Groundbreaking initiatives, innovation, and a commitment to healthcare equity mark Keisha Dorsey’s journey as a healthcare technology and policy leader. With over two decades of experience, she has led transformative projects at Humana and Louisville Metro Government, advancing healthcare access and driving policy change.
In this interview, Keisha Dorsey shares her insights into healthcare technology, her leadership philosophy, and her relentless pursuit of improving healthcare systems through policy innovation. Her experience offers valuable lessons for professionals in healthcare, technology, and public policy.
Interviewer – Tell us a little about yourself.
Keisha Dorsey – I have always been passionate about finding solutions to bridge healthcare access and delivery gaps. I have spent over 20 years in the healthcare sector, working on policy development, technology adoption, and improving healthcare delivery systems. My career began with working on national data governance initiatives at Humana, where I led efforts to increase technology adoption by 30%. I serve as the Executive Director for Louisville Metro Government, focusing on policies that promote economic equity and address health disparities in underserved communities.
Interviewer – Please tell us a little about your journey in healthcare technology and policy innovation.
Keisha Dorsey – My journey in healthcare technology and policy has been driven by my desire to make a tangible impact. At Humana, I spearheaded initiatives to enhance technology adoption and streamline healthcare operations, significantly improving care delivery to millions of people. As I moved into public policy with the Louisville Metro Government, I saw the opportunity to shape policies that could drive systemic change, particularly in healthcare equity and economic development. The intersection of technology and policy has allowed me to influence the future of healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes.
Interviewer – Kindly brief us about your current role at Louisville Metro Government, its focus areas, and the services it offers to promote healthcare and public policy.
Keisha Dorsey – At Louisville Metro Government, I work to craft policies that enhance economic equity and ensure that healthcare solutions are accessible to everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic background. One of our main focuses is population health, where we work with community organizations to promote wellness programs and improve healthcare outcomes for underserved populations. Additionally, I’m involved in initiatives to enhance data governance and promote digital health solutions, ensuring that our healthcare system is innovative, efficient, and equitable.
Interviewer – What is your biggest unique selling point in healthcare technology and policy development?
Keisha Dorsey – My unique selling point lies in my ability to combine technology with policy innovation to drive meaningful change. At Humana, I led initiatives that improved technology adoption and governance, enhancing operational efficiency and improving patient care. In my current role, I can leverage my expertise in both technology and policy to address systemic inequities in healthcare, ensuring that technological advancements are used to create more inclusive healthcare systems.
Interviewer – What motivated you to lead healthcare technology and policy initiatives that focus on equity and innovation?
Keisha Dorsey – I’ve always believed that healthcare should be a universal right, not a privilege. Growing up, I saw firsthand how disparities in healthcare could affect communities, particularly underserved ones. This sparked my passion to work towards equitable healthcare policies and the use of technology as a tool for improving healthcare access. My goal is to create a system where everyone has access to quality care, regardless of their background or income, and technology plays a key role in bridging these gaps.
Interviewer – What was your mission and vision when you first began working in healthcare technology and policy, and how have they evolved over time?
Keisha Dorsey – My initial mission was to improve the operational efficiency of healthcare systems and ensure that more people could benefit from innovative solutions. Over time, as I gained experience, my focus expanded to include healthcare equity. Today, my vision is to improve healthcare delivery and ensure that technology and policy work hand-in-hand to eliminate health disparities. I am now focused on shaping forward-thinking, inclusive, and sustainable policies for the future of healthcare.
Interviewer – What is your leadership mantra when it comes to advancing healthcare technology and shaping public policy?
Keisha Dorsey – My leadership mantra is “Empowerment through collaboration.” I believe in working with diverse stakeholders – from healthcare providers to community leaders – to co-create solutions that are not only innovative but also practical and impactful. Empowering others to contribute to the solution is crucial, as it fosters a sense of shared responsibility and drives the collective effort needed to transform healthcare systems.
Interviewer – What are your current goals, both personally and in your work with Louisville Metro Government, in terms of improving healthcare access and equity?
Keisha Dorsey – My current goal is to continue shaping policies that provide better healthcare access to underserved communities, particularly those facing economic challenges. Personally, I am focused on mentoring the next generation of healthcare leaders and encouraging them to think innovatively. With Louisville Metro Government, I aim to implement policies that will have a lasting impact on healthcare equity, from expanding digital health solutions to improving health literacy in our communities.
Interviewer – What inspired you to focus on healthcare technology and policy, especially in the areas of population health and economic equity?
Keisha Dorsey -My passion for healthcare technology and policy stems from my desire to address the social determinants of health. Technology could be pivotal in addressing healthcare disparities and improving population health outcomes. The intersection of technology and policy offers a powerful platform to promote economic equity and ensure that everyone has access to the resources they need to live a healthy life regardless of their circumstances.
Interviewer – What have been some of the challenges or setbacks you’ve encountered in your career, and what have you learned from them in the context of healthcare innovation and policy?
Keisha Dorsey – One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced has been overcoming resistance to change, especially when it comes to implementing new technologies in healthcare systems. Change is often met with skepticism, and that’s where effective leadership comes in. I’ve learned the importance of clear communication, educating stakeholders, and demonstrating the tangible benefits of innovation. Patience and persistence are essential when trying to bring about lasting change.
Interviewer – Key things to consider before embarking on a career or leading an initiative in healthcare technology and policy?
Keisha Dorsey – The key thing to consider is understanding the ecosystem of healthcare. Healthcare is multifaceted, with various stakeholders – from patients and providers to policymakers and technology developers. A comprehensive understanding of how each piece fits together is essential for creating impactful solutions. Additionally, a strong commitment to equity and a vision for long-term change are crucial for success in this field.
Interviewer – What are some of the biggest mistakes you’ve made in your career, particularly related to healthcare policy and technology adoption, and how did you overcome them?
Keisha Dorsey – One mistake I made early on was not fully considering the cultural and organizational barriers when introducing new technologies. It’s important to engage with the people who will use the technology from the beginning. Over time, I learned the importance of collaboration, involving all stakeholders, and taking a more patient, inclusive approach to technology adoption.
Interviewer – If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out in healthcare technology or policy, what would it be?
Keisha Dorsey – My advice would be to focus on understanding the problems you are trying to solve, rather than just focusing on the technology or policy itself. Be passionate about creating solutions that have a real impact on people’s lives. Build relationships with key stakeholders and never underestimate the power of listening to those who are most affected by the policies and technologies you are developing.
Interviewer – Your success tips for young and aspiring professionals in healthcare innovation, technology, and public policy.
Keisha Dorsey – For young professionals, I recommend staying curious and never stop learning. The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, and staying up-to-date with the latest technologies, policies, and best practices is essential. Build a strong network of mentors and peers, and be open to diverse perspectives. Finally, don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo and push for innovation that can make healthcare better for everyone.