Leadership | 04.19.21
The Lasting Impact of Mentorship in the MSP Career
by Phillip Iverson, CPCS, CPMSM
Mentoring. As an MSP with almost 15 years of experience, I only ever thought that I would be mentoring at this stage in my career. Instead, I find myself now both mentoring and being mentored.
My mentor Chris is pretty phenomenal. She has been accessible and a true partner for me as I work on furthering my developmental goals as an MSP. When we meet, she acknowledges that I am doing well and provides unique insights and opportunities to stretch myself a bit further. One of the key takeaways I have had from Chris on every occasion is to take a step back from my work and approach again with a fresh set of eyes at a later time. As I have done so, I have seen new things that she has been able to observe from the start.
Chris being my mentor has also been invaluable during the pandemic. Let’s admit, times are tough for all of us in healthcare – MSPs included. As I have worked with Chris she has validated the feelings of stress and overwhelm to reassure me that I am not alone in those feelings. She’s been a professional colleague who can relate and understand the pain points of daily work and offer unique coping strategies and techniques. She’s even encouraged me to take a more proactive role during the pandemic in the profession by joining the Facebook group, applying for NAMSS volunteer opportunities and to mentor others.
Through my own experience of being mentored, I have now come to see opportunities where I can be a better mentor. I discovered a long time ago as an MSP there are certain things I am good at doing. Other areas need to be worked on a bit more. In so doing, I can offer more to those I mentor as well. I have found myself trying new approaches with those that I mentor, remembering to play to their strengths and look for opportunities where the raw talent already exists to encourage its growth and development.
In short, mentoring has been a revitalization of my professional growth and development. As my mentor works with me and inspires me to do and be more, I realize it’s my responsibility to do the same with others in the industry as well. In so doing, I have found a new passion for the profession after many years.
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Phillip Iverson, BA, CPCS, CPMSM is a Medical Staff Professional with over twenty years of experience in the healthcare field, a majority of those years focused in medical staff services professional field. Phillip holds a Bachelor of Arts degree through Saint Mary’s College of California. Additionally, Phillip is dual certified in the medical staff services field through the National Association Medical Staff Services (NAMSS) as both a Certified Provider Credentials Specialist (CPCS) and as a Certified Professional Medical Staff Management (CPMSM). Currently, Phillip is employed as the Professional Staff and Credentialing Services Senior Manager at Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic (YVFWC) a multi-state ambulatory clinic system.