Ken Thompson, MS
The best part of the program so far is the program's innovative cross-disciplinary, targeted, real-world approach to the delivery of healthcare. Additionally, the student diversity yields different viewpoints, resulting in lively classroom discussions that enhance the learning experience.
I am an Accountant at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. My responsibilities include monitoring, evaluating, safeguarding and the recovery of inappropriate payments for the Provider Audit and Reimbursement activity. As the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan Technical Monitor, I provide oversight of the quality, quantity, and timeliness of contractor performance for Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) in various jurisdictions.
On a personal note, I volunteer time at my church, which was founded in 1872 in Philadelphia. We are celebrating our 152nd anniversary this year. I am a member of the church's finance committee and work with the children's Bible School summer program. I truly enjoy working with the youth in the community.
Why did you decide to take the MHCDS program?
I selected the MHCDS program after personally assessing my career and concluding that I needed to advance my education and develop my leadership skills. I viewed the program as an opportunity to develop my career at CMS, with the goal of transitioning from technical oversight of MACs to ways to lead the innovation of the delivery of healthcare. The CMS Innovation Center’s key strategies include value-based care models, patient centered care, leveraging technology, collaborating with stakeholders, reducing health disparities and regulatory reform, all of these healthcare challenges are addressed by the program.
What has been the best part of the program for you – so far?
The best part of the program so far is the program's innovative cross-disciplinary, targeted, real-world approach to the delivery of healthcare. Additionally, the student diversity yields different viewpoints, resulting in lively classroom discussions that enhance the learning experience. The distinguished faculty provides scholarly insight and real-world experiences during the lectures. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to build personal and professional networks with classmates.
How have you used the MHCDS experience/skills/knowledge you have gained so far?
The program’s leadership development has provided me with the tools to be more effective in leading audit teams at CMS. However, I look forward to contributing to the leadership that is transforming CMS away from the shortcomings of fee-for-service to value-based care models that improve care and lower cost.
Is there anything else that you would tell a friend or colleague who was considering the MHCDS program?
Make a personal and professional assessment of your career goals. If your vision is to develop your education and leadership skills in a custom-designed healthcare delivery program, consider the MHCDS program. The program offers an all-encompassing, cross-disciplinary approach to healthcare. It combines strategy, operations, finance and accounting, economics, data analytics and health policy. Additionally, networking with classmates and former alumni can provide valuable learning insights and perspectives about your career. The program helps with the development of your own personal strengths and prepares you for a leadership role at your organization.