Rebecca Dean, Principal, Dean & Associates, has more than 30 years of experience in healthcare management, including all aspects of practice operations, efficiency, governance, and leadership. Previously, Rebecca served as Director of Business Development and Operations at Tanana Valley Clinic Orthopedic and Sportsmedicine Fairbanks, an orthopedic care and surgical practice clinic in Fairbanks, Alaska. In addition to her medical practice and consulting responsibilities, Rebecca has served on several boards for national business industries, including airline and insurance corporations. She holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and is an American College of Medical Practice Executives Fellow.

Did you always have an interest in health care? How did you become an executive in the health care industry?

My initial focus was education and criminal justice. I believe these early interests led to my strong skill set focus on advocacy, compliance, and regulatory oversight. I began my career pathway with a focus on Business Management and Operations. In 1984 in Tennessee, I met a physician who wanted to develop a successful dermatology medical practice and I agreed to become the business development and operations leader. I soon realized I enjoyed being part of the healthcare delivery operational team and I wanted to remain in the healthcare industry. I began teaching methodologies for reimbursement and efficient operations and continue lecturing and presenting on relevant and trending topics for healthcare leaders today.

For over 30 years, I served as CEO and sustained Sportsmedicine and Orthopaedics Fairbanks as an economically viable, growing, and highly regarded clinic model.  In 2020, I completed the merger and acquisition, implementation and integration of the clinic into our local independent healthcare system.

As an Alaskan, you’re pretty far away from most WBL members! How do you make new contacts and keep your connections strong with fellow executives who may not be in your area?

Relocation to Fairbanks, Alaska brought the realization that in order to continue my career as a healthcare executive, I would need to develop and create my own opportunities. My daily success was tied to my extremely strong and deep network of colleagues through WBL, MGMA, and other healthcare associations. I immersed myself in volunteer board work in the healthcare industry and along with a colleague, launched the Alaska State MGMA.  As I moved through National MGMA, AAOE, and other industry boards, my network expanded to include many business associate resource colleagues and friends.  I focused on aligning and working closely with business experts throughout the nation to create a tapestry of resources for successful outcomes.

I continue to nurture and expand my WBL network through participation in events, education, and especially new member functions, introducing myself and welcoming new connections. I never hesitate to reach out to my existing network or search for a WBL member who shares common interests or business expertise.  I have always received a hearty welcome from WBL members I’ve communicated with.

You became a member of WBL in 2007 – thank you for your continued involvement! After many years as part of our network, can you share the story of how you joined WBL and helped out a fellow woman in healthcare advance in her career?

My colleagues and friends, Bergitta Smith Cotroneo and Sara Larch, introduced me to WBL where I met Lynn Shapiro Snyder. Lynn radiated esprit de corps, and from that introduction, I realized WBL was a home for me and so many others who need and thrive on the network and opportunities afforded by WBL.

Maintaining an executive-level career in Fairbanks, Alaska meant a great deal of unique travel to participate in education and networking sessions, which allowed me to always bring back the best of business practices. WBL has consistently reinforced the need to seek solutions by thoroughly understanding the issues. As a director of people, processes, and information, I have always felt it is an individual’s responsibility to leave a legacy devoted to the “power of collective wisdom.”  I am especially proud of a young MBA student I mentored for several years who now leads a successful clinical practice and shares her legacy with her medical colleagues and mentees.

The “power of collective wisdom” is so evident when participating in WBL events. There is a shared energy and renewal of self-assurance as a result of participation in WBL.

With extensive experience as a medical practice management executive and now consultant, what are the biggest challenges facing practice management right now, and how do you recommend they be addressed?

The medical practice model in 2021 requires a diverse team of veteran decision-makers who can seek clarity and can focus on addressing the many new issues. There is a tremendous need for reevaluation of the current business state of the practice and for strategic planning encompassing day-to-day delivery of care and efficiency, as well as corporate matters, market trends, and the potential of mergers and acquisitions to prepare a future state planning strategy to allow the business to pivot quickly and avoid unintended consequences. Health business entities need to develop the ability to see the global opportunity outside the reality of day-to-day operations.

Nearly 30 years ago, I believed private practice and hospital/health systems could engage and combine resources for care delivery. This model has now proven the ability to sustain during the perfect storm of 2020. Practices need to examine the potential impacts and opportunities of M/A, new business partners, and alternate business structures that could alter or enhance the success of the business. It is critical that practices and healthcare executives understand and anticipate changes in strategic alliances.

Personally or professionally, what might the WBL network be surprised to know about you?

Living in Alaska has not restricted opportunity or travel for me. I’m professionally energized with new project opportunities outside of Alaska and I’m personally passionate about travel, learning, and understanding other cultures. I’ve led medical professional journeys for physicians and healthcare executives to explore healthcare delivery in China, Tibet, Cuba, Australia, and New Zealand and I’m looking forward to leading additional expeditions soon to Peru and potentially Sri Lanka.