Mary Burgin has been named Freeman Health System’s Vice President Ambulatory Operations, bringing to Joplin more than two decades of experience in the healthcare industry.

In layman’s terms, Burgin will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations, strategic direction, and financial performance of Freeman’s various outpatient and physician clinics in Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas. This includes managing staff, ensuring high-quality patient service, and handling administrative and financial aspects to maximize patient outcomes.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to enhance the culture and experience for Freeman caregivers and providers,” she said, who starts at Freeman this week. “I firmly believe the most effective approach to providing exceptional patient care is through continuous improvement and fostering a conducive work environment.”

Burgin has mastered a wide variety of diverse healthcare roles over the years, including medical records management, front desk operations, billing and coding, clinical medical assisting, patient safety, and supervisory positions. During those decades, she’s learned to hone two very important skills: Observation and listening.

“As I begin any new endeavor, I place a strong emphasis on observation,” she said. “My objective is to acquire valuable insights from the Freeman team regarding effective strategies, existing opportunities, and areas where my expertise can contribute to system enhancement.”

As any great listener will tell you, it’s far more valuable and effective to listen, rather than talk.

“I would be foolish not to seek out and listen to the diverse perspectives of my colleagues,” Burgin said.

She also cites innovation and collaboration as essential principles for overseeing such a vast operation with so many moving parts as she will with Freeman Health System.

“Innovation and collaboration are essential for the sustained effectiveness, productivity, and sustainability of healthcare systems,” Burgin said. “All of the esteemed healthcare leaders with whom I have had the privilege of collaborating heavily relied upon these two fundamental principles.”

Outside of work, both she and her husband serve as youth ministers at their church.

“When I’m not busy, I love building Lego sets,” she said. “They give me a challenge with a clear solution, quickly revealing the fruits of my labor.”

Overall, she said, “my objective is to offer comprehensive support and guidance to our teams at all levels, equipping them with the necessary tools to effectively fulfill Freeman’s mission. Additionally, I am committed to identifying and nurturing the passions that motivate our caregivers and providers.

“We are all people before we are employees,” she continued. “I am dedicated to remembering that and treating each person I encounter accordingly.”