Betsy Hopson, PhD, MSHA
Lincoln
Summary
Dynamic healthcare professional with extensive expertise in research, securing grant funding, and authoring peer-reviewed publications. Renowned for mentoring emerging leaders, developing innovative care programs, and managing complex patient populations with a focus on improving health outcomes. Pioneered care coordinator protocols and strategies that have transformed healthcare delivery nationally and internationally. Recognized as a global authority, developed comprehensive care guidelines and taught in Ethiopia, contributing to capacity building in global health. Passionate advocate for people with disabilities, actively engaging with Congress to advance care standards and expand healthcare access. Successfully validated a tool to improve sexual health outcomes and continues to champion comprehensive sexual health education, emphasizing equity and inclusion. Dedicated to driving transformative change through innovation, education, and advocacy, with a proven history of empowering healthcare systems and improving patient care quality.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Director- STEP Program
University of Alabama at Birmingham
09.2020 - Current
- Founded and lead the nationally recognized STEP Program, a collaborative initiative improving healthcare transitions for individuals with childhood medical complexity, serving as a model for other centers.
- Spearheaded the development of a comprehensive transition policy and established an interdisciplinary adult medical home, ensuring continuous, coordinated care for complex patients.
- Developed and implemented an emergency and inpatient consult team, achieving measurable reductions in hospital length of stay and emergency department utilization.
- Secured funding for the STEP Program and Lifespan Down Syndrome initiatives, managing grant objectives, budgets, and reporting to support program sustainability.
- Recognized for mentoring and team-building excellence, inspiring passion for disability advocacy while actively engaging with Congress to improve care access and services.
Data Processing Supervisor
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
01.2008 - 09.2020
- Developed and managed transition programs and clinics for young adults with Spina Bifida, including strategies and readiness tools to assess patient compliance and outcomes.
- Secured federal funding through comprehensive grant writing, including developing specific aims, analysis plans, and budget preparation, while managing and supervising the spina bifida research team.
- Managed and directed multiple research projects, including the design and implementation of the National Spina Bifida Patient Registry in collaboration with the CDC.
Program Director
The Children’s Hospital of Alabama
01.2006 - 09.2020
- Comprehensive Care Coordination & Case Management: Managed all aspects of a multidisciplinary Spina Bifida clinic, coordinating care for 800 patients, including high-risk prenatal care, discharge planning, and patient goal setting.
- Data & Research Management: Oversaw data collection and management for the Spina Bifida clinic, including the CDC Spina Bifida patient registry project and NIH obesity study, while conducting population-specific research.
- Patient & Family Support: Delivered patient education, managed teaching materials, and provided support to patients and families during hospital admissions and outpatient visits.
- Program & Clinical Operations Management: Directed clinical trials, handled referrals, performed inpatient and outpatient teaching, and led community outreach initiatives for improved patient outcomes.
Hemophilia Program Data Coordinator
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
01.2002 - 01.2006
- Coordinated Multidisciplinary Care: Managed care for patients with hemophilia and bleeding disorders, including scheduling, insurance pre-certification, and patient follow-ups.
- Developed & Maintained National Registry: Co-developed and managed a national patient database tracking outcomes, medications, and laboratory data.
- Optimized Documentation & Research Management: Created clinic notes, wrote care protocols, and maintained research records to support quality care and data integrity.
- Managed Research & Funding Compliance: Oversaw CDC/UDC study participants, tracking data for funding compliance and special projects.
Billing Supervisor and Claims specialist
Advanced Dermatology
01.2000 - 01.2002
- Medical Coding & Billing Management: Coded surgical procedures, office visits, and nursing home visits for a busy dermatology practice, including identifying modifiers, ICD-9, and procedure codes.
- Claims Management & Resolution: Investigated and resolved claim denials, resubmitting for payment and auditing past claims to ensure proper adjudication.
- Insurance Contract Optimization: Researched insurance contracts, ensured proper adjustments, and successfully renegotiated terms for improved reimbursement.
- Revenue Recovery & Department Oversight: Collected 5+ years of delinquent accounts and supervised billing, front office operations, payroll, and staff scheduling.
Education
Ph.D. - Rehabilitation Science
University of Alabama At Birmingham
Birmingham, AL12-2024
Graduate Certificate - Applications of Mixed Methods Research
University of Alabama At Birmingham
Birmingham, AL04-2024
Masters of Science - Healthcare Management
Troy University
Bachelors of Science - Healthcare Management
Huntingdon College
Skills
- Multidisciplinary clinic management
- Program Development/Management
- Public speaking
- Relationship building
- Strategic planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Study design and data quality control
- Decision-making
- Managing clinical trials
- Grant writing
- Data collection and analysis
- Patient advocacy
- Transition preparation
- Budget preparation
- Nonprofit leadership
Accomplishments
2023 UAB Dean's Excellence Award
Affiliations
- Member, Spina Bifida Association Professional Advisory Committee
- Chair, Spina Bifida Association Transition/Adult Committee
- Member, National Spina Bifida Association
- President, Spina Bifida Association of Alabama Chapter, 2009 – 2018
- Committee Member, National Patient Registry Coordinating Committee, CDC, 2007-present
- Committee Member, Consumer Research Advisory Committee, Lakeshore Foundation, 2014-Current
- Vice-President, Parent Teacher Association, Lincoln Elementary School, 2013
Timeline
Director- STEP Program
University of Alabama at Birmingham
09.2020 - Current
Data Processing Supervisor
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
01.2008 - 09.2020
Program Director
The Children’s Hospital of Alabama
01.2006 - 09.2020
Hemophilia Program Data Coordinator
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
01.2002 - 01.2006
Billing Supervisor and Claims specialist
Advanced Dermatology
01.2000 - 01.2002
Masters of Science - Healthcare Management
Troy University
Bachelors of Science - Healthcare Management
Huntingdon College
Ph.D. - Rehabilitation Science
University of Alabama At Birmingham
Graduate Certificate - Applications of Mixed Methods Research
University of Alabama At Birmingham
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