By Vivian Greenway, PhD, MSA, BSN, RN, PAHM, CCM 

When did you last tell a young person (under 13) what you do as a case manager? This is a critical time to begin the conversation, as we know that at this age, children may start to wonder what they would like to be when they grow up. In introducing children to our profession, we may ignite their interest early in life and provide guidance throughout their formative years. As they continue to progress through the stages of growth and development, it is apparent that impressions can guide and impact their academic and professional journeys.  

The first question that you may inquire to that young child is do they know what a case manager is or does? We all know the formal description that “Case managers are healthcare professionals who serve as patient advocates to support, guide and coordinate care for patients, families, and caregivers as they navigate their health and wellness journeys”; however, I charge each of us to work to summarize this description into a sentence so that a young person may find it exciting and interesting and would like to know more about what you do.  

Healthcare professionals may encounter young individuals while caring for their loved ones. Many say they went into a profession because of what they experienced or how someone made them feel. We may also be currently in the role of mentor. When you have young ones and even teenagers trying to find their way into what might be a promising career future, this is the time to showcase the field of case management and highlight many of the beautiful attributes of being a case manager. Providing guidance to this population is essential if we want our profession to continue flourishing. While we strive to improve health outcomes, a key component to getting the ‘word’ out about what a case manager is would be to expose the younger generation to the field of practice. We all have unique stories as to how we gravitate toward case management; however, what keeps us going is also the story that should be shared with those much younger.  

I mentor several teenagers, and with any opportunity, I discuss health care and how important it is to have great people such as themselves taking the helm in the future. We should strive to discuss our profession with high school and college students as we know that they may begin a track but later change to another. So, the next time you have the opportunity to share your extraordinary profession with a young one, take the time to tell them something unique about case management so that they can remember how awesome your role as a case manager is and the importance of all you do to inspire and make a difference in the field. 

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Bio: Vivian Greenway, PhD, MSA, BSN, PAHM, CCM has over 30 years of clinical experience in the acute care and managed care environment with emphasis on clinical education and quality management. Over the years, Dr. Greenway has worked in leadership and project management positions within healthcare specializing in management of health promotion, disease management and provider education activities. In her current role. she organizes and coordinates activities to ensure full compliance with regulatory and licensing agencies and employer groups relative to medical management activities, including accreditation site surveys and regulatory reviews. Dr. Greenway’s role in of the organization is instrumental in promoting the welfare and increasing the usefulness and advancement of healthcare case management. Her goal is to continue to lead effectively, and in addition to continue to be an innovative force and exude excellence as it relates to case management. She currently serves as Board Director on the National CMSA Board and recently served as the CMSA Chapter Council President Representative representing the chapter presidents across the United States. In addition to her doctorate in Human Services (graduated with Distinction), she has a Masters of Science in Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Dr. Greenway was also selected and participated as a residency fellow in the Minority Management Development Program which promoted management diversity in managed healthcare. Along with her acquired degrees, she has a Health Services Administration certificate from Central Michigan University; is a certified case manager (CCM), and has obtained the distinction of Professional, Academy for Healthcare Management (PAHM). In addition to her continued education, she is also a member of the National Management Association. Dr. Greenway was the recipient of the 2023 Distinguished Alumni for Nursing Excellence award at Oakland University’s 35th Annual Nightingale Awards. The award is presented to a nurse who is a graduate of the School of Nursing and is making meaningful contributions to the field as well as demonstrating the high standards of clinical competence and leadership characteristics emphasized by the university.