Natacha Caballero, MBA, FACHE, FHFMA, CHAM, SHRM-SCP
Natacha Caballero, MBA, FACHE, FHFMA, CHAM, SHRM-SCP is a seasoned healthcare executive with over 20 years of experience in the field, including 10 years as Director of Patient Access at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. She began her journey with the organization in 2007 as a temporary employee and advanced through roles from lead to supervisor, then manager, and ultimately director. In her current role, Natacha oversees approximately 150 staff members and manages all aspects of patient access operations, including registration, check-in, coordination of care, financial counseling, benefit advising, and collaboration with the business office on revenue cycle processes. A notable achievement in her career has been her ability to influence and develop people, mentoring staff, coaching teams, and helping employees grow and advance in their careers.
Natacha holds a Bachelor’s in Health Science (2006), a Master of Business Administration (2016), and is currently completing her Doctorate in Applied Learning Sciences at the University of Miami, expected in 2027. She is certified by the National Association of Healthcare Access Management, and a fellow of both the American College of Healthcare Executives and the Healthcare Financial Management Association. Additionally, she is a Senior Certified Professional with the Society for Human Resource Management and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.
Her career has been guided by mentors such as Kassandra Lage and Enery Samlut, whose leadership inspired her dedication to operational excellence and team development. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Natacha is an active volunteer and chair on the HFMa Florida Chapter South Florida Education Committee, supporting initiatives that advance education and professional growth in healthcare finance and operations. She has also received recognition through Education Committee Awards via HFMA and contributes to programs such as True North Classic Academy. Fluent in English and Spanish, Natacha is committed to fostering high-performing teams, improving patient-centered care, and driving innovation within healthcare operations, all while inspiring the next generation of healthcare leaders.
• EPIC Proficient in Patient Access Operations
• Certified Access Manager (NAHAM - National Association of Healthcare Access Management)
• Fellow of ACHE (American College of Healthcare Executives)
• Fellow of HFMA (Healthcare Financial Management Association)
• Senior Certified Professional (SHRM - Society for Human Resource Management)
• Green Belt Certified by Lean Six Sigma
• Florida International University - BS, Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
• Florida International University - MBA
• Education Committee Award
• Regional Education Award
• National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM)
• American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)
• Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA)
• Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
• Chair for the Education Committee
• HFMA South Florida
• Volunteer at True North Classic Academy
What do you attribute your success to?
My greatest inspiration has always been my mother. We are originally from Cuba, and I came to the United States as a child after my family was selected through the visa lottery in 1998. We arrived not speaking English and knowing very few people, with only an uncle here to help us get started. Everything else, we had to build from the ground up.
Through every challenge, my mother remained my motivation. She always told me that I could become anything I wanted, but that whatever I chose to do, I should strive to be the best at it. She believed deeply in education, in earning certifications, and in developing the skills that truly define expertise.
Watching her rebuild her life in a new country taught me resilience. If she could start over and succeed, then I know there is nothing that can stop me either.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Growing up, my mother gave me advice that has guided my entire life. From the time I was very young, she reminded me that I could do anything I set my mind to. But she also made something else very clear: whatever I chose to do, I should strive to be the best at it.
She believed that ambition should always be paired with preparation. She encouraged me to pursue education, earn certifications, and continuously build the knowledge and skills that would allow me to truly excel. For her, success was not just about having a dream—it was about doing the work to stand confidently in your expertise.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I share that same message with other women. Do not be afraid to pursue what you want, even if the path seems challenging or unfamiliar. Invest in yourself, seek knowledge, and surround yourself with opportunities to grow. When you choose a path, commit to it fully and allow your dedication to speak for itself.
There is space for women to lead, innovate, and excel in every field. The key is believing in your ability, putting in the work, and never settling for anything less than your best.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in our field is employee retention. In patient access and similar healthcare operational roles, we often hire many entry-level employees. While it is incredibly rewarding to mentor them, watch them grow, and see them advance in their careers, it can also create a constant cycle of turnover. In many ways, it can feel like a revolving door.
This presents a significant operational challenge because it becomes difficult to fully hardwire processes, behaviors, and best practices when teams are continually changing. A great deal of time and energy must be dedicated to onboarding and training new staff.
In our hospital, this challenge is even more pronounced due to the high patient volumes we manage daily. As a result, we are frequently recruiting and hiring to keep up with demand. While developing new talent is an important part of our mission, sustaining a stable and experienced workforce remains one of the most pressing challenges in our field.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most are integrity, honesty, loyalty, responsibility, and being relatable as a leader. I believe it is important to be someone others can rely on and trust. To me, integrity means doing the right thing even when no one is watching. It is about staying true to your principles and holding yourself accountable to the standards you set for yourself and for others.
Responsibility is also a core value in how I lead. In healthcare operations, our work directly affects patients, families, and the teams we support. I take that responsibility seriously and believe leaders must lead by example, remain accountable for their decisions, and create an environment where others feel supported to do the same.
I also believe strongly in being relatable as a leader. When people feel that their leader understands their challenges, listens to them, and values their perspective, it builds trust and connection. I strive to lead with honesty and transparency, because trust is the foundation of strong teams. Loyalty, to me, means standing by your team, advocating for them, and investing in their growth and success. Together, these values shape how I approach leadership and how I work to build a culture where people feel respected, supported, and motivated to do their best work.