This episode of the MGMA Member Spotlight Podcast features Karen Bowman, the recipient of the ACMPE Forum Representative of the Year Award. Karen, with over 30 years of experience in healthcare administration, currently leads Gastrointestinal Associates of Cleveland in Tennessee. In this episode, she shares her career path, the significance of the ACMPE award, and her passion for helping others achieve certification and fellowship.

Join us as we discuss her achievements and how she supports medical practice leaders through ACMPE’s certification process.

Karen Bowman’s career spans over three decades in healthcare administration. “I’ve been a healthcare administrator for more than 30 years,” she shares. Initially working in reception and billing, Karen quickly moved into management roles, eventually becoming the administrator at Gastrointestinal Associates of Cleveland. Reflecting on her role, she emphasizes teamwork: “We all have to fill in and make sure we can get our patients taken care of because that’s why we have jobs,” she says.

Karen was awarded the prestigious ACMPE Forum Representative of the Year Award, a recognition of her efforts to support MGMA members. “It has just been unreal to receive this award, and I’m so blessed,” she says. Karen credits her mentors, including Debbie Hudson and Tracy Bird, for helping her develop a passion for ACMPE.

As an ACMPE Forum Representative, Karen supports MGMA members pursuing certification and fellowship. “We assist our members by helping them and giving them the tools that they need to either pursue certification or fellowship,” she explains. She leads study groups, prep courses, and mock exams, frequently hosting sessions with 60-70 participants. “We meet at lunch every Tuesday for eight weeks. We give them the material and review the body of knowledge,” she says.

Mentorship is an important part of Karen’s role. “I love ACMPE. I love what it’s done for me in my career … and I want to help other people achieve that,” she notes. Leading study groups has been one of her most rewarding experiences. “I get so excited every month as a form rep when I receive those advancement reports,” she says. Karen has led numerous study groups and believes in the power of shared knowledge to help others succeed.

For those going through the ACMPE certification process, Karen offers practical advice. “Sometimes we don’t always pass on the first try, but just keep on keeping on” she urges. She advises focusing on areas where candidates feel less confident. "You know the stuff, it’s just applying it to those exams,” she recommends. 

As the ACMPE Forum Rep Liaison on the ACMPE Certification Commission, Karen plays a key role in ensuring members’ needs are met. “We look at our members and we try to do things that our members need,” she explains. Moving forward, Karen is committed to helping more people achieve certification and fellowship.

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