HFMA is pleased to bring you a recurring feature on the blog, the Board and Committee Member Spotlight. Below is an interview with one of our board members, Billy Trujillo, discussing his history and future with HFMA. Keep an eye out for more interviews coming regularly.
What was your first job and how did you end up with it?
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- [bt] My first job was as a go-kart attendant at Malibu Grand Prix in Atlanta, GA. Think of it as a smaller (and lower budget) Dave and Buster’s with a go-kart track and a mini putt putt course. It was a great summer job as a 16 year old, and I was able to get the job because a friend of mine worked there and helped me get the interview. I was so nervous. I wore a suit and tie to my interview because my Dad said I should try to look professional. Also, I should mention it was my Dad’s suit. It was sooo baggy on my little 16 year old body. Let’s just say I was a bit over dressed, but I got the job! As for a job in Healthcare, my first was with Triage Consulting Group as an Associate Consultant performing Comprehensive Underpayment Reviews. I went to a career fair at the University of Georgia and started talking to the “Triagers” at the booth, and I had an interview the next day. I am still with the same company 7.5 years later and I am very happy here.
- [bt] My first job was as a go-kart attendant at Malibu Grand Prix in Atlanta, GA. Think of it as a smaller (and lower budget) Dave and Buster’s with a go-kart track and a mini putt putt course. It was a great summer job as a 16 year old, and I was able to get the job because a friend of mine worked there and helped me get the interview. I was so nervous. I wore a suit and tie to my interview because my Dad said I should try to look professional. Also, I should mention it was my Dad’s suit. It was sooo baggy on my little 16 year old body. Let’s just say I was a bit over dressed, but I got the job! As for a job in Healthcare, my first was with Triage Consulting Group as an Associate Consultant performing Comprehensive Underpayment Reviews. I went to a career fair at the University of Georgia and started talking to the “Triagers” at the booth, and I had an interview the next day. I am still with the same company 7.5 years later and I am very happy here.
How has your time as an HFMA member benefitted you?
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- [bt] The networking. I am from (and still live) in Atlanta, GA. About 2.5 years ago I was tasked with growing the Triage footprint in the New England Market. I knew no one, and we only had 1 or 2 clients in the region. HFMA was a great way for me to get plugged in to the healthcare community, and I am so happy I did. I have made some great friends and met new colleagues through my time attending conferences, webinars, and social events put on by the chapter.
What led you to become an HFMA Board Member?
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- [bt] As I said, I knew no one when I started out, so my goal was to offer to help anyway I could just to be able to meet people in the industry. HFMA is a volunteer led organization, so my volunteering to help plan events and meeting people at conferences really fit in with what chapter leadership needed from members. I was able to get on the Revenue Cycle Conference Committee and slowly my responsibilities grew there and to other parts of the chapter. Earlier this year I got certified as CRCR and CHFP. Now I am the Young Professional Liaison to the board. I’m hoping I can qualify as a young professional for at least a few more years haha.
What are you most looking forward to in your role as Board Member?
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- [bt] I would like to find a way to get more social responsibility and community volunteering into the chapter. One of Triage’s guiding principles is social responsibility, and I have been involved with giving back to our community partners in Atlanta for years. COVID-19 has made it more difficult to find true volunteer opportunities in person, but I am hopeful to get a chapter volunteer event on the books in 2021 when it is safe to do so.
What is your favorite HFMA event to be involved with?
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- [bt] The Revenue Cycle Conference at Gillette Stadium. Even as an Atlanta Falcons fan (I know 28-3… sheesh y’all ever gonna forget that one??) the experience in the club level of that stadium is pretty cool.
What was your first HFMA event?
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- [bt] My first event was one of the chapter’s social events at a winery in central Massachusetts. I do not recall the name of the winery, and there were only like 5 people in attendance, but I met Tom Jabro, my longest friend that I met through HFMA, so I would say it was worth it!
What was the most important take away you have of your early days in HFMA?
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- [bt] Go to every event and talk to people! I have met wonderful people of all different backgrounds just by introducing myself to a stranger at a conference. Were there some awkward moments? Sure, but totally worth it to make the friends I now have.
What do you like to do when you are not working?
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- [bt] I like to golf, snuggle with my dog, Grady, and go to dinners and on hikes with my beautiful fiancé, Kaitlin. I’d say those 3 things have kept me happy and sane through the craziness that is 2020.
