Courtney Chupurdy, Program Manager, Medica

What is your current role?

I’ve been with Medica as a Program Manager for a little over 3 years, managing processes related to models of care for special needs plan (SNP) populations and ensuring compliance with CMS requirements. I lead projects to implement new regulations, working across teams to build efficient, sustainable workflows. My role involves optimizing processes, aligning with Medicaid and Medicare standards, and supporting quality initiatives.

Also, I am an MBA student, graduating in May, building on the strategic skills I’ve developed throughout my career. Along the way, I earned a Graduate Certificate in Strategic Growth from the University of St. Thomas, strengthening my expertise in strategic planning, financial analysis, and business development. This experience has sharpened my ability to drive growth, optimize resources, and create impactful strategies.

Why did you join the TRUST?

I officially joined the TRUST in the fall of 2024, but I had been following the organization on LinkedIn for quite some time. I’ve always been drawn to opportunities that allow me to connect with and learn from other women leaders in health care, and the TRUST felt like the perfect place to do that. As an MBA student graduating in May, I wanted to immerse myself in a community of professionals who are not only shaping the future of healthcare but are also passionate about mentorship, collaboration and driving meaningful change. Being part of the TRUST gives me the chance to grow as a professional while learning from the experiences of those who have truly paved the way in this industry.

What has been your favorite part of being a member of the TRUST?

One of the best parts of being a member of the TRUST is the amazing network of women who are so open, supportive and willing to share their experiences. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by leaders who are passionate about making a difference in health care, and I’ve loved getting to connect with so many incredible professionals. I’m currently in the Mentorship Program, and working with my mentor has been such a rewarding experience. She’s given me valuable insights, challenged me to think differently and helped me grow both personally and professionally. It has been great to have a space where I can ask questions, gain perspective and learn from a highly passionate health care leader.

What is the best mentoring experience you’ve had?

The best mentoring experience I’ve had was less about formal guidance and was more of a conversation. Early in my career, I struggled with (and sometimes still experience) imposter syndrome, which at times manifested as a reluctance to contribute in meetings. I felt like an outsider, and my voice seemed insignificant. A colleague, recognizing my struggle and shared his own experience with the same issue. His advice was simple yet incredibly impactful: ‘The sweet spot for growth is right outside your comfort zone. When you feel uncomfortable, that’s where the learning happens.’ He emphasized that confidence isn’t a prerequisite, but a result of pushing through those feelings of fear and uncertainty. This wasn’t just advice, this truly shifted my perspective. It helped me understand that true growth comes from embracing discomfort, and that confidence follows action, not the other way around.

Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that significantly influenced your leadership style or professional path?

A defining moment in my professional journey, one that significantly shaped my understanding of leadership, occurred during a project meeting. The woman project manager, highly competent and efficient, presented information with a directness I admired. However, the subsequent feedback from other attendees, particularly from fellow women, was jarring. They perceived her directness as ‘off-putting,’ even ‘angry.’ This stark contrast between my perception and theirs was a powerful lesson. It revealed the persistent double standards women face in professional settings, where assertiveness can be misconstrued as aggression. This experience made me realize I wanted to cultivate a leadership style that fosters open and honest communication without perpetuating these harmful stereotypes. It also forced me to confront my own tendency to hold back, to soften my communication for fear of being similarly misjudged. I recognized the importance of embracing my own voice and communicating with authenticity, while simultaneously creating a supportive environment where others can feel empowered to do the same.

What emerging trend in health care are you most excited about?

I’m excited about several emerging trends in the health care space, the one that’s on the top of my mind is the expansion of telehealth and remote patient monitoring. The advancements being made in technology are really breaking down geographical barriers and enabling access to quality care for individuals in underserved communities. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, remotely monitor chronic conditions and provide timely interventions is really transforming the delivery of health care. I believe this trend has the potential to significantly improve individual health outcomes, reduce health care costs and promote greater equity in health care.

How do you balance the demands of your professional and personal life?

To be honest, balancing work, school and life isn’t always easy! But I’ve learned that scheduling is my close friend. I set specific times for work and school to keep them contained, and then I block out time for self-care and spending time with friends. I treat those self-care and social times like important meetings on my calendar, I don’t reschedule them unless it’s absolutely necessary. This helps me stay sane and make sure I’m taking care of myself, not just my to-do list.

How do you maintain or improve your health and well-being?

For me, health and well-being are about taking care of both my mind and body. I’ve found that regularly engaging in fun workouts, even short ones, make a huge difference in my stress levels and overall mood. I love fun group fitness classes! I also love to read; it’s a great way to escape and recharge my battery. And, of course, spending quality time with friends is non-negotiable. I believe laughing and connecting are incredibly important for well-being. I’m very intentional about not letting work and school take over my life. I schedule downtime, and I’m learning to say ‘no’ when I need to protect my personal time.

Words of wisdom to live by?

My inherent curiosity and drive to understand the ‘why’ behind everything fuels my passion for learning. In that spirit, Helen Hayes’s quote, ‘The expert in anything was once a beginner,’ deeply resonates with me. It’s a reminder that growth is a journey, not a destination, and that we should never shy away from the discomfort that can come with learning. It also underscores the importance of compassion, recognizing that everyone is on their own journey. This quote encourages me to practice patience, both with myself and others, and to find joy in the process of progress.