Military Appreciation Month Q&A: Jurquealyn Bradley, MHA, endocrinology practice manager

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 Jurquealyn Bradley, MHA, endocrinology practice manager.

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

A. If I’m being completely transparent, I followed my sister in her decision to join the Army. We were both living in our hometown going to the same community college when she decided to join. … We had plans to join the same branch, with the same entry date, same basic training location and same duty station. I definitely admired my sister. Ironically, I ended up entering the military a few months before her, causing me to experience this drastic change alone. I was able to write her funny stories of my experiences while I awaited her arrival. … How I ended up in the military is not your typical story, but once I joined I was certain it was the best decision for me.

Q. What does your role entail regarding practice management?

A. Have you heard the saying “jack-of-all-trades”? ...  For me, in practice management this old conventional phrase lends to the proficiency and diverse skill set required of me to be successful in my role. I hold the expectation of myself to be knowledgeable in many facets of healthcare management because I am responsible for countless duties that are not specific to one skill/task. My role necessitates me to continuously seek to improve myself, my organization and my team.

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

A. I would have never thought when I joined the military as a medic that I would one day be leading a multi-site practice through a pandemic. The dynamics of the crisis has demanded extreme flexibility and adaptation to change. The crisis has required me to hone in on specific skills, such as resource preservation and leading my team through change (these are skills the military have instilled in me).

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

A. I have attempted to be more creative and learn something new. My family made face masks, we utilized workout equipment that started to collect dust, I tried new recipes — and I had my first (and hopefully last) Happy Quarantine Birthday Party.  

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

A. I had to think about what would make me happy to counter the stress/anxiety. I listen to audio books, and I set three goals that I am actively pursuing:

1. Start a business
2. Enroll in school or earn new credentials
3. Stock market knowledge growth. 

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

A. I appreciate my family. It’s easy to just be me with them, and they accept me for who I am.  My success would not be possible if I did not have them helping and encouraging me throughout this journey.

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

A. When the dust settles and the world around us looks different, I hope to foster this change within myself to continuously evolve as a person and leader while encouraging others to do the same.

Showing our appreciation

We thank Jurquealyn 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.