Whitney Johnson, MHA, PRC

I attribute my success to my ambition, persistence, and commitment to continuous learning. I've always been someone who sets high goals and actively pursues opportunities to grow, whether that's taking classes, earning certifications, or developing new skills that make me more effective in my role. I'm also incredibly resilient. I don't view setbacks as reasons to give up—I see them as motivation to keep improving. A great example is my current company. I applied for opportunities there several times over the years and wasn't selected. Instead of becoming discouraged, I continued building my experience and refining my skills. Eventually, I applied again, was hired, and now I'm in a role that I genuinely love. That experience reinforced my belief that persistence, preparation, and a positive attitude can create opportunities that initially seem out of reach. I bring that same mindset to my work every day by embracing challenges, seeking feedback, and always looking for ways to learn and contribute at a higher level.

The best career advice I ever received came from a manager and mentor who encouraged me to never be afraid to have conversations with the right people. She taught me the importance of making myself visible, building relationships, and advocating for my career instead of waiting for opportunities to come to me. She also emphasized taking on additional responsibilities and volunteering for projects outside of my core role. Her advice was that promotions and new opportunities aren't earned solely through doing your job well—they're earned by consistently demonstrating your value, initiative, and willingness to contribute beyond what's expected. I've carried that advice with me throughout my career. It's helped me build strong professional relationships, expand my skill set, and position myself for new opportunities. I've learned that career growth isn't just about working hard; it's also about being intentional, speaking up, and making sure your contributions are seen.

One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is to position yourself to be heard. Don't be afraid to have a seat at the table, share your ideas, and contribute to meaningful conversations. Every organization has opportunities for improvement, and fresh perspectives can help drive positive change. I also believe in taking ownership of my professional growth by doing my research and continuously educating myself. In provider onboarding, that means understanding what it truly takes to be at the center of onboarding physicians and advanced practice providers—from creating an exceptional onboarding experience to partnering effectively with stakeholders, anticipating challenges, and ensuring providers are set up for success from day one. When you combine preparation, curiosity, and the confidence to speak up, you're able to make a greater impact, build credibility, and become a trusted partner within the organization.

One of the biggest challenges in provider onboarding is keeping physicians and advanced practice providers engaged throughout the process. Unlike many other types of onboarding, physician onboarding can span several months—and in some cases, six months or longer—depending on credentialing, licensing, payer enrollment, and other administrative requirements. During such a lengthy process, it's easy for providers to feel disconnected or uncertain about where they are in the timeline. That's why I believe consistent communication is critical. I make it a priority to provide regular updates, set clear expectations, respond promptly to questions, and proactively check in, even when there isn't a major milestone to report. These touchpoints help build trust, reduce anxiety, and reassure providers that they're supported every step of the way. My goal is to create a positive onboarding experience that keeps providers engaged and excited to join the organization long before their first day.

The two qualities I value most are transparency and support. Transparency is important because I believe people can make the best decisions and do their best work when they have the full picture. Open, honest communication builds trust, sets clear expectations, and helps teams stay aligned. Even when the news is difficult, I appreciate leaders who communicate openly and provide the context behind decisions. Support, to me, means having a manager who has my back, doesn't jump to conclusions or make assumptions, and is willing to listen. I value leaders who are approachable, open to new ideas, provide guidance when needed, and empower their team to solve problems and grow professionally. Knowing that I can bring forward ideas, ask questions, and have constructive conversations creates an environment where I can perform at my best. When I have transparency and support from my leadership, I'm able to be more confident, collaborative, and effective in delivering results.