Rachel Papka
I've been in healthcare since I was young and have spent over 20 years in healthcare technology. My journey started when I had the opportunity to be a super user in a hospital where I grew up, implementing new systems. That was the moment I knew I was going to fall in love with the technology side of helping a patient's journey. I started my career as a PBX operator, then moved through registration roles in the ER and radiology before transitioning into healthcare technology. I've worked for large health systems, spent a few years in health information exchange, and that led me to full outpatient radiology where I am today. For the past 12 years, I've been with my current organization as Chief Innovation Officer. In this role, I'm always in the forefront of efficiencies, looking at how we could do better and making sure we're always focusing on the patient experience. I have direct oversight of the contact center operations, the front end of the revenue cycle, and the full healthcare technology department. What I'm most proud of is watching my leaders grow - seeing them believe in my vision, get on the bus as we joke, and then implement that vision while developing their own voice. At the end of the day, what I love most about my work is providing an exceptional experience and knowing that I can have an impact with my team on a patient's journey. That's why we do it every day.
• Six Sigma Green Belt
• Radiology Business 101
• Bachelor's in Business Management
• University of Phoenix
• Master's in Healthcare Administration with concentration in Informatics
• St. Joseph's University
• 2014
• Coursework at University of Nevada
• Reno (UNR)
• Las Vegas (UNLV)
• Top Tech Award
• Genesys-Orchestrator of the Year Award
• Top Tech Award Advisory Board
• Genesis Orchestrators
What do you attribute your success to?
I would say staying true to myself has been the key factor to my success. Of course I've grown, and I've developed, and I've modified over the years, but I think still at the core, I'm still that same confident, strong, ideas type of individual. So I think it's been just staying true to myself throughout my journey.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say have a strong voice and be confident. However, avoid being the bull in the china shop. It's something I'm still telling myself today, and it's what I would tell my younger self as well. You need to speak up and be confident in your ideas, but you also need to be mindful of how you approach things.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
To lead with empathy. I am a whole-self leader and it is important to show up authentic. When personal life is heavy, I know to step away professionally and vice versa. I also want my team to feel this support and know when they are having a season and need to step away, their team members understand and will welcome them with open arms when ready to return.
Locations
Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging
Las Vegas, NV