The transformation of Konnie Martin's career in healthcare administration since 2010 is practically on track with the extensive changes occurring in the nation's health care system. First, she became Vice President of Finance and Physician Services at SLV Regional Medical Center; a year later, she transferred to the position of Vice President, Chief Operating Officer.

"When Russ Johnson reached out to me with this opportunity, I felt like it was the next growing step for me to be able to play a leadership role in this organization," she said, adding that she has tremendous confidence in current CFO Shane Mortensen as a partner in moving the hospital forward. "The COO role provides me an opportunity to expand into service areas that are new and challenging for me, such as EMS, imaging and laboratory, while still contributing in areas where I have a strong knowledge base, such as working with providers and technology."

Martin Has the Skills for the Job

These skills, noted Russ, augment two important areas within the organization: to work closely with providers in a meaningful way and to adopt information technology as the fundamental means by which SLVRMC manages, improves and increases safety of care. "Konnie brings 25 year of leadership in provider organizations and clinic management to our hospital," he said. "That experience, combined with hermstrong IT knowledge and organization skills are an incredible advantage for these efforts."

This is also why he encouraged Konnie to apply for the American Hospital Association (AHA) Health Care System Transformation Fellowship – an intensive six-month program that provides participants with a road map of how to design and plan for new care delivery and payment models. In early February, Konnie was notified that she was among 16 senior executives nationwide selected to participate in the second class of the Fellowship. "The changing health care market is going to touch us in the San Luis Valley," said Konnie. "Understanding how to be prepared for it means that we keep the best care here and we keep it as affordable as possible for our community."

Sharing Her Experience with SLVRMC

Russ said that Konnie's participation is two-fold. "I know that she will add tremendous value to the group [of AHA Fellows] and she will bring back great ideas and important considerations to our team," he said. "I can't wait to be a part of what she experiences because I know it will make SLVRMC a better healthcare provider."

Konnie will learn from organizations that have already developed and executed models for health care transformation through web seminars and in-person Learning Retreats. An added bonus of this fellowship is that she can select colleagues from SLVRMC to the learning sessions. "Having a team join me in the learning experience will benefi t our team greatly. Each of us takes away greater understanding and information to help us continue our development in this marketplace."

She attended the fi rst retreat in February in Tampa, FL., along with SLVRMC Provider Integration Administrator Tim Pellandini and Chief Medical Offi cer Gregory McAuliffe, MD. They were able to participate in discussions with leaders who have first-hand experience in the design and implementation of emerging payment and care delivery models.

Key Areas of Focus

As a 2012 Fellow, Konnie said a key area of her focus will be the PROMETHEUS (Provider payment Reform for Outcomes, Margins, Evidence Transparency, Hasslereduction, Excellence, Understandability, and Sustainability) payment model. "This is where you take a select group of chronic conditions and follow them through the entire continuum of care and you work in managing them in what is considered a bundled payment," she said. Additionally, she'll look at health systems that have partnered with both private and public payers in an attempt to provide innovative solutions for their communities.

Thirdly, she plans to learn more about bringing physician leadership to the table with hospital administration. "I think provider leadership and engagement are a key strength within our organization, we are way ahead of the market in this area. I believe we have lots to share with our colleagues around the country in this arena," she said, referring to the role of physician/administrator Gregory McAuliffe, MD, and the Provider leadership Council.

Konnie said regardless of whether a project is really suited for the Valley, there is always something to be learned as the entire healthcare system grows and transforms. "Experiences such as this fellowship help us better identify how we fi t in that picture," she said. "Anytime that we can participate in something that is on the forefront, we then can hopefully steer our community toward the best solution for us."