Tammy Geltmaker
Qsource
Job Title: Program Director
Member of KHC for: 15 years
What KHC committees have you participated? Qsource has participated on the Performance Measurement Alignment Committee (PMAC) and in monthly All Member Meetings.
Provide a brief description of your job: As a Program Director for Qsource, Tammy provides oversight to a multidisciplinary team and collaborates with stakeholders to support quality improvement efforts across the state.
Share your personal interest in Health and Healthcare System Improvement.
Early in my healthcare career while working as a hospice nurse “it” hit me. That “it” I’m talking about is how connected we truly are — providers, patients, families, advocates. We aren’t silos. We interact with each other. Each of us are a piece of a puzzle that connects to make a difference in healthcare. That connection, and ability to make a positive impact, makes it personal.
What are you currently working on that you are most excited about? How do you think it will drive improvements to health and healthcare in the community?
I love engaging with patients and members of the community around topics that are important to them. For more than four decades Qsource has worked with providers and patients to improve care. I’m excited to facilitate that interaction between providers and patients that gives a voice to those that want to be heard. Voice drives change.
Why do you and your organization belong to the KHC? What do you find most valuable as a member?
Being involved on a local level is important. KHC allows us to do that. We’re able to network with an entire spectrum of healthcare stakeholders that each bring knowledge, experience and a passion for what they do each day. We love partnering with likeminded and goal oriented people dedicated to making a difference. That’s the value of KHC.
Why do you think a multi-stakeholder coalition like the KHC is needed in the community?
Remember that puzzle I mentioned? Well, each piece impacts the other. It’s critical to know about how each piece functions individually and together, the barriers faced by each and the successes that can be shared. We’re in this together and TOGETHER we can make an impact on the statewide healthcare community.
What is your favorite quote?
“What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail” by Robert Schuller. I’ve kept that quote sitting on my desk for 15 years after starting work at the QIO and it’s as relative today as it was then.
What is your dream vacation spot?
I have a bucket list of places I would like to visit. First on that list: going on a “Land and Sea Alaskan Cruise” to see the Great Outdoors. Next stop? New England or maybe even out West!
