This week’s spotlight is on Brad Defenbaugh, PT, DPT, SCS, a Non-Clinical 101 graduate who is now Business Process Engineer for PredictionHealth!
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What is your full name, title, and company name for your current, primary role?
Brad Defenbaugh, PT, DPT, SCS — Business Process Engineer at PredictionHealth
What additional roles do you currently have?
Chair, APTA Beyond Clinical Practice Catalyst Group
Where are you located?
Sammamish, WA.
Where did you go to PT school, and what year did you graduate?
St. Ambrose University, 2008.
Please refrain from contacting our spotlight participants on social media. There are thousands of readers just like you out there. 🙂 Please ask your questions in the comments on this blog post.
If you’re a Non-Clinical 101 student, you can network with many of our spotlight participants in the alumni groups!
What did you do when you first finished school, and for how long?
I was a staff physical therapist at Rock Valley Physical Therapy for three years.
In what setting(s) did you work, and what types of patients did you treat?
I worked in outpatient orthopedics and sideline coverage, covering orthopedics and sports medicine.
What did you enjoy about your early roles? What didn’t you enjoy?
I enjoyed making a positive impact on patients’ lives and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.
I didn’t enjoy the limited opportunities for innovation and process improvement. Also, the resistance to new technology.
What else have you done since then, prior to your current business process engineer role?
I am the current Chair of the Beyond Clinical Practice Catalyst Group with the APTA.
I’ve worked as a physical therapist, clinic director, and data analyst in various outpatient orthopedic clinics for 14 years. I’ve also held the titles of VP of Innovation and Client Success Specialist.
When and why did you decide to do something non-clinical?
I realized the potential for leveraging technology and data to improve healthcare processes and outcomes. I also wanted to decrease the administrative burden for healthcare providers and managers.
What are you doing these days?
I currently work as a process improvement specialist at PredictionHealth, focusing on optimizing processes and implementing technology solutions.
Are you still treating patients, or are you solely non-clinical?
I am solely non-clinical.
How long have you been in your current role?
Since January 2023.
What do you wish you would’ve known before going into the business process engineer role?
I wish I’d known how many other resources there are to help guide a career path in data.
Did you get any special certifications or training along the way to help you get into your current role?
Yes, various Linkedin Learning courses, DataCamp, and working through real life projects that have no process established.
How did you find your job? Did you apply or find it through a connection?
I got my non-clinical job by applying directly through a job posting and by networking.
Did you do anything special to your resume and cover letter to land the job?
I highlighted my relevant skills and experience in process improvement and data analysis. I converted my skills that made me a great PT into why I would be a great addition to an AI company.
How did you decide on this career path?
I researched which personality type I fit in and looked at the roles that would fit through Non-Clinical 101.
Plus, you’ll get early access to curated non-clinical job listings and a bonus lesson on AI!
What are some of the things you did to stand out, take initiative, and advance in your career?
I demonstrated leadership in process improvement projects, proactively identified opportunities for optimization, and continuously sought professional development.
How have people reacted to you leaving patient care?
They have been supportive and understanding, recognizing the potential impact of process improvement and technology in healthcare.
What’s a typical day or week in the life like for you? What types of tasks and responsibilities fill your time?
Typical tasks include:
- Analyzing data
- Optimizing processes
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams
- Implementing technology solutions
I currently spend 50% of my week in meetings and 50% on processes.
What are some of the rewards of your role? What are the biggest challenges?
The biggest rewards are improving processes, making a positive impact, and driving innovation.
The biggest challenges are navigating complex healthcare systems and managing change.
How did your clinical background prepare you for this role? Which skills transferred?
My clinical background provided a strong foundation in healthcare knowledge, communication, and problem-solving, all of which are essential for optimizing processes and implementing technology solutions.
Roughly speaking, how are the hours and pay compared to patient care?
The hours are more flexible but also longer than a 40 hour work week. Pay is competitive with patient care roles.
What type of person do you think would do well in your business process engineer role?
A person who is detail-oriented, analytical, adaptable, and has strong communication skills.
Do you work remotely or onsite?
Does your organization hire PT, OT, or SLP professionals into non-clinical roles? If so, what type of roles?
Yes, the organization has a variety of healthcare providers on staff, along with non-medical, across the company. They hold roles in CS, sales, engineering, and operations.
Did you read any books, take any courses, or do anything special overall to get you where you are today?
I took courses in data analysis and process improvement. I also watched tutorials on a variety of data and automation tools.
What is a typical career path for someone in your business process engineer role?
A typical career path usually starts with Content Expert, then Customer Support, then Data Analyst, then Business Process Engineer.
What is next for you? What are your high-level career aspirations?
As the number of healthcare providers declines, my goal is to identify and implement tools that enhance efficiency, enabling providers to deliver quality care to more patients.
What would you recommend to someone who is considering going into a role like yours? Do you have any special words of wisdom for the readers?
Say “Yes” to as many projects as you can. Be okay with an initial salary decrease.
What would you teach to today’s graduate students in your profession, if you had the opportunity?
I would advise students to be knowledgeable about the tools that are available to you and not to fear change but embrace it.
