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WOMEN IN
MEDICINE

cent in 2017. WellMed clinics achieved this
high mark even with more rigorous standards
added to the assessment each year. We also re-
alized improved communication and collabo-
ration between departments, such as
credentialing, education and training, and
clinic operations.
Most importantly, the process forced us to
further improve to meet our goals to promote
patient safety, quality of care and efficiency of
care. Like most physicians, these benchmarks
are impetus for why I got into medicine. Just
as importantly, we improve the overall patient
experience by continually striving to achieve
these goals.
Caring for others also taught me the impor-
tance of caring for myself. How can I expect
my patients to be healthy if I’m not serving as
an example?
to nearly real-time information about how our Running is one of my favorite ways to do
patients view us and the quality of their care. just that. I’ve finished five half-marathons, and
This kind of scalable instant feedback wasn’t I am currently training for my sixth. I also
imaginable more than a decade ago when I raced in two sprint triathlons. I love the phys-
completed my medical training. With new rating systems, patients ical and mental challenges of pushing my limits, yet I have to ac-
can see whether practices are rated 1 star or 5 stars, and review what company the rigorous training with a healthy diet.
other patients think of the service. It truly is the Age of the Con- Living a healthy lifestyle includes keeping a daily mindfulness and
sumer. gratitude practice, as well. Running is a fantastic stress reliever, mak-
That is one reason I am particularly proud of my involvement ing me a better-rounded person and practitioner. It shows in my at-
last year in helping WellMed to earn the Gold Seal of Approval for titude. My daughter and my close friends can even tell when I am
Ambulatory Health Care from The Joint Commission, the nation’s overdue for a good long run!
oldest and largest independent standards-setting and accrediting I also make time for my family and friends by planning at least a
healthcare body. Additionally, The Joint Commission awarded all couple of vacations annually. Experiencing other cultures, places
WellMed clinics with a Primary Care Medical Home (PCMH) Cer- and foods makes for a relaxing and enriching vacation. The chance
tification. Fewer than 350 medical groups in the country have at- to unplug and recharge also makes me a better physician for my pa-
tained both distinctions from The Joint Commission. tients and my staff when I do return to “the real world.”
The journey to achieve these recognitions was arduous. Rigorous Balancing work and life is never easy, particularly for those of us
preparation validated WellMed's compliance with federal, state and devoted to the practice of medicine. Yet making that balance a pri-
local regulatory policies and procedures, as well as safety policies ority is essential so we can be effective for our patients, our families,
set by our affiliated healthcare companies. and ourselves.
The hard work paid off in several ways. WellMed experienced an
18-point jump between 2015 and 2017 in the Optum annual Patient Laura Huete, MD, MBA, FACMQ, CMQ, is Senior Medical Director
Health and Safety Assessment, from 79 percent in 2015 to 97 per- for Clinical Quality and Patient Safety for WellMed Medical Group.

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