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LGBTQ Forum Chair
Dan Gentry, PhD
ACHE LGBTQ Forum Chairman
Clinical Professor and MHA Program Director
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
Greetings, Fellow LGBTQ Forum Members:
I hope you are well and enjoying the fall. I’m a bit late in submitting this column. I had almost completed the draft when I received my Oct. 21 issue of Modern Healthcare. I subsequently re-started from scratch.
On page 36 of that issue is a special guest editorial penned by Deborah J. Bowen, FACHE, CAE, ACHE president/CEO, and my dear friend and colleague, titled “Breaking Bias: Paving the Path to Diversity and Inclusion.” The message is important, strong and passionate. This is not surprising given the tremendous progress ACHE is making in prioritizing diversity and inclusion initiatives. After 25 years of working with Deborah, I know she says what she means and means what she says. I encourage you to read the piece, but I want to highlight its main themes.
First, Deborah says we must “build partnerships,” and that we are always stronger together. She cites ACHE’s LGBTQ and Asian Healthcare Leaders Forums, the National Association of Health Services Executives and the National Forum for Latino Healthcare Executives as some of our most important partners in these efforts. Second, she emphasizes that we must “bolster diverse communities” for healthcare leadership, and that we can do so within our own healthcare organizations and through our local ACHE chapters. Finally, using ACHE as an example, Deborah frames our work on diversity and inclusion as an “investment in diverse leaders.” She offers ideas on how we all can advocate for investments in diversity and inclusion in our own healthcare organizations.
As we approach the end of 2019, several things are front and center for me. I am thankful and honored to be serving as chair of our Forum this year, and I appreciate the volunteer efforts of our Forum members and ACHE’s incredibly talented and dedicated staff. Thank you, all!
World AIDS Day is Dec. 1, and I’ve been reflecting on the impact HIV and AIDS have had on our communities. I find myself a little more hopeful now than I’ve been over the past few decades because of progress we’ve made toward improved prevention and treatment. However, there is so much work to be done, especially in the areas of access to care and treatment.
Finally, I look forward to the holidays and the new year, which gives us the opportunity for reflection, celebration, time with family and friends and renewal. I wish all of you very joyful holidays and a happy and healthy 2020!
Dan
ACHE LGBTQ Forum Executive Profile
Amir Farooqi, FACHE
Interim Medical Center Director
Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS)
Montgomery, Ala.
Q. What inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare administration?
A. I was always interested in healthcare because of the opportunity to impact people’s lives in a positive way. I considered a clinical path because that was all I knew of healthcare. I didn’t realize the important role healthcare administrators play. However, I wanted to have a large impact and improve the health of more than just one person at a time. By pursuing a career in healthcare administration, I immediately found my lifetime passion and an opportunity to improve systems and processes. While my preferred path was not as a clinician providing direct care, I’m proud to facilitate and support the amazing work our clinicians do and the care they provide.
Q. What have been the hallmarks of your career in healthcare leadership?
A. I’m fortunate to have had a varied career path and benefited from my experiences. This included interning with ACHE through the Institute for Diversity and Health Equity, working as an administrative fellow in the Department of Veterans Affairs and serving veterans at different levels of VA. In this capacity, I've served at the VA Central Office near the White House, at the Veterans Integrated Service Network-level in the Southeast and at multiple VA medical centers around the country. In my career, I’ve served as an executive assistant, a strategic planner, a public affairs officer, an operations manager and an associate medical center director (COO). I am currently the interim medical center director (CEO) at a VA health system where I'm working to make positive change. The best part of this journey is how I’ve been able to incorporate all my experiences into my current role to help my team and our veterans.
Q. Do you believe being a member of the LGBTQ community or an LGBTQ champion impacts career advancement for healthcare leaders?
A. There are risks and challenges with either role and I’ve personally seen them for myself, members of the community and allies. I’ve heard comments that required educating individuals.
However, I also believe it is rewarding to be a part of the community and in healthcare. I’m amazed at how often I’ve heard people tell me I was the first member of the LGBTQ community they had ever known or met, and how linking a person to what was previously just a word or stereotype can change minds and hearts.
I am fortunate I chose a career with the VA where leadership has explicitly supported LGBTQ employees with a strong stance against discrimination. Last year, I was honored to have been asked to join the Executive Steering Committee for a national team working toward greater diversity and inclusion within the Veterans Health Administration of the VA.
Q. What would be your advice to LGBTQ individuals pursuing careers in healthcare management?
A. Do your research and be strategic in your career. Pursue organizations that will be supportive of you, your career and your life, but remember that you have the ability to bring change. Learn the culture of the organization and connect with it and your team. You don’t have to look, live or love the same way as everyone else to still connect with them.
You can improve the care we provide our patients and the environment our employees work in. Never forget that mission and why you’re passionate about it. We can make it better for the most vulnerable members of our community at the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Never take that responsibility lightly.
Q. Why did you decide to join the LGBTQ Forum, and what do you feel is the value added by this group?
A. I am incredibly excited to see ACHE demonstrate such support for its LGBTQ members. The LGBTQ Forum provides great networking across healthcare disciplines and organizations. It’s an opportunity to support and encourage one another as we move along our leadership and career paths. For example, at last year’s ACHE Congress on Healthcare Leadership during dinner with LGBTQ colleagues and friends, our table's hot topic focused on encouraging a friend who was working toward earning the FACHE® credential.
It’s also an opportunity to advocate for the health and well-being of our community ensuring that health disparities are eliminated and everyone receives the high quality, highly reliable and compassionate healthcare they deserve.
LGBTQ Forum Organizational Profile
New Bridge Medical Center
Q. How has your organization created an inclusive environment for patients?
A. Bergen New Bridge Medical Center is proud to be a Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality in the Human Rights Campaign Healthcare Equality Index for 2019. Within our core values is the goal of providing compassionate healthcare with respect, inclusivity and equity. We do this by creating a welcoming environment with gender-neutral bathrooms, diversity and inclusion staff training to enhance the patient experience, as well as the use of appropriate pronouns in our interpersonal communication and in our written and digital medical records. We also established a Bergen New Bridge Healthcare Equality Ombudsman, who is responsible for securing, preserving and promoting the health, safety and welfare of the organization’s patients, residents and clients.
Q. How has the organization engaged LGBTQ patients and/or the local LGBTQ community?
A. Bergen New Bridge was instrumental in the LGBTQ focus groups that were held during the recent countywide community health needs assessment process. Our facility hosted this group, which provided essential feedback on the issues and healthcare gaps present in the community. In addition, we created and hosted the first Power Panel for the LGBTQ community, focusing on pressing issues like adoption, eldercare, finances, healthcare and legal concerns. We continue to offer community programs, participate in our partners’ programs and work directly with NJ Buddies and other local LGBTQ groups.
Q. How has the organization advanced inclusion for healthcare professionals and leaders?
A. Bergen New Bridge has a robust educational platform, and several LGBTQ senior leadership staff and other members of the community serve in management roles. There are many opportunities for our staff to have their voices heard and weigh-in on critical issues. We conduct town forums and confidential surveys, and we have several venues for direct interaction, including monthly open meetings with our president/CEO.
Q. How has the organization worked to advance health and clinical outcomes for the LGBTQ population?
A. By establishing the Healthcare Equality Center at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, we are dedicated to the health needs and disparities specific to the LGBTQ community. We are also focused on educating our staff to ensure appropriate communication with the community. Our team is committed to addressing the physical and mental health needs of all who seek our care with dignity and respect. Care at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center is not restricted, limited or otherwise denied on the basis of race, color, personal origin, religion, sex, disability, or gender identity or expression. Our Medical Center has integrated its various clinical initiatives and programs to improve and align care for our LGBTQ population. It will continue to use the information gathered from the focus groups of the community health needs assessment, our patient experience surveys, and the feedback and collaborative efforts with our local LGBTQ community groups and partners to further advance outcomes.
Chapter Profile
Health Care Executives of Southern California hosted its signature fall diversity event on Sept. 25, 2019. The “Joint Diversity Program” brought together chapter members from across the region to learn about and engage with the affinity groups that were represented. In addition, members earned ACHE Qualified Educational credits through participation in the session, “Engaging and Optimizing the Value of Diversity in your Team and Organization: Learning to See the Problem You Don’t See.” The program was led by guest lecturer, CAPT (USHPS, Ret) Jason Woo, MD, MPH, FACOG.
The affinity groups represented included:
- ACHE’s LGBTQ Forum
- ACHE’s Asian Healthcare Leaders Forum
- National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives
- Women in Health Administration of Southern California
- National Association of Health Services Executives
Health Care Executives of Southern California proudly supports LGBTQ members and the patients they serve. The chapter includes 24 leaders in the region who are members of the LGBTQ Forum and have diverse backgrounds and healthcare experience.
Notably, California leads the nation in the number of facilities (82, with 28 in the Los Angeles
metro area) that earned the LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader designation from the Human Rights Campaign Healthcare Equality Index. We are proud to be working with individuals and organizations that promote LGBTQ health, and we offer services to these patients and their families throughout their lifetimes.
You can find our contact information in the Chapter Directory, so reach out to chapter leadership or feel free to contact me at johnathan.prins@csmns.org. I am more than happy to connect you to resources in our region.
Chapter Profile
ACHE—SouthEast Texas Chapter presented a panel discussion titled “Diversity in Healthcare Management: Value-Added Business Sense” at its annual Healthcare Leadership Conference on Oct. 30. Attendees learned how to encourage diversity and inclusion within their organization and integrate D&I into strategic initiatives. Panelist Stephan Davis, DNP, FACHE, is a member of the LGBTQ Forum Committee. The panel featured other members of ACHE’s Better Together Committee.
Pictured above, left to right, are the program’s panelists: Wm. Jahmal Miller; Joy D. Calloway; Stephan Davis, DNP, FACHE; Monica C. Vargas-Mahar, FACHE; and Denise K. Lew, FACHE.Member Accolade
On Nov. 5, LGBTQ Forum member, Anthony J. Warmuth, FACHE, executive director for enterprise quality and safety, Cleveland Clinic, received the Senior Level Healthcare Executive Award from the Regent for Ohio. Congratulations, Anthony!
EDCN: Insights and Inspiration from Diverse Healthcare Leaders
The Executive Diversity Career Navigator is a resource for healthcare leaders from underrepresented groups designed to help them successfully navigate their career paths to senior-level positions. The career navigator features articles from diverse healthcare leaders, such as Kenneth R. White, PhD, FACHE, who provide their insights and inspiration. They discuss aspects of leadership related to being an openly gay healthcare executive. Go to edcnavigator.org to learn more, including how you can become an EDCN content contributor
Refer New Members and Be Rewarded
Attracting new members to ACHE creates inherent benefits for our members and increases the overall impact and competitive edge of our organization. Through the Leader-to-Leader Rewards Program, you can be recognized for the tremendous influence you carry as a respected healthcare leader and receive rewards for doing it. Click here to learn more. You can also use this referral form to share this opportunity with your nonmember colleagues.
2019-2020 Committee Members
Chair
Daniel Gentry, PhD
The University of Iowa College of Public Health
Professor and MHA Program Director
Iowa City, Iowa
Leslie E. Burnside, FACHE
System VP of Network Affiliations & Development
UNC Health Care
Chapel Hill, N.C.
Timothy M. Carrigan, PhD, RN, FACHE
Rush University Medical Center
Chief Administrative Officer
Chicago
Robert S. Chaloner, FACHE
(Immediate Past Chairman)
Chief Administrative Officer
Stony Brook Southampton Hospital
Southampton, N.Y.
Stephan Davis, DNP, FACHE
Founder/Principal
Illuminant
Atlanta
Amir Farooqi, FACHE
Associate Director (COO)
Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center (VISN 7)
Tuscaloosa, Ala.
LTC Charlotte L. Hildebrand, PhD, FACHE
Army-Baylor University
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army
San Antonio
Jake P. Reyna-Casanova
Senior Development Associate
CommuniCare Health Centers
San Antonio
Amanda S. Tufano
CEO
Genevive
Minneapolis, Minn.
STAFF CONTACT
Cie Armstead
Director of Diversity and Inclusion
American College of Healthcare Executives
300 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 1900
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 424-9306
carmstead@ache.org
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Tell a Colleague About the LGBTQ Forum
As one of the nearly 200 members of ACHE’s LGBTQ Forum, you have helped to create a vibrant community of LGBTQ healthcare leaders and allies exchanging ideas to further your career and advance the forum’s mission. Now continue the growth of the forum and expand its diversity by encouraging your fellow ACHE colleagues to join the LGBTQ Forum. Invite them to join today at ache.org/LGBTQ.
Please note that any views or opinions presented in this online newsletter are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of ACHE.