Board Member Spotlight – Meet Deb Schoenthaler

By | May 11, 2021

HFMA is pleased to bring you a recurring feature on the blog, the Board and Committee Member Spotlight. Below is an interview with our outgoing Board of Directors President, Deb Schoenthaler, discussing her history and future with HFMA. Keep an eye out for more interviews coming regularly.

Tell us how you came to a career in healthcare and the path to your current position in your organization.

[DS]  I was one of those college grads who realized she did not want to be a physician but loved health care. I took an entry level position as a financial analyst at Harvard Community Health Plan (HPHC), and moved up through the organization, gaining experience in contracting and operations. I also enrolled in a graduate program in healthcare administration that was tailored to working students. I eventually transitioned from HPHC to a position at a physician organization, which broadened my experience to both the payor and provider perspectives of the healthcare business.

What was your moment of truth? An event or a decision that became a defining moment in your career. 

[DS]  When I was an analyst at HCHP, I was always looking for ways to learn more, but also to show my boss that I had initiative. While working on a particular project, I began to think about ways that I could improve and expand on the work that I had been asked to do, that would bring more depth and perspective to the final product. I stayed late and came in on weekends to finish this “extra project”, and my boss recognized my initiative and creativity. I saw how self-motivation and a curiosity for learning can go a long way, and have since maintained a commitment to lifelong learning. I always look for ways to learn more, to keep asking questions, and to take that extra step to improve my work.

What book are you currently reading, podcast are you listening to or a series you are binge watching?

[DS]  I just started reading The Book of Gutsy Women by Hillary and Chelsea Clinton. I regularly listen to podcasts from Andy Slavitt and Jordan Harbinger, and of course the Office Ladies. I also just finished “The Mystery Show” podcast by Starlee Kine – can’t hype it enough! I am a mystery/crime TV series junkie, especially those from the BBC– I loved The Five and What Happened to Monday. On the comedy side I recently finished binging Schitt’s Creek and Community – both excellent!

What was your first job and how did you end up with it?

[DS]I was a lifeguard and swim instructor at my hometown pool. I applied through the town, it was my first job interview. I’m still not quite sure why they gave me the job, at 14 I wasn’t very seasoned at answering important questions. However, I always tell people that first job taught me the most important lessons: 1) You can’t scare people into doing things. Coaxing kids into the pool works better in the long run than pushing them in when they aren’t ready. 2) If you make a lesson fun – “let’s see who can splash the most by kicking their legs as straight as possible” –  participation levels and satisfaction in the task at hand increase, and 3) Persistence in coaching is usually rewarded.  Watching that scared kid finally jump off the diving board is equally as satisfying for the teacher as it is for the kid.

Who do you admire the most? Can be fictional character, celebrity, scholar!

[DS] I feel like the pandemic has had me rethinking my responses to questions like this one. Instead of naming one person, I would say that I admire people who are genuine and are working to bring good to the world, and are effortlessly comfortable doing that in big and small ways.

What was the most important take away/ most impressionable memory you have of your early days in HFMA?

[DS]  As you read this blog post interview, I am finishing up my year as President of MA-RI Chapter of HFMA, a position that I am honored and privileged to hold. And what I would say to those early in your careers or early in your membership in HFMA is to keep doing what you are doing – attend every educational event you can, participate on a committee, join in on social events – because that is how you will make the connections to lifelong friends and colleagues who will form your all-important network. The people you meet in HFMA will answer your questions about how to fill out that application form for a payer, or will become your mentor and advise you when you don’t know what path to take, or will assist if you want to change jobs and need contacts.  Being a member of HFMA has had an enormous impact on my professional career, and I hope you allow it to do the same for you.

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/debschoenthaler/

Twitter:   @healthcare_COO