James Nelson, MBA, PMP

In my role as a member of the research department at Corewell Health West, I am responsible for identifying, leading, driving and managing initiatives and goals independently. My duties include developing, implementing and supporting projects aimed at improving operational efficiency, increasing productivity and reducing costs. I place a high priority on both the day-to-day operational requirements and the strategic goals of the organization, often collaborating with other divisions of Corewell Health in the East and South. Additionally, I am responsible for ensuring the success of the National Institutes of Health-funded All of Us Research Program.

Key achievements

• Our Health System Implementation Initiative (HSII) application received $498k in capacity-building funding from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI).
• This funding is intended to support Corewell Health West conduct successful Implementation Projects and required program evaluation under the HSII
• Secured an additional $700k in funding to extend the reach of the National Institutes of Health-funded All of Us Research Program to rural communities like Greenville and Lakeland.
• In month 5, we achieved the successful establishment of the first public-facing community advisory board (at Corewell Health) for the NIH's All of Us Research Program. Additionally, we host bi-monthly meetings to gather operational and engagement feedback.
• In year-2, we were able to increase the number of members in our public-facing community advisory board by 300% through the use of innovative recruitment methods.
• I facilitated the expansion of the All of Us research program into SH Medical Group facilities located in Greenville and 426 Michigan.
• Participated in meetings and associated events to help define and achieve organizational objectives.
• Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
• Monitored and tracked project execution of tasks.
• Detected errors and initiated or arranged for corrective action, following through with cognizant parties to verify resolution.

Key achievements

• During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, I facilitated a patient transfer collaboration between Spectrum Health Grand Rapids and Henry Ford Health System. This partnership enabled the transfer of Henry Ford's patients requiring brain surgery to Spectrum Health, freeing up their space to be used as a resource and holding area for COVID-positive patients.
• I leveraged my interpersonal, organizational, and project management skills to promote and expand a newly initiated Neuro-Oncology program for high-grade tumor patients
• Effectively managed collaboration with several departments, including the Institutional Review Board, pathology, research, pharmacy, Neuro-Oncology, and Neurosurgery, to provide an indispensable service to patients with brain tumors who would otherwise have to endure lengthy journeys.
• Grew my expertise in managing specialty office operations, handling complete projects, and comprehending the diverse connections between patients and healthcare providers is extensive.
• I successfully enrolled and obtained consent from 13 patients for the Adult Biology Precision Medicine Brain Tumor Study within the first three months, surpassing the initial expectation of one patient per month.
• Solely responsible for assessing and ensuring national and institutional project compliance in collaboration with the Spectrum Health Institutional Review Board
• Monitored project performance to identify areas of improvement and make adjustments.
• As part of my duties, I compiled the CPT change code report. This report led to major alterations in the reporting guidelines for neurological health, resulting in improved operational efficiency overall.
• Coordination amongst multidisciplinary teams in Molecular tumor board settings, where the data is presented to physicians to determine relationships between DNA copy number, mutations, methylation status, mRNA and protein expression, and protein modifications to significantly increase our understanding of tumor biology, and to identify novel therapeutic targets and treatment strategies for testing in pre-clinical models
• The primary point of contact for physicians, pathologists, patients and families, and third-party institutions involved in the execution of the Precision Medicine Study
• Coordinated with cross-functional teams to resolve project issues and mitigate risks.

Key achievements:

• I successfully identified and prepared reports that showcased referral opportunities. This led to a 9% increase in provider awareness and utilization among community members.
• Determined referral trends from primary care and specialty physicians and submitted reports to management to gain a significant understanding of community needs
• Created and fostered an essential business relationship with the key service providers to achieve work objectives
• Planned and inaugurated the first annual Spectrum Health United Hospital Danish Dash 5K with over 350 runners registered the first year
• I helped in creating and implementing successful communication strategies for the company. Additionally, I collaborated with my team to prepare relevant materials for both internal and external customers.
• The key point of contact for new/respective clients and address queries on time
• Conducted various assessments to ensure the accuracy of overall materials following established Spectrum Health brand standards.
• Collaborated with corporate departments to create and implement internal communications.

Key achievements:

• Through my efforts, I have forged robust and lasting professional relationships with independent provider offices. This has enabled me to establish the most optimal electronic health records interface and referral pattern options available.
• Executed advanced measurement techniques and tools for process improvement and business growth of Spectrum Health Continuing Care and Spectrum Health United and Kelsey Hospitals
• Conducted marketing assessments to collect, organize, and present useful marketing data management to explain the needs for neurological services in the Greenville market
• Through my experience at Spectrum Health Continuing Care, Spectrum Health United and Kelsey Hospitals, Ludington Hospital, and Gerber Hospital, I have gained a deep understanding of executive leaders, teams, and individuals in terms of delivering exceptional services, achieving positive patient outcomes, showcasing provider expertise, and optimizing referral workflows.
• I provided outstanding support to physicians employed by Spectrum Health as well as those who are independently owned. My role was to offer valuable guidance on the hospital system and its processes.
• Supported leaders to analyze, planning, and implement results-driven strategies within Spectrum Health Medical Group Specialties
• Improved the entire system by coordinating with Spectrum Health physicians and independents
• Nominated by the executives to serve as a conduit among Spectrum Health’s regional hospitals and communities for process improvement and referral management
• Achieved the expectations of the patient and referring providers and enhanced the experience through complete collaboration with stakeholders in Spectrum Health Continuing Care.

Key achievements:

• I was responsible for leading a team of up to 50 nurses, ensuring they were motivated, coached, and directed to provide top-quality private nursing care to as many as 35 clients in need of long-term home care.
• Planned and organized training sessions to enhance the clinical competencies of staff members, resulting in communication issues in a timely fashion
• Leveraged strong communication skills to receive and respond to all calls made to the Centria office to ensure the efficiency of business operations.
• Supported patient care excellence via planning and interpretation of programs.
• Responded to all client inquiries and asked appropriate questions to facilitate resolution.
• Answered customer questions via telephone, email and live chat services.
• Interacted with team members across departments to research and resolve customer issues.