Mentorship, Retention, and Growth: Insights from Physician Practice Management with Allen Alongi

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, Sr. Editor and host Daniel Williams speaks with Allen Alongi, MBA, PMP, SSGB, Physician Practice Manager at Northside Hospital in Marietta, Georgia, and one of the newly appointed members of MGMA’s Human Resources and Compliance Advisory Board. Allen shares his journey from patient to healthcare leader; his passion for writing, reading, and mentorship; and strategies for building resilient teams in a challenging healthcare environment.

This conversation offers practical solutions for medical practice leaders and MGMA members looking to strengthen their teams, improve operations, and foster professional growth.

Key Takeaways:

• 01:21 Allen’s Role at Northside Hospital
  Learn how Allen oversees multiple clinics, manages P&L, and drives strategic initiatives focused on retention and patient experience.
• 04:42 A Personal Healthcare Journey
  Allen’s diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes at age 14 and how it inspired his career in healthcare leadership.
• 06:08 Career Path & Lessons Learned
  From academic medicine to physician practice management, Allen shares insights on staffing challenges and operational excellence.
• 09:05 Connecting with MGMA
  How MGMA resources and certification programs became a cornerstone for Allen’s professional development and decision-making.
• 11:05 Writing for MGMA
  Allen discusses his published articles on mentorship, feedback loops, and practical clinic solutions—and why writing matters for leadership.
• 12:36 Allen's Passion for Writing Stemmed from his Love of Reading
  Allen talks classic literature and various writing roles throughout his career.
• 19:28 Book Recommendations & Lifelong Learning
  Allen and Daniel talk about some leadership reads, plus details on MGMA’s book club for members.
• 25:07 Maximizing Mentor-Mentee Programs
  Actionable advice for getting the most out of mentorship programs, including preparation, engagement, and growth strategies.

Resources Mentioned:

• Allen’s MGMA Articles
  • "Mentor up: How to be a great mentee and drive your own growth"
  • "Feedback for impact: Using employee and patient insights to drive operational improvements"
  • "Practical solutions to combat burnout in ambulatory clinics"

• Other MGMA Resources
  • MGMA Certification - Demonstrate your skills and earn a recognized certificate of mastery.
  • MGMA Mentor Program - New and improved!
    
    
• Books Discussed
  • The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
  • East of Eden by John Steinbeck
  • Look Homeward, Angel by Thomas Wolfe
  • Align the Mind by Britt Frank
  • Shatterproof by Tasha Eurich
  • The Moviegoer by Walker Percy
  • Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events