Building Resilient Teams in Rural Healthcare: Lessons from Anthony Schirer, Cheyenne OBGYN

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams reconnects with Tony (Anthony) Schirer, executive director of Cheyenne OBGYN and long-time MGMA member. Tony shares his journey into healthcare, the evolving role of technology in medical practices, and practical strategies for tackling staffing challenges in rural settings. The conversation also explores MGMA membership benefits, mentorship programs, and the value of professional networking.

Key Takeaways

• 03:55 From Finance to Healthcare Leadership
  Tony explains how his career began in hospital finance and evolved into practice administration, driven by regulatory changes like the Stark Act.
• 07:39 Technology’s Impact on Healthcare
  From early spreadsheets to EHRs and now AI, Tony reflects on the tools that have transformed operations and patient care.
• 11:00 Recruiting in Rural Communities
  Why hiring clinicians for Cheyenne takes patience, creativity, and understanding family needs — and why it took 18 months to fill key roles.
• 12:45 Building Team Culture
  Holiday bonuses, potlucks, and post-holiday gatherings as strategies to show staff they’re valued.
• 15:17 Staffing Pain Points
  Challenges in finding qualified front-desk staff and medical assistants, and why local training programs matter.
• 17:27 Remote Work in Healthcare
  Tony shares real-world examples of hybrid and remote roles, including triage nurses and billing staff, and the compliance considerations involved.
• 23:55 The Power of MGMA Membership
  Networking, advisory boards, and the MGMA Book Club as tools for professional growth and mentorship.
• 26:24 Why Mentorship Matters
  Tony’s call for more proactive outreach to new members and ideas for strengthening MGMA’s mentoring program.

Resources

• Contact Tony on LinkedIn.
• MGMA Membership Benefits
• Jackson Physician Search
• Email Daniel Williams at dwilliams@mgma.org if you'd like to join the MGMA Book club.