In this episode, Lauren Lewis sits down with Allison Raffaele, CEO of Medical Health Associates of Western New York (MHA), to explore the realities of leading a healthcare organization that balances independence, compliance, and community connection. Allison shares her winding career path — from surgical technology to animal hospital administration — and the pivotal Pain Points that shaped her leadership journey.
Together, Lauren and Allison dive into:
- The Pain Points of transitioning into a CEO role with “big shoes to fill”
- Leading multiple independent offices while balancing autonomy and compliance
- Overcoming communication challenges across teams and locations
- Building trust during leadership transitions and encouraging authentic feedback
- The financial and operational Pain Points of running private practices in a corporate-heavy healthcare landscape
- The power of storytelling through Allison’s Chronicles of a CEO series on LinkedIn
From reimagining billing operations to navigating compliance in pediatric care, Allison reveals how Medical Health Associates has preserved a “private practice feel” while growing into one of the region’s most unique healthcare models.
Connect with Medical Health Associates & Allison Raffaele
Website: WNY's Pediatric Care, Pediatricians | Medical Health Associates of WNY
LinkedIn: Medical Health Associates of WNY
Follow Allison Raffaele on LinkedIn
Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast
Website: https://staffbuffalo.com
Pain Points Episodes: https://staffbuffalo.com/painpoints
LinkedIn: StaffBuffalo
Instagram: @StaffBuffalo
Facebook: StaffBuffalo
YouTube: StaffBuffalo
This episode highlights the reality that every leader has Pain Points, whether it’s filling big shoes, managing communication gaps, or balancing tradition with innovation. Tune in for insights into leadership, healthcare, and building trust in times of transition.
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