Today we’d like to introduce you to Clay Cessna.
Hi Clay, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I am a physician executive and now have the honor of overseeing clinical operations for Prism Health North Texas (prismntx.org) – a non-profit health system aimed at providing excellent care to those that typically may have been marginalized by the healthcare system. We provide medical, dental, behavioral health to patients with wrap-around services like case management, medical case management, and eligibility assistance. We are highly engaged in community empowerment and health equity.
Further involvement in the community: I am the Vice Present of the Dallas Bears (dallasbears.org) and Chair of our upcoming Texas Bear Round-Up (TBRU). This is the largest Bear run in the nation…nearing 200 bears that swoop in and take over the Hyatt Regency Downtown in March (www.tbru.org). Last year, TBRU (in partnership with BearDance) raised over $147,000 to give back to local community charities.
Lastly, I am also honored to be the Chair Host of this year’s 9th annual All-Star Gala for the Taylor Hooton Foundation. This organization, starting after the death of their son, provides significant education to youth across the nation about the dangers of performance-enhancing drugs. (taylorhooton.org).
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
We face tons of adversity.
Finding margin in healthcare organizations is hard enough – this, coupled with non-profit status, continues to squeeze lemons in hopes of lemonade. The community faces acute challenges now with safety and violence in the neighborhood from anti-friendly activists. Recently, we have had significant cold weather – a rarity for Dallas – and patients continue to struggle with food insecurity, shelter/housing issues, and clothing/coat scarcity.
Teens continue to struggle with body image issues and make unwise choices along the way. We continually have to combat new “ideas” teens have to keep up with others in performance and “coolness.”
For TBRU – this is the first year we ventured to reserve the WHOLE hotel. This takes a big risk, and we cannot be more pleased that we sold out the hotel!!! Managing large groups and ensuring a safe, fun environment for thousands while being cost-conscious to maximize our final donation to the community is a daily discussion. We are blessed to have so much interest and community/national/and international support (sponsors). The truly amazing feat is hosting an event this size with just the Dallas Bears membership as the labor (we do not outsource any of the planning or functional work during the event). It’s a party with a purpose, and our drive to help the community fuels every decision.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
My work is so challenging but SO rewarding.
I trained in pediatrics but, over time, became more involved in the policy and legislation of healthcare. I am active in organized medicine like the Texas Medical Association. I evolved into roles in healthcare compliance – specifically working in revenue cycle helping hospitals get reimbursed for the great work they were doing. This helped patients, but I wanted to get closer to the healthcare continuum of patient care – so I joined Prism Health North Texas. This organization helps people and provides health equity and excellent care to everyone. We have so many services and nuanced ways to care for those marginalized by the healthcare system and serves as a center of excellence for both their initiatives and clinical research.
I serve as the Vice President of Patient Services and Employee Health. Every day is interesting and exciting. I solve problems. I hope I am known for standardizing processes and stiving for excellence. Serving patients is at the core of every decision. The associates of Prism Health roll up their sleeves and work tirelessly – and I am so honored to be part of the team.
Any big plans?
As noted in previous responses, I have several community engagements coming up that are awe-inspiring to be part of. Now is the time for sweat and tears in preparation.
Professionally – we have some huge milestones coming up; we have applied to be a Federally Qualified Health Center, which requires much diligence and prep work. We are also launching a new medical record system for the organization, so this leverages cool technology to standardize and streamline our processes. This will innovate workstreams and evolve how we see patients. For my professional development this year, I am working on a certification in health finance. Last year, I attained my CPHQ certification in health quality and finished an Executive Leadership track with Harvard Business School.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.TBRU.org; www.TaylorHooton.org; www.PrismNTX.org
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/clay-cessna/
- Other: www.DallasBears.org
