Transforming Healthcare for Communities: A Personal Mission - Paula Autry
Growing up, I witnessed the impact of healthcare firsthand when my sister was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis at a young age. Our family spent countless hours navigating a complex healthcare system, seeking specialized care and understanding the challenges of accessing the right resources. Those early experiences sparked my initial desire to become a physician; I wanted to be on the front lines, providing care for those who needed it most. However, as I delved deeper into the operational side of healthcare, I realized my calling was broader — making healthcare accessible and efficient for all, particularly for underserved communities.
My career journey has taken me from overseeing hospital operations to collaborating on strategic state investments, and each role has deepened my conviction that healthcare must serve the community as a whole. While clinical expertise is critical, the systems and structures that support healthcare delivery are equally vital. This realization propelled me to focus on transforming healthcare operations to ensure they provide value-based care, reduce costs, and ultimately improve health outcomes for everyone — especially those who have been historically marginalized.
One of the most impactful projects in my career has been the work my team and I undertook in the Mississippi Delta, a region historically underserved and burdened with health disparities. Through my role as CEO and Consultant at Leadership DNAmics/KSM, we focused on revitalizing hospital operations and financials across 16 hospitals in the area. The aim was not just to stabilize these institutions but to create a sustainable and collaborative model for healthcare delivery that would make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
An achievement came when we successfully advocated for a $700 million annual state investment for all Mississippi hospitals and Medicaid Expansion for pregnant women. This wasn’t merely a financial win; it was a step toward a long-term vision. We are working toward establishing a proposed authority of hospitals that will collaborate to scale resources, optimize care delivery, and improve access across the region. By bringing these hospitals together under one unified approach, we aim to ensure that patients receive comprehensive, high-quality care regardless of their zip code or socioeconomic status.
The mission goes beyond financial investments; it’s about building systems of care that create real, measurable change. For too long, underserved communities have faced barriers that limit their access to essential health services. Whether it’s a lack of nearby facilities, prohibitive costs, or the absence of preventive care programs, these challenges translate into poorer health outcomes and greater inequities. My goal is to dismantle these barriers and create a healthcare ecosystem where every individual — regardless of their background — has access to the care they need.
In my current role, whether as an interim CEO, consultant, board member, or advisor, my focus remains on driving change that creates sustainable prosperity for healthcare organizations while centering the needs of the community. By working with hospitals, legislative bodies, and healthcare executives, I strive to develop solutions that balance operational effectiveness with equitable health outcomes. It’s about bridging the gap between financial growth and the health and well-being of those we serve.
As we continue our efforts in the Mississippi Delta and beyond, I am reminded of the importance of collective action. It takes a network of committed individuals and organizations working together to build a system that serves everyone. My passion for this work stems from a desire to see healthcare become a unifying force, bringing communities together and creating opportunities for all to thrive.
This is the healthcare system I am working to build — a system that goes beyond treating symptoms to addressing the root causes of health disparities. By transforming how care is delivered, we can create a future where no community is left behind and every person has the opportunity to live a healthy, fulfilling life.
Paula Autry is a results-driven healthcare executive with extensive experience in market development, strategic planning, and stakeholder relations. She has led successful initiatives in healthcare growth, joint ventures, and team leadership across both for-profit and non-profit sectors. She is passionate about improving patient outcomes and driving sustainable success in healthcare organizations.
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