During my undergraduate
college years my friends told me they
thought of me as a bit differerent. After all,
they did not know anyone who majored in mathematics
and minored in English poetry. Looking back, though,
I see that my interests in mathematics, poetry
and art gives me some unique perspectives about
challenges in my life and helping others with
their challenges.
My first and very satisfying
career was as a secondary mathematics
teacher. As a teacher I learned a great deal about
communication that I bring to my work with healthcare
professionals. Listening to clients describing
their challenges is as important as describing
a solution.
After leaving teaching
I wanted to pursue a path that would put to use
my skills with data and communication while helping
improve the lives of others, which is the root
of teaching. (Some of my students, I am sure,
would not describe my efforts to teach them mathematics
as improving their lives.) This led to starting
my consulting business. My first jobs were helping
manufacturers with their production problems and
design problems. This direction was quite satisfying.
Soon I started networking
with healthcare professionals and decided that
my skills with quality improvement could be effectively
put to use with them. I started by volunteering
with a local hospice group. Soon I started working
with healthcare groups as clients and also with
nonprofit agencies specializing in alcohol and
drug prevention services. I have found all my
work in healthcare very satisfying.
About Matt Kilroy
Matt Kilroy BS, RRT, WC-C,
AE-C: Advisor to Bryant’s Healthcare Solutions
Matt Kilroy has been an
advisor to Mr. Bryant for over five years, providing
a multitude of insights into the healthcare industry.
Mr. Kilroy and Mr. Bryant have spent many hours
discussing quality and safety in healthcare and
various ways to improve the outcomes for patients
and for providers. Mr. Kilroy continues to be
an active source of advice for Mr. Bryant in these
areas.
Mr. Kilroy has been a health
care practitioner for over 30 years and
wears many hats. He is a licensed Respiratory
Therapist currently working in the area of Medical
Case Management. He worked at Spectrum Health
Butterworth Campus, Grand Rapids, MI, for 24 years
in several capacities, as staff Respiratory Therapist,
Educator, CPR Instructor, Group Facilitator and
Supervisor. In February 2003, he changed jobs
and is currently working for a health management
organization based out of Grand Rapids Michigan
as a Respiratory Therapist Case Manager. Matt
is also a Licensed Wellness Coach and Certified
Asthma Educator (AE-C). As a Wellness Coach and
AE-C Matt assist others in achieving their wellness
vision leading them to optimal health.
Besides his career in health
care, Matt has been a professional musician, focusing
on Celtic music. He played with a musical
group for 20 years, until 2004, and now performs
professionally as solo. He plays guitar, harmonica
and banjo, among other instruments. He also holds
a sixth degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and is
the master instructor for a YMCA located in Belmont
Michigan.
By the way, if you love public
speaking as much as I do you might be interested
in becoming a member of one of your local Toastmasters
Inc. groups. I have been a member for over four
years.
