Tara M. Jackson, BAS, RCMT

I attribute my success to a combination of discipline, adaptability, and purpose.

First, discipline has been the foundation. Consistently showing up, whether it’s long shifts, academic deadlines, or leadership responsibilities, has allowed me to build reliability and trust over time. In healthcare, especially, where patient outcomes depend on precision and accountability, that consistency matters.

Second, adaptability has been critical. Healthcare is constantly evolving, with new systems, policies, and patient needs, and I’ve learned to adjust quickly. From working across different organizations to navigating workflow changes and electronic health record systems, being flexible has helped me stay effective in any environment.

Third, my sense of purpose drives everything. My commitment to improving patient care, particularly in underserved communities, keeps me focused on long-term impact rather than short-term challenges. Whether it’s optimizing workflows, improving communication, or advancing my education, I stay aligned with the bigger picture.

Finally, I would add continuous learning. Pursuing further education, developing leadership skills, and applying evidence-based practices have allowed me to grow beyond my role and think strategically about healthcare systems.

Together, these elements discipline, adaptability, purpose, and continuous growth have shaped both my professional success and my ability to contribute meaningfully to healthcare.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is: “Don’t just do your job understand the system your job lives in.”

Early in a career, it’s easy to focus on tasks—getting through the shift, completing documentation, supporting providers. But the real growth happens when you start asking why things are done a certain way and how everything connects operations, finance, patient outcomes, and policy.

That shift in thinking is what separates a strong employee from a leader.

For example, in healthcare, it’s not just about completing an AVS or managing in-basket messages it’s about understanding how those actions impact readmissions, reimbursement models like value-based care, compliance requirements, and patient safety. Once you see that bigger picture, you start making decisions differently. You become proactive instead of reactive.

That advice also pushed me to:

•Think beyond my role and contribute ideas for improvement

•Learn the financial and operational side of healthcare

•Align my work with outcomes, not just tasks

•Prepare for leadership, not just employment

In short, it taught me to move from task-based thinking to systems-based thinking and that’s been a game changer for long-term success.

My advice to young women entering healthcare is this: own your voice early, and don’t wait for permission to lead.

Healthcare can be demanding and, at times, hierarchical. It’s easy to fall into the mindset of “just doing your role.” But your perspective matters especially as a woman. Speak up when you see gaps in care, inefficiencies in workflows, or opportunities to improve patient outcomes. Your insight is valuable, even if you’re new.

Second, learn beyond your job description. Don’t limit yourself to tasks; understand operations, policy, and finance. The more you understand how healthcare systems work, the more influence you’ll have. That’s how you move from being part of the workforce to shaping it.

Third, protect your boundaries and your well-being. This field will take as much as you give it. Long hours and emotional strain are real, especially in areas like mental health and addiction. Prioritizing rest and balance isn’t a weakness—it’s sustainability.

Fourth, find mentors and build your network. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, support your growth, and open doors. At the same time, be willing to mentor others as you grow. Leadership is about lifting others, not just advancing yourself.

Finally, stay grounded in purpose. Healthcare is about people. When things get overwhelming, reconnect with why you started—whether it’s patient advocacy, community impact, or improving systems. Purpose will carry you through the hardest days.

In short: be confident, stay curious, set boundaries, and lead with purpose.

One of the biggest challenges in healthcare right now—especially in mental health and addiction services—is the gap between demand and capacity. We are seeing more patients needing care than ever before, but the workforce and resources have not kept up. This creates delays in access, high caseloads, and increased burnout among staff. From my perspective, a major issue is not just staffing, but workflow breakdowns—missed communication, delayed documentation, and lack of consistency in processes. These gaps directly impact patient outcomes, particularly in vulnerable populations where follow-up care and coordination are critical.

At the same time, there is a significant opportunity to improve how care is delivered. Healthcare is shifting toward value-based models, which means organizations are now being held accountable for outcomes, not just volume. This creates space for leaders to step in and redesign workflows, strengthen communication, and ensure continuity of care. In mental health and addiction services, there is also growing recognition of the need for more integrated and culturally responsive care. This aligns with the work I am passionate about—closing healthcare gaps and improving access for underserved communities.

Overall, I see this moment as both challenging and transformative. While the system is under strain, it is also open to change in ways it hasn’t been before. There is a real opportunity to lead with purpose, use data to drive decisions, and implement solutions that not only improve efficiency but also enhance the patient experience. For me, it comes down to being proactive—identifying where the breakdowns are and taking intentional steps to fix them in a way that supports both patients and staff.

The values that are most important to me, both in my work and personal life, are integrity, compassion, accountability, and purpose. Integrity is the foundation I believe in, doing the right thing even when no one is watching, especially in healthcare, where trust is everything. Compassion is just as important. Every patient has a story, and I make it a priority to treat people with dignity, respect, and understanding, particularly in mental health and addiction services where vulnerability is high.

Accountability is another value I live by. I hold myself responsible for the work I do and the outcomes it produces. Whether it’s ensuring documentation is completed accurately, workflows are followed, or patients receive the care they need, I believe in owning my role fully. That same accountability carries into my personal life, showing up, being dependable, and following through on commitments.

Finally, purpose drives everything I do. I don’t just want to work in healthcare; I want to make a meaningful impact. That means continuously learning, growing into leadership, and finding ways to close care gaps, especially for underserved communities. These values keep me grounded, focused, and aligned with the kind of professional and person I strive to be.