Rachel Hoaglin
Rachel Hoaglin is a seasoned healthcare administration professional with over 35 years of experience spanning multiple specialties, including general care, neurology, gastroenterology, ENT, spine surgery, pain management, physical therapy, and pediatrics. Beginning her career in a billing office alongside her mother, Rachel quickly developed a deep understanding of patient care workflows, medical records, and insurance processes. Her extensive expertise and approachable demeanor have allowed her to build strong relationships with colleagues, physicians, and patients alike, earning her a reputation as a trusted resource in every organization she joins. Currently serving as Front Office Lead at Kiwi Pediatrics Medical Group in Berkeley, California, Rachel oversees day-to-day operations for the front office, coordinates patient scheduling, manages insurance verification and authorizations, and ensures smooth communication between providers, hospitals, and specialists. She is dedicated to helping families navigate the often-complex healthcare system, providing guidance and support to both staff and patients. Her ability to combine operational efficiency with a compassionate approach to patient care exemplifies her commitment to creating a positive, productive, and patient-centered environment. Beyond her pediatric work, Rachel has applied her skills in healthcare consulting and AI evaluation, training advanced AI systems to improve accuracy and performance, demonstrating her adaptability and passion for lifelong learning. She holds a Life and Health Insurance certification, through the State of California, and a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, from San Francisco State University. As she prepares for her upcoming relocation to St. Paul, Minnesota in July 2026, Rachel is eager to continue contributing her expertise in healthcare administration, patient advocacy, and operational leadership to new and dynamic opportunities.
• Life and Health Insurance Certification - State of California
• San Francisco State University - B.S.
• Cycle for Sight - Napa Valley Veterans Home Support
• School Shooting Awareness Advocacy
• ICE Movement - Citizen Protection
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my mother. She was my best friend, my twin, and we did everything together. She was a housewife for my childhood. When she had to re-enter the workplace she was determined to do well. She worked in healthcare, becoming a key contact for professionals with Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid) questions. I watched her work hard in the industry, which inspired me to enter the field, starting from the bottom, working my way up. She taught me so much about this profession, and even though she passed away 25 years ago, her influence continues to guide me every day. Beyond my mother, I seek to learn something from all of my employers. I've had incredible mentors like Clement Jones, M.D, the spine surgeon I worked for, who taught me the three A's - Attitude, Action, and Accountability. Karen Schiffman, M.D., the first pediatrician I worked for, also shaped who I am today. She worked me so hard that some days that I would be in tears, but then she would give me a hug and say she was training and teaching me, it was not because she was mean. I've taken what she taught me into my current position, and I realize I got one of the best teachers in her. All the women who have been involved with Kiwi Pediatrics continue to show me how to be successful and contribute to our community.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received came from Dr. Clement Jones, the spine surgeon I worked for. He taught me the three A's: Attitude, Action, and Accountability. I have added the fourth A to that: be allowable (allow things to happen). This advice has stayed with me throughout my entire career and guides how I approach my work every day. When I worked in physical therapy, my boss, Bruce McCall, PT, ATC, told me to act as if I am being watched at all times; this as been a behavior I've integrated into all aspects of my life.
Beyond career advice, I also carry with me something deeply personal that has shaped how I work and live. When my mother passed away 25 years ago, a friend's mother told me something that changed my life: 'Do not let anybody tell you how you're supposed to feel. You experience and view and feel whatever you need to.' So many people were telling me how I should be responding and feeling, but she gave me permission to honor my own experience. This taught me to accept what I can and leave the rest, to do what I can and know that's the best I can do. That philosophy extends to everything I do, both professionally and personally.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The most important advice I would give your women entering healthcare is to remain true to yourself and keep learning. I try to end every day noting at least one thing that I learned today. It's common to look back, later in life, and wonder how you got to where you are at now. You may start in the industry at a ground-level but always strive to the position you want to be at.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is navigating the complexity of health insurance, which can be difficult for patients to understand and access. Additionally, the emotional impact of school shootings on children presents a profound challenge — the fear and anxiety that many children carry significantly affect how we provide pediatric care. This emotional impact is also present for children learning how to exist post-COVID and for the survivors of ICE raids. Addressing both the logistical and emotional aspects of care requires sensitivity, clear communication, and a commitment to supporting families through difficult circumstances.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I live by the principle to accept what I can and leave the rest; to do what I can, and know that's the best I can do. This philosophy came from a profound lesson I learned when my mother passed away. I also carry with me the three A's that Dr. Clement Jones taught me: Attitude, Action, and Accountability. My mother had "three guys" that helped her make some decisions. Those "Three Guys" would ask: Is it Right? Do I want to do it? Will it hurt someone? If any of those three questions are "No", then it may not be the correct decision for me. I believe that whatever I'm supposed to do will be there when I need it, and if something isn't available or offered to me, I'm not supposed to do that. This faith in the path opening before me at the right time has guided my entire career and life journey.