Kila Dabney-Smith, MD
I wanted more than letters behind my name. I wanted to understand population health, health care delivery, strategy, P&L, and organizational transformation.
My name is Kila Dabney-Smith, I am an internist/hospitalist by training. I am currently the Medical Director of Operations for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield's Federal Employee Plan. My role allows me to ensure our members have access to the best evidence-based care. My husband and I have three wonderful children that enrich our lives in many ways. We spend most of our time transporting them to and from practices and attending their games. In my spare time, I love to garden, make hot sauce, cook, and take care of all my house plant babies.
Why did you choose MHCDS over another type of master’s program (e.g., MBA, MPH, MHA)?
To be honest, I started an MBA program, but I was just doing it because I thought that is what I would need to get a seat at the table. Though the degrees mentioned are informative and could have resulted in promotion, I wanted more than letters behind my name. I wanted to understand population health, health care delivery, strategy, P&L, and organizational transformation.
What has been the best part of the program for you – so far?
The best part of the program so far has been the classmates that I have had the pleasure of meeting, interacting with, and learning from during the residentials. These relationships have been great and have exceeded my expectations. My MHCDS classmates have diverse backgrounds and experiences. Being involved in projects and study groups with healthcare policy makers, finance experts, academic and community-based clinicians, physician executives, operations experts, and healthcare executives is the secret sauce of the program. I learn a great deal from them and grow from my interactions.
Has your job changed since starting the program?
I have been offered a promotion since starting the program and I will be moving into the role of Staff VP of Medical Management/Medical Director. I think that participating in the MHCDS program has given me the opportunity to learn both the hard and soft skills needed to be successful in my new role.
How have you used the MHCDS experience/skills/knowledge you have gained so far?
Our organization had an initiative to engage members and meet Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) compliance. The knowledge I gained in the MHCDS course, Human Centered Innovation, was instrumental in my ability to ensure that the solution included the voices and needs of the associates who obtain information. Using information that I learned in Human Centered Innovation was essential in being able to lift a program from the drawing board to full implementation and avoid mishaps while doing it.
Is there anything else that you would tell a friend or colleague who was considering the MHCDS program?
Do it for the people you serve. Do it to grow and develop. Do it to solve current challenges in your health care organization.