The Expanding Influence of Healthcare Administrative Professionals
The Conference for Healthcare Administrative Professionals took place on April 23-24, 2026, in Toronto and virtually, bringing together healthcare administrative leaders and professionals for a highly engaging and well-received event. With strong attendance and active participation throughout the day, sessions sparked meaningful discussion, peer exchange, and practical takeaways.
Below are key highlights from some of the standout sessions.
Recognizing Strategic Influence
In the opening session, “Beyond the Role: Influence, Growth, & Resilience in Healthcare Administrative Careers”, Sasha Howell (University Health Network) challenged attendees to rethink how they define their roles. Rather than viewing administrative work as task-based support, Howell emphasized its direct impact on decision-making, organizational flow, and leadership outcomes.
A key takeaway was the shift from “doing tasks” to shaping how work happens. Administrative professionals are often responsible for prioritization, communication flow, and problem prevention which are functions that directly influence leadership decisions.
“You may not always be the person making the final decision, but you often influence and shape everything that goes into that final decision.”
– Sasha Howell
Sasha Howell from University Health Network (UHN)
The session also highlighted the importance of intentional career growth. Progression does not always mean moving into a new role, but it can mean expanding influence, developing strategic thinking, and actively seeking mentorship.
Leadership Without the Title
In “Leading Without the Title: The Strategic Influence of Healthcare Administrative Professionals”, Patty Barnes (Mackenzie Health) reinforced a central theme echoed throughout the conference: leadership is not defined by job titles.
Patty Barnes from Mackenzie Health
Barnes shared practical examples of how administrative professionals drive operational improvements from modernizing outdated systems to building new processes that improve efficiency and data tracking.
The session introduced the idea of administrative professionals as “infrastructure leaders”, such as individuals who ensure systems run effectively, information flows clearly, and teams are supported at every level.
Key strategies included:
- Identifying inefficiencies and proposing solutions
- Standardizing processes to reduce repeated work
- Leveraging technology to improve communication and reporting
- Building credibility through consistency and reliability
Barnes also addressed the importance of visibility, encouraging professionals to articulate their impact clearly and move away from minimizing language like “just an admin.”
Driving Organizational Efficiency
Across several sessions, the shift from reactive support to proactive leadership became a consistent theme. Administrative professionals are uniquely positioned to anticipate needs, identify gaps, and streamline workflows before issues arise.
Examples shared during discussions included:
- Creating standardized procedures to reduce repetitive questions
- Building systems to centralize information and improve access
- Managing competing priorities by focusing on impact, not urgency
- Using structured communication to improve clarity across teams
This shift not only improves efficiency but also strengthens trust within leadership teams. As admin professionals take on more strategic responsibilities, they are increasingly seen as essential contributors to organizational success and not just support functions.
Conclusions
To conclude, healthcare administrative professionals are already operating as leaders. Their influence is embedded in how organizations function day-to-day, from decision-making support to operational execution.
The most impactful takeaway is the need to recognize, articulate, and expand that influence. Growth comes from reframing the role, taking initiative, and actively participating in strategic conversations. At the same time, sustainability, through boundaries and energy management, remains critical to maintaining long-term impact.
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