Abby Sugg, M.S.H.C.M | 2024 Emerging Leaders in Healthcare

Abby Sugg, M.S.H.C.M.

I grew up in Snow Hill, a small agricultural town in eastern North Carolina. Watching family and friends navigate the challenges of accessing quality healthcare initially sparked my interest in public health and its potential for rural communities. This passion led me to pursue a bachelor of science in public health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, followed by a master of science in healthcare management from Johns Hopkins Carey Business School.

My career spans working with payers, providers and IT start-ups, giving me valuable perspectives from across the industry and a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare ecosystem’s intricacies. These experiences prepared me for my current role leading the Virtual First Care Coalition by DiMe. In this role, I convene leaders from all stakeholder groups to collaborate on innovative ways to improve outcomes, enhance access and deliver the most effective care possible for our patients. It’s inspiring to come together with such a diverse group of leaders, from across the field, realizing that we are working toward similar goals.

Please describe a turning point in your career — an event, a eureka moment, an encounter or a salient piece of advice from someone.

A mentor once told me, “You don’t have to always know the answer, but be willing to show up and learn.” That’s proven to be true countless times over the years, and this advice continues to serve as a reminder that the ultimate outcome won’t always be determined by how much you know or how prepared you feel from the start but, rather, by your mindset and actions. Embracing a growth mindset has allowed me to navigate uncertainites with confidence, continually adapting and improving.

What are your top two priorities as a leader in your organization and healthcare?

My top priorities are enhancing accessibility and fostering collaboration across the ecosystem to improve our healthcare system for everyone. Accessibility in healthcare extends beyond physical distance to include addressing financial concerns, building trusting relationships with patients and delivering clear, easy-to-understand information. Moreover, improving the healthcare system for everyone requires seamless communication and collaboration across sectors — from providers and payers to technology innovators and policymakers — to innovate effectively, address healthcare challenges comprehensively and, ultimately, meaningfully impact people’s lives.

If you could change one thing about U.S. healthcare, what would it be?

Lean into the mindset that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” I would love to see a shift toward preserving health rather than a curative approach after a problem arises. This proactive approach would involve investing in a more holistic approach incorporating preventive medicine, health education and community-based initiatives to address potential health issues before they become severe, ultimately leading to a healthier population and a more sustainable healthcare system.

Name a book or article that everyone working in healthcare should read.

“The Healing of America” by T.R. Reid. This book examines global healthcare systems to discuss how other countries achieve broader coverage and better outcomes at lower costs than the United States. Although it was published in 2010, its messagen still resonates.

How do you strike the right work-life balance?

I strive to remain fully present in the moment. When I’m at work, I dedicate myself to the tasks at hand and diligently pursue my goals. However, I also prioritize time for activities I enjoy and are nonnegotiable in my schedule, which forces me to press pause and take breaks. Stepping away and returning later often boosts my productivity by fostering creativity and providing a fresh perspective.

If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Betty White, because she embodies resilience and versatility and found enduring success by staying true to her passion for making people laugh and embracing new opportunities throughout her life. Her ability to remain relevant and beloved by multiple generations is inspiring, and her humor, warmth and genuine love for what she does resonate deeply with me. I would love to learn from her experiences, hear her stories and soak in her wisdom about navigating life with grace and laughter.