When should imaging leaders bring in outside expertise? In this episode of Medical Imaging Matters, Jason Newmark draws on his consulting days, joined in conversation by Regents Health Resources consultants Abby Calnon, Derek Hunley, and Kirsten Sutter. 

Drawing on decades of experience, the group discusses what healthcare consultants actually do, how their role has evolved, and why outside perspectives can help imaging leaders uncover opportunities that may be difficult to see from within their own organizations.

The conversation covers some of the most pressing issues facing imaging leaders today, including workforce shortages, patient access, operational efficiency, revenue cycle performance, physician alignment, and the growing impact of AI. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions, our guests talk through the importance of developing practical, sustainable strategies tailored to each organization's needs.

Whether you're considering engaging a consultant for the first time or looking for new ways to strengthen your department's performance, this episode will give you a better sense of how engaging with outside expertise can drive meaningful change in your organization.

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Abbie Calnon is associate vice president of strategic consulting at Regents Health Resources with 18 years of healthcare experience focused on radiology strategy, operational improvement, and client advisory support. Her role includes helping clients evaluate opportunities, address financial and operational challenges, and develop actionable strategic plans aligned with imaging service delivery.

Prior to joining Regents, Abbie held roles in imaging sales and marketing,
 business development, and healthcare operations leadership. Her experience
 includes oversight of pre-access functions such as document intake, radiology
 scheduling, and prior authorization workflows. She also served as director of
 implementations, supporting imaging business development initiatives and joint
 venture deployment efforts. 

Derek Hunley is senior vice president of Regents Health Resources. He has nearly 30 years of business development and leadership experience in the healthcare industry, with over 20-years being in the radiology space. Much of his career has involved the cultivation of strategic partnerships and joint ventures with hospitals, health systems and physician groups in the outpatient radiology sector. Derek combines his knowledge of outpatient imaging and his background in healthcare finance to structure creative and successful partnerships that provide patients with access to high-quality care.

Previously, Derek held senior leadership positions with industry leaders in outpatient radiology and the patient engagement space. Most recently, he was responsible for all business development and joint venture partnerships with the second largest provider of outpatient imaging services in the U.S.  

Derek holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Tennessee Tech University and is Six Sigma Quality Greenbelt Certified. He is a four-time recipient of the GE Capital Winners Circle Award.

Kirsten Sutter is vice president of strategic consulting at Regents Health Resources, where she advises healthcare organizations on operations, joint ventures, and transactions. She brings 30 years of operational leadership in diagnostic imaging, urgent care, and multi-site healthcare, with regional executive roles at MedQuest Associates, GoHealth Urgent Care, and LucidHealth.

AHRA: The Association for Medical Imaging Management provides medical imaging professionals with education, training, insights, and community expertise to grow as healthcare leaders.

Founded in 1973, our professional organization is a catalyst for healthcare improvement by setting the standard on quality care, innovative use of technologies, and best practices in medical imaging management.

Learn more and connect with us at ahra.org.