How to Grow in Your Healthcare Career with Vision Integrated Partners

An Interview with Laura McDonald, Practice Administrator at Mid America Eye Center

Are you looking to advance your career in the healthcare industry, particularly in ophthalmology? Vision Integrated Partners (VIP) and its affiliated practices, including Mid America Eye Center, offer dynamic environments that foster professional growth and development. Here, we explore various opportunities within VIP, highlighting how you can progress and succeed in both clinical and nonclinical roles.

What opportunities for continuing education and specialized training do Vision Integrated Partners and its affiliated practices offer in ophthalmology? 

Staying updated with the latest advancements in ophthalmology is crucial for professional growth. VIP practices, including Mid America Eye Center, understand this and provide numerous opportunities for continuing education and specialized training. 

Laura McDonald, practice administrator for Mid America Eye Center, shared her experience.

“I took it upon myself to pursue additional certifications, and Mid America Eye Center was very supportive, even paying for my American Academy of Ophthalmology certification,” she said. “They supported my desire to advance my knowledge and skills through various training programs and courses.”

With support from VIP, Mid America Eye Center encourages continued education in the form of educational resources, including workshops, seminars, and online courses, to ensure that employees are well-versed in the latest techniques and technologies. This commitment to education helps staff members provide the highest-quality care to patients and positions them as leaders in the field. 

Can you describe the career progression for clinical and nonclinical roles within VIP? 

Understanding the available pathways for career advancement is essential for anyone looking to grow within an organization. At VIP and Mid America Eye Center, both clinical and nonclinical roles offer substantial opportunities for progression. 

Laura’s career journey is a testament to this. “I started with a temporary position assisting with a database conversion at Mid America Eye Center. My background was not in ophthalmology, but within six months, I was asked to stay on to help with accounts receivable and ophthalmic coding,” she said. 

“Mid America Eye Center supported my pursuit of certifications, and over time, I became a utility player throughout the practice. I was (and still am) the on-site IT person, along with filling in for the previous administrator when needed as well as being the go-to person for the techs and clinic for compliance issues. The support I received was tremendous, and now, I’ve been the practice administrator since Jan. 1.” 

Laura emphasizes the importance of having a customer service mentality and compassion.

“We are a business, but we care about the individual. Compassion is a big part of our business,” she said. 

For those looking to advance, her advice is clear. “Be the best at what you do. Understand your job, apply yourself, and put in the effort.” 

How does VIP support employees in obtaining and maintaining certifications or credentials specific to ophthalmology? 

In a specialized field such as ophthalmology, certifications can significantly impact career advancement. VIP, including Mid America Eye Center, is committed to helping employees obtain and maintain these important credentials. 

“Mid America was 100 percent supportive of my career progression,” Laura said. “They supported my full coding certificate through the American Academy of Professional Coders and encouraged me to take additional classes and certifications to enhance my skills.”

VIP provides resources and financial assistance for various certifications, ensuring that staff members remain at the forefront of the industry. This support not only benefits the employees but also enhances the quality of care provided to patients.

How does VIP foster innovation and collaboration among different departments, such as clinical research, patient care, and technology development? 

Interdisciplinary collaboration is key to innovation in healthcare. VIP, including Mid America Eye Center, promotes a culture of open dialogue and teamwork. 

“As a manager, I am open to change and listen to my team’s suggestions,” Laura said. “We promote an environment of open dialogue where everyone’s opinions are valued. This fosters exceptional patient care and streamlined processes. Many of our team members are cross-trained, allowing us to work together efficiently.”

For those new to the field, Laura advised, “Keep in mind that we are here for patient care. Listen, be willing to learn, and adapt. Healthcare changes often, so be ready to grow and serve the patient.”

Check out open positions and apply at Vision Integrated Partners today.

Vision Integrated Partners, along with Mid America Eye Center, offers a wealth of opportunities for those looking to advance their careers in healthcare, particularly in ophthalmology. Whether you are in a clinical or nonclinical role, VIP provides the support, education, and collaborative environment needed for professional growth.

For more information about working with VIP and Mid America Eye Center, download our free FAQ. Then, check out our open positions. 

Embark on your journey with VIP and Mid America Eye Center and make a meaningful impact in the field of ophthalmology.