Military Appreciation Month Q&A: Amy E. Russo

As part of MGMA’s efforts during National Military Appreciation Month, we are sharing stories from those who are serving or have served.

This week, we shine a spotlight on Amy E. Russo, MSC, CMPE, Lt. Col., USAF, USAF SG3/4S Chief, Support Branch/Deputy, Medical Support Division.

Q. How did you decide to join the U.S. Air Force?

A. My father had been in the Army, a decorated expert marksman for the All-Army Pistol Team, and then retired from Civil Service with the Army Corps of Engineers. He had always encouraged me to join the service. I wanted to pursue other career options as a vocalist. When I went back to college, I transferred to UNC-Charlotte. … After receiving a brochure from Army ROTC, I visited the detachment on campus to glean more information about their program; they weren’t in — the Air Force ROTC detachment leadership was. I decided to take a military sciences course after a conversation and I loved it! 

Q. What does your role entail regarding practice management?

A. I’ve served in several capacities over the past 22 years: six years in human resources and 16 years as a healthcare administrator and member of the Medical Service Corps as the lead group practice manager for both primary care and specialty care at both outpatient and inpatient facilities. Of all the healthcare business operations functions in the Air Force Medical Service (finance, IT, logistics, readiness, TRICARE, patient administration and group practice management), practice management provides the most dynamic and rewarding opportunity to work closest with patients and the clinical staff, finding solutions to difficult challenges and enabling delivery of trusted care.

Currently, I work at the Defense Health Headquarters in support of policy execution for the Air Force Medical Service, which provides governance for practice management across 76 military treatment facilities in the continental United States and multiple locations abroad.

Q. How has that role and your day-to-day duties evolved since the COVID-19 crisis began?

A. Our focus as an organization shifted to prioritize efforts in support of COVID-19. Personally, I worked with a team of colleagues to rapidly develop a training packet that would allow our facilities’ chief executive officers the flexibility to expedite the cross-training of additional staff, expanding the manpower available to respond to new CDC standards.

Q. How have you adjusted in your personal life outside of work as a result of COVID-19?

A. A routine is a saving grace during this time. While teleworking for the last seven and a half weeks, my family and I have developed a battle rhythm of at least one hour of exercise Monday through Friday, at least one hour of reading (if no homework), and at least one project in the house or outside each day (cleaning out a cabinet, organizing or fixing something, finishing a creative project, etc.). It helps.

Q. Do you do anything specifically to help manage stress/anxiety due to these changes?

A. Exercise, trying to eat healthy and participating in Zoom chats with friends, extended family and church members.

Q. In honor of Military Appreciation Month, who is someone you appreciate?

A. I appreciate my supportive leadership and colleagues, but my family most of all. The focus of accolades tends to be on military members and public servants, yet the families of those individuals are the quiet strength and support that no one hears or talks about. I could not have accomplished all that I have over the past 22 years of military service without the unwavering support of my smart, patient, funny, resilient and zany family.

Q. Is there anything else you would like to add?

A. I’m appreciative to MGMA for the support of and collaboration with the military departments and service members over the years. I would be remiss if I did not convey significant appreciation to the mentors and friends I have been blessed with from within MGMA: Steve Sales, Dave Gans, Frank Ford, Ann Vaughn, Sean Marshall, Joyce Beaty and many more!

Showing our appreciation

We thank Amy for sharing these thoughts and for her ongoing service. If you know an active-duty healthcare leader or veteran working in healthcare you’d like to nominate for National Military Appreciation Month, email us.