In an interview with Mary Lewis, CEO of the Gary Burnstein Clinic in Pontiac, Michigan, we delved into the journey of a woman who turned uncertain beginnings into a source of inspiration. From realizing that college wasn’t the right fit to finding her calling in healthcare through medical assisting, Mary’s story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of pursuing a passion, even when the path ahead is unclear.
Join us as we explore Mary’s professional journey, her vision for healthcare accessibility, and the impactful work being done at the Gary Burnstein Clinic.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey to becoming the CEO of the Gary Burnstein Clinic.
I reside in West Bloomfield, Michigan with my loving husband and our children. Family stands at the core of my values, serving as a constant source of support and inspiration throughout my career journey. Their encouragement has been instrumental in shaping my professional path, which I must say, has been quite unconventional.
Initially, I followed the traditional college route after high school, but I soon realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. So, I moved back home, and my mom told me that I was either going to work or go to school. A good friend told me about this medical assistant training she was starting at Ross. I was already living in Oak Park at the time, and there was a campus near me. So that’s when I decided to just go for it, especially considering my family’s background in the field. Medical assisting at Ross Medical Education Center became my entry point, and it completely changed my life. A whole new world was opened to me.
I graduated with honors, and I truly enjoyed every part of my experience at Ross. I did my externship at a pediatrics office. I was hired before completing my externship. Starting a new career was overwhelming in some ways, but I felt prepared. I even ran that clinic by myself, and it was the best learning experience.
I ventured into other medical roles, obtained additional certifications, and eventually landed in my current position. I really think the sky’s the limit with a career in medical assisting. I have done so much as a medical assistant. I’ve worked in pediatrics, pediatric surgery, cardiology, etc. I seized every opportunity to learn and grow in my new career. As a medical assistant, you truly have the knowledge base to open a lot of doors for yourself.
Starting my journey in Medical Assisting served as the springboard for transitioning from direct patient care to a variety of leadership roles. Progressing to become a clinical team manager, I seized the opportunity to oversee a family practice residency program. Although I eventually pursued a bachelor’s degree, the invaluable experiences, education, and mentorship paved the way for my pivotal moment – assuming the role of practice director at a $15 million facility in Kalamazoo. Completing my bachelor’s degree in 2018 was essential for retaining the director position, marking a significant milestone in my career trajectory.
Reflecting on my journey, I am deeply grateful for the training and knowledge I have acquired. The foundation in medical assisting proved instrumental, particularly during staffing shortages, as my versatility in both administrative and clinical roles enabled seamless support for patient care. This dual proficiency elevated my leadership capacity, allowing me to intuitively understand patients’ needs and actively contribute to their well-being, elevating my leadership to a new level.
Embracing a mindset of continuous learning and growth, I encourage students and medical assistants alike to never stop seeking guidance and asking questions. Embracing this approach has been pivotal in my own career, consistently opening new avenues for advancement.
Mentorship is also a key to my success as a medical assistant and leader. Mentorship is a cornerstone of professional development. Finding a mentor who can provide guidance and support is important in the journey towards the next level of success. Their insights and assistance are invaluable in navigating the complexities of the healthcare landscape.
How did your experience at Ross Medical Education Center contribute to your career growth?
Ross Medical Education Center played a pivotal role in my career journey. Not only did I gain confidence, valuable skills, and knowledge through the MA program, but I also re-discovered my passion for healthcare. The hands-on experience and supportive environment at Ross prepared me for success in the medical field. I’m truly so grateful for the opportunities it provided me.
Can you share some highlights from your career as a medical assistant and how it led to your current role as CEO?
Throughout my career as a medical assistant, I’ve had the privilege of working in various medical settings, primarily in pediatrics. Each experience taught me valuable lessons and contributed to my professional growth. From managing clinics to directing multimillion-dollar facilities, I’ve had the opportunity to take on diverse roles within healthcare administration. My journey from medical assistant to CEO has been extremely exciting, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. I’m grateful for all of my experiences.
Tell us about the Gary Burnstein Clinic and its mission to provide free healthcare services.
The Gary Burnstein Community Health Clinic (GBCHC) is a non-profit organization located in Pontiac, Michigan. We are the largest free clinic in the state of Michigan. We offer a comprehensive range of medical, dental, and pharmacy services, all free of charge to uninsured/underinsured Michigan residents. Our mission is to help our community thrive by removing barriers and increasing access to quality care.
I joined the GBCHC as the director of clinical operations one year ago. This role was a culmination of my medical assisting knowledge and administrative experience. The individual who was in charge at the time stepped down about a few months after I started. The board asked me to serve as interim CEO. I took the position because it was an amazing opportunity and I’m truly passionate about the mission of our organization. I officially became the CEO of GBCHC in February of this year.
Most of our patients work a part time job, have two part time jobs, or are freelancers. They don’t receive health insurance, and the marketplace for insurance is quite expensive. Many of our patients don’t qualify for Medicaid. Our patients don’t have to pay a single cent out of pocket. There are no strings attached. We have 13 specialties. Everything from cardiology, neurology, pulmonology, gynecology, optometry, and ophthalmology.
We want our patients to be able to come in and receive the services that they need when they need them. Our goal is an integrated approach to our patients’ receiving services. In 90 minutes, we want them to see as multiple doctors, complete lab work and leave with a 90-day supply of medications. Again, at no cost.
What are your goals for the future of the Gary Burnstein Clinic?
Our goal is definitely to expand and reach more communities. We are in the process of working with bigger health systems here in Michigan, and we hope to improve patient outcomes that reduce healthcare disparities. We truly believe that the free clinic model is the model that would revolutionize our healthcare industry system. I would love to see a Burnstein Clinic in every state across the country. We do want to expand and have more clinics in Michigan as well. In the next three to five years, we’re hoping to maybe have two or three more sites. The goal is to create a model of care that prioritizes preventive health and holistic wellness, and we’re committed to making a positive impact on the lives of underserved individuals and communities.
Most of the big five diagnoses are treatable, so for example, diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. These are all treatable, and with the right diagnoses, we can establish a continuity of care for people.
Some people who don’t have the means to treat their conditions sometimes wait until they’re really sick. So they’ll show up at the emergency department for something that’s treatable like diabetes or hypertension. Then they’re given the script and told to follow up with their PCP, but they can’t always afford their medication. So what happens is the patient goes away, and in a month or so, they’re back in the ER, now being admitted for something that was treatable in the first place.
What advice would you give to aspiring healthcare professionals, especially those interested in medical assisting?
My advice would be to never stop learning and growing. Embrace every opportunity to gain new skills and knowledge. Seek out mentors who can guide you on your journey and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Healthcare is a dynamic field with endless possibilities, so stay curious and open-minded. Most importantly, always remember the impact you can have on people’s lives through compassionate care and service.
Mary Lewis’s journey from a medical assistant to CEO embodies the essence of perseverance and purpose. Through her leadership, the Gary Burnstein Clinic continues to make strides in providing free healthcare services to underserved communities in Michigan. Mary’s unwavering commitment to compassionate care and community support serves as a beacon of hope in the healthcare industry. Her inspiring story reminds us of the profound impact one individual can have in creating positive change for the betterment of society.