The Role of Passion and Purpose in Healthcare Careers with Dr. Stella Onuoha-Obilor

"Magic does not happen within your comfort zone. Your greatness starts where your comfort zone ends." These words from Stella Onuoha-Obilor, MD, DrPH, MPH, RN, FACHE, CPHQ, CCM encapsulate the driving force behind her remarkable career in healthcare. A physician executive with over 18 years of experience, Dr. Onuoha-Obilor blends clinical expertise, population health strategies, and a unique passionate healthcare approach to reshape how we think about—and deliver—healthcare. Her journey exemplifies the diverse healthcare management skills required in today's complex medical landscape and provides insight into what does a healthcare manager do on a daily basis.

In a recent conversation with Cole from the American Journal of Healthcare Strategy, Dr. Onuoha-Obilor delved into her professional journey, offered strategies for early-career healthcare professionals, and highlighted leadership principles that help create impactful patient and team engagement. Her story serves as an inspiration for those considering why choose healthcare as a career and highlights the advantages of working in this dynamic field.

A Unique Blend of Clinical and Administrative Expertise

Dr. Onuoha-Obilor's career path is nothing short of impressive:

• More than 18 years of experience in clinical quality, population health strategy, and patient safety—spanning both hospital and health-plan enterprise levels.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Green Belt certifications, underscoring her mastery of process improvement and problem-solving skills.
• Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ).
• MPH and Doctor of Public Health (DRPH) degrees, along with a Certificate in Health Outcomes Research from 美国哈佛大学 .

She intentionally sought out robust education and training to meet the demands of complex healthcare environments, demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning. According to Dr. Onuoha-Obilor, "If you are getting into clinical quality, certifications will always make you stand out. If I'm looking at different résumés… I will equally look at: Is this person a certified case manager? Are they a certified professional in healthcare quality? Or do they have process improvement knowledge such as Lean Six Sigma? Those skill sets are essential in today's complex healthcare delivery system." This approach highlights why are you the best person for this job healthcare and emphasizes the importance of continuous skill development.

Finding Your "Why" in Healthcare

Dr. Onuoha-Obilor emphasized the critical importance of identifying one's passion and purpose when considering a career in healthcare. Whether you are a practicing clinician, a student considering an administrative path, or someone pivoting mid-career, the question remains the same: What is your "why"? This question often comes up as a why you choose healthcare as your career interview question.

"For me, that strong zeal to be part of fixing healthcare, of developing quality programs that impact millions of lives, was the key driver," she said. Another way to say I am passionate about healthcare is to focus on its potential for widespread impact. "I'm not saying clinical one-on-one practice isn't valuable, but it depends on where your passion lies. I saw myself doing well on a platform where I could impact many more people with the work that I do."

She encourages students and early-career professionals to explore the different avenues in healthcare—ranging from direct patient care to population health strategies—and to align their professional development accordingly. Whether earning a Master's in Health Administration, an MPH, or a DRPH, the guiding star should be an honest understanding of personal strengths and motivations. This approach highlights the importance of understanding why did you choose healthcare as a profession and finding one's unique place within the field.

Challenges Facing Today's Healthcare Leaders

1. Data, Data, Data

One of the greatest challenges, Dr. Onuoha-Obilor argues, is the sheer volume and fragmentation of healthcare data. Silos across departments—whether in clinical services, regulatory compliance, care management, or HEDIS projects—often lead to duplication and inefficiency.

This challenge requires healthcare professionals to develop strong critical thinking and analytical skills to navigate complex data landscapes.

2. Patient and Member Engagement

Another critical hurdle is ensuring patient (or member) engagement—particularly among those managing chronic conditions. According to Dr. Onuoha-Obilor, social determinants of health (SDOH) play a significant role. A patient's reluctance to attend regular check-ups might have less to do with ignorance and more to do with transportation, financial constraints, or lack of family support.

This approach to patient care underscores the importance of compassion for patients and the need for healthcare professionals to develop strong interpersonal skills. Understanding what excellent patient care means to you is crucial for healthcare professionals at all levels, from medical assisting to executive roles.

The Power of Servant Leadership

Long recognized as an engagement champion, Dr. Onuoha-Obilor believes any success in patient engagement must begin with a commitment to team engagement. She holds that "nobody gives what they don't have," meaning organizations should first invest in developing, motivating, and valuing their workforce.

"Happy team members, happy members," Dr. Onuoha-Obilor says. "Leadership is a reflection of organizational culture. If an organization wants to excel with patients, it must first excel with its staff."

Her approach to leadership is both servant and transformational, emphasizing the importance of team leadership and strong communication skills. These qualities are essential management traits in healthcare and help describe traits of a successful medical office manager:

1. Empathy and Compassion – She leads by example, caring for the needs of every team member as a whole person.
2. Respect for Individuals – Dr. Onuoha-Obilor reminds us that people are not just their work; people have intrinsic value.
3. Open Communication – Valuing and informing team members fosters a culture where goals are shared and achievements are celebrated.
4. Model the Behavior – "I want to be the message, not just send it," she says, underscoring the importance of consistency between a leader's words and actions.

This leadership style not only enhances team performance but also contributes to job security and satisfaction within the healthcare industry. It also highlights some of the positive attributes of a medical administrative assistant that contribute to a well-functioning healthcare team.

Letters to My Corporate Sisters

Dr. Onuoha-Obilor co-authored the book Letters to My Corporate Sisters: Stories of Endurance, Elevation, and Encouragement, contributing a chapter titled Being Inspired by Challenges. In it, she recounts her own journey from Nigeria to the United States, navigating cultural shifts and new professional landscapes.

"Magic does not happen within your comfort zone," she reiterates. "Your greatness starts from where your comfort zone ends. At times, challenges are opportunities for growth—both personally and professionally. It's about adopting an abundance mindset, refusing to be dragged down by negativity, and consciously surrounding yourself with positive influences."

Her story serves as an inspiration for those considering healthcare career motivation and highlights the advantages of working in healthcare, including personal growth and the opportunity to make a significant impact.

Conclusion

Dr. Stella Onuoha-Obilor's story is a testament to the power of passion and purpose in building a fulfilling career—especially in a field as complex and vital as healthcare. By harnessing the transformative possibilities of data, recognizing the importance of patient and member engagement, and nurturing leadership through empathy, she challenges all of us to step out of our comfort zones and envision a healthcare system that truly serves everyone.

Her message resonates for professionals at every stage of their journey: Know your "why." Develop your skills. Lead with empathy. And remember that behind every data point in healthcare is a human story. Only by combining these elements can we reshape healthcare into a more proactive, patient-centered, and compassionate domain—one where "magic" truly happens outside the bounds of our comfort zones.

For those considering a career in healthcare, Dr. Onuoha-Obilor's journey illustrates the importance of continuous career development, the pursuit of innovative solutions, and the fundamental drive of helping others. These are compelling reasons to pursue a health career. Whether in medical assisting, administration, or clinical practice, the medical field offers diverse opportunities for those passionate about making a difference in people's lives.

As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, embracing healthcare technology and facing new challenges in healthcare economics, professionals who combine technical expertise with strong ethical principles and ethical decision making will be well-positioned for professional growth and career advancement. Dr. Onuoha-Obilor's story reminds us that a passion for healthcare, combined with dedication and the right skills, can lead to a rewarding career that offers both personal fulfillment and the opportunity to provide vital community support.

The diversity of opportunities in healthcare means that there's a place for everyone who is driven to make a difference. Whether you excel in direct patient care, where a medical assistant's most important interpersonal skill is empathy, or in healthcare management, where strategic thinking is crucial, the field offers numerous pathways for growth and impact. Dr. Onuoha-Obilor's journey serves as a powerful example of how one can leverage their unique skills and passions to create a meaningful and impactful career in healthcare.