum or networking event!
Submitted by WHCM Steering Committee Member Rachel Renaux
Join us for dinner and a panel discussion!
Moderator: Claudine Swartz, Strategic Policy Solutions, LLC
Panelists:
Remember the days when you visited the doctor when sick, picked up your medication at the local pharmacy, and had few out-of-pocket expenses?
Today, we’re self-diagnosing via online tools, tracking our heart rates and steps, and using message portals to contact clinician. In short, we’re engaging more and the healthcare industry increasingly wants consumers to:
How is this reality shaping the healthcare industry? Key questions we’ll explore in this panel discussion:
There is nothing like ringing in the first month of the New Year with fellow women in healthcare. It is always an honor for me to meet our member and non-member attendees at these casual events, and January 29th’s event at Joe’s in Dedham did not disappoint! What a great group of 20+ guests sharing ideas and goals for 2019!
The message was clear, that healthcare, no matter how vast an institution – is a small world, it was great to see so many “I haven’t seen you in forever! Are you still working at ____?”
Thank you for those able to attend, and not getting scared by the “snowy” forecast.
We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming Spring Forum event April 3!
Jennifer Pendleton, MS
WHCM Chairwoman
Join colleagues, friends and members for an informal night of conversation and networking. Get out of the house during the winter season and be warmed through connections with other women in the healthcare industry. Appetizers and a cash bar included. Hope to see you there!
In the case of inclement weather, we will post a cancellation notice here by 12 pm on January 29th.
Knowledge is your competitive advantage. In today’s challenging global economy where the most valuable asset is your knowledge, education is no longer just a pathway to opportunity – it is a prerequisite. As the economy continues to grow, companies need employees who can think critically, successfully manage change, and apply new skills using more complex technologies. Simultaneously, organizations must continue to improve the way they do business, retain and manage their talent pool, and apply new best practice models quickly in order to remain competitive and sustainable.
We know that change is constant. As a result, the need for a knowledgeable workforce – one that is best prepared to compete in this economy – is in demand. Acquiring new knowledge, learning new skills and applying new techniques can help you master the challenges of change and enable you to be more effective and innovative. Increased competence improves confidence, and begins when you take the first step, investing in your education.
Innovative Healthcare Leadership Certificate (Online Only)
Healthcare today is a complex, technical business that is rapidly evolving. Healthcare leaders not only need to stay current with medical and technological advances; they also need to develop the skills to successfully navigate the shifts from a more traditional fee-for-service business model to new patient-centric, team-based care. It’s critical that today’s healthcare leaders acquire the skills to navigate the medical, technological, economic and social factors driving these system changes, to effectively shape and positively influence the future of our healthcare system.
Certificate and/or certification programs are also another way to stay relevant in the workforce. Certificate programs may lead to designations and are registered with national and international certifying organizations. Certificate programs teach to a body of knowledge that may satisfy the educational requirements for various certifications. Examples of certificate programs are:
Today’s professionals need flexible solutions that fit their busy schedules, global work environments and preferred learning style. Learn online, anytime, anywhere, when the time is right for you!
To register or learn more about Bryant University’s online Innovative Healthcare Leadership Certificate, contact: Jocelyn Willis, Business Development Manager | 401.232.6249 | jwillis2@bryant.edu
*Scholarships may be available for next enrollment on January 7, 2018.
Submitted by WHCM Steering Committee Member Jocelyn Willis
On Monday, November 5, a group of about 30 women descended on the town of Woburn, north of Boston, to network, share ideas and get to know each other. The food was fantastic! The intensity of the discussion around the room was palpable, as well as the excitement. Connections were made and overall the event was an absolute success! A huge thank you to all who were able to attend, and those that coordinated the evening!
Blog post by WHCM Steering Committee Member Jennifer Pendleton
I was thrilled to see more than 50 supportive, excited ladies at our recent Fall Forum on October 3. It was a big night for our Women in Healthcare Management group, as we are entering into a “new year” with steering committee leadership and volunteers. This year, we decided to put additional structure around the needed volunteer positions, with job descriptions and time commitment asked of each position. We have asked ladies who volunteer for positions to commit to a year of helping out – October to October. At the October 3 dinner, we announced our new volunteers, and I was happy to introduce the very capable, very organized woman who will be taking over my role as President/Chairwoman, Jen Pendleton. I’ve served as Chair for 3.5 years, and before that, technology chair for 7. I have seen firsthand the positivity and sense of community around our events and the relationships that grow out of those events. There is much to be said for a community of women who lift each other up and support each other in times of need, and I will certainly be remaining an active member and part of the WHCM family.
I also wanted to briefly summarize our two breakout sessions from the Oct 3 Forum, presented by talented women who lent their time to grow the knowledge of our membership. We had Laura Willis, Brand Strategist / “Core” Counselor from a business she started, Encore Revolution, discuss personal brand and how to balance your true self with the image you present to your work and professional life. In the second session, we had Busayo Ola Ajayi, MS, SCP, SPHR, Director, Talent Acquisition, Diversity and Inclusion at Boston Medical Center and my friend Kaylee Davis, Business Development Manager from the Addison Group talk about getting hired – what are advanced strategies for finding and landing a job you love, and how to navigate that search/interview process.
I thought both sessions complimented and echoed each other. Kaylee and Busayo discussed the S curve career trajectory which happens to us at any job – at first the job is new and you are in the low part of the S – you don’t know much, then you are accelerating and learning, then 
leveling off again. You want to think about your next career step before you are ready to make your next move – this puts you at an advantage. They discussed words to use on your resume like ‘earned’, ‘saved’, ‘achieved’ and how what keywords you choose in your bio and on LinkedIn can help you shape your brand. Laura took the brand discussion one step further and linked it to interactions and networking. Whomever you are talking to is your “target audience” – you can build a communication bridge by finding common ground – pets and kids are usually good places to start. Think about the “so what” – you have XYZ as a strength, but what does that mean to the person you are talking to?
I look forward to the upcoming year and future networking events with all of you!
Blog post by outgoing WHCM Chairwoman Rachel Labas
Join WHCM for appetizers and a cash bar as we network with friends and colleagues in Woburn.
We have another exciting fall forum planned! Join us for a buffet dinner, two educational breakout sessions (running concurrently) and a chance to network.
Breakout sessions will be:
(1) The Power of Connection & Communication. The Power of You.
Laura Willis, Brand Strategist / “Core” Counselor, Encore Revolution
Are you ready to take your next step, and want to have a competitive edge? Do you want to do more work that you love, and have more success while doing it? Learn how uncovering your passion and who you are at the core can have a direct impact on getting more of what you want – it’s a combination of art and science. In this interactive session you’ll learn 5 keys to:
• Reignite your passion for your work and life
• Define an authentic personal brand and how it directly impacts your success
• Make a deeper connection with others and why it’s important
• Balance baring who you are with your expertise
• Understand the science behind deep connection
• Begin communicating with confidence and using the power of you!
Learn tips and techniques you can begin to implement right away. Come to be energized and inspired to take control of your success!
About Laura: Ms. Willis is a brand positioning expert and strategist, who has created award winning web and print communications to help local, national and global companies, stand apart from the competition. With over 20 years in advertising agencies and mid to large corporations in the greater Boston area, she brings real-world expertise to her own business, Encore Revolution (www.encorerevolution.com). Laura combines elements of proven brand development techniques with personal growth and awareness work into a unique process which she uses to inspire business professionals through speaking engagements, educational programs and private coaching. She believes that when people align with their deeper purpose and passion and give it an authentic voice, they can make a bigger impact and have greater success.
(2) How to Hire and Be Hired
This session will offer insights into how to find the right candidate, and how to find the right fit in a job where you will be the right candidate.
Busayo Ola Ajayi, MS, SCP, SPHR, Director, Talent Acquisition, Diversity and Inclusion at Boston Medical Center (BMC)
Busayo Ola Ajayi is a Human Resource professional with over 10 years’ experience. Currently the Director of Talent Acquisition at BMC she oversees an engaging team responsible for all the hiring and onboarding at BMC. She also partners with the Assistant Director for Diversity and Inclusion at BMC to ensure that the talent acquisition strategies are aligned with ensuring with organization goals. She has a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Development from Villanova University and is certified by HRCI and SHRM. She has worked in higher education, insurance, healthcare, manufacturing and vision.
Kaylee Davis, Addison Group
Kaylee Davis is a Business Development Manager for Addison Group Healthcare, providing non-clinical staffing solutions to healthcare organizations around the country. As a member of the New England Division, Kaylee works with clinics and hospitals to provide best-in-class staffing solutions and human capital management consultation. Kaylee is also an accomplished public speaker and networker, serving on the Programming Committee for MGMA as well as an active member in ACHE and Women in Healthcare Management. Kaylee is passionate about improving the operational efficiencies within healthcare and contributing to patient care.
