MGMA Member Spotlight: Sula Coria-Garza on the role of networking and technology in unlocking healthcare solutions

Sula Coria-Garza is an MGMA member and practice leader in healthcare technology. With experience in nonprofit work, including time at Austin’s People’s Community Clinic, she understands the challenges and advancements in healthcare, especially in technology and artificial intelligence. From overcoming obstacles in tech adoption to improving patient communication with translation tools, Coria-Garza's commitment and adaptability make her an influential figure for healthcare leaders and practice managers across the country.

Embracing AI for Enhanced Patient Communication

Coria-Garza has focused on improving healthcare technology at People’s Community Clinic by incorporating AI translation services into their patient portal. This addition helps reduce language barriers and supports better patient communication.

“We've noticed that now a lot of our patients are communicating with us through the patient portal, but they do have different languages and there's not a tool available to be able to translate what our providers are completing as far as the treatment. So they're having to go outside of the EMR system to actually have that translated,” she explains.

However, ensuring patient privacy while using third-party software can be challenging. The clinic’s AI solution allows for HIPAA-compliant, instant translations, avoiding the need for external tools that could compromise data security. For other healthcare organizations, Coria-Garza’s approach to secure patient communication serves as a valuable blueprint for problem-solving in multilingual settings.

AI’s potential to streamline healthcare workflows and enhance efficiency is a game-changer for practices like People’s Community Clinic. By automating translation services, Coria-Garza’s team has been able to expedite patient interactions without sacrificing accuracy or privacy.

“AI allows us to communicate with patients in real-time, providing immediate access to care in their preferred language,” she notes.

The example illustrates how AI can directly impact patient satisfaction and engagement by meeting diverse language needs promptly. For healthcare organizations considering similar solutions, Coria-Garza’s approach highlights how AI can improve operational efficiency and accessibility without compromising patient trust.

Overcoming Barriers in Technology Adoption

Coria-Garza highlights the gap between available technology and practical implementation, a common struggle in healthcare. During the pandemic, telehealth was swiftly adopted—a shift that might have taken years otherwise. This pivot, as Coria-Garza notes, demonstrated the industry’s ability to adapt quickly under pressure.

“When we had the pandemic, all of a sudden in over a weekend, people were able to implement telehealth and telemedicine,” she recounts.

This experience underlines the importance of prioritizing technology projects to advance patient care. Coria-Garza notes that although they’ve faced challenges—such as cybersecurity risks—they’ve made significant strides. For practice leaders, she advises to assess and realign priorities regularly to overcome barriers and fully leverage available technologies.

Continuous Learning and Networking with MGMA

As a lifelong learner, Coria-Garza credits much of her professional growth to MGMA’s certification programs, which cover areas like finance, operations and human resources. Through MGMA, members gain access to resources and certifications that equip them with essential skills for managing today’s healthcare complexities. Investing in professional development is critical for healthcare leaders aiming to improve operations within their practices.

Networking is another pillar of Coria-Garza’s experience with MGMA. At an MGMA conference in Boston, she connected with other leaders facing similar challenges. This experience of shared understanding and camaraderie helped her feel less isolated in her professional struggles.

“It was an eye opener, she highlights. “It was interesting because we all sat down at the table and we were actually all experiencing the same thing. We have to provide the services, but how do we not lose out on so much?”

For practice managers, having a supportive network can be invaluable. By engaging with peers who share similar responsibilities, leaders can exchange solutions, advice and strategies. Coria-Garza’s experience is a testament to the strength and value of community within MGMA.

Addressing Work-Life Balance in High-Stakes Roles

In an industry that often demands relentless dedication, Coria-Garza’s approach to maintaining a work-life balance is refreshingly simple. She spends time outdoors enjoying pastimes like fishing that provide a much-needed break from her work responsibilities.

For healthcare professionals facing high-stress environments, finding similar activities that allow them to unplug and recharge is essential. Coria-Garza’s example reinforces the importance of setting boundaries and finding personal time, which ultimately helps her be more effective in her professional role.

Moving Forward with Purpose and Passion

Coria-Garza’s dedication to nonprofit healthcare has spanned over 30 years. She describes her career as driven by a passion for community service and patient care. This purpose-driven approach not only fuels her commitment to her role, but also underscores the mission of many nonprofit healthcare providers.

“It’s the passion for serving the community that keeps me going,” Coria-Garza shares, emphasizing the importance of empathy and commitment in healthcare.

For healthcare leaders, Coria-Garza’s journey is an inspiring reminder to focus on the human side of healthcare, ensuring that technology and processes always serve to enhance patient care.

Resources:

• MGMA ACMPE Certification Program – Essential certification for healthcare management professionals.
• Visit the MGMA Website for resources, educational materials, and upcoming events.
• People’s Community Clinic