To celebrate Black History Month, Conduit Health Partners is excited to feature some of our incredible employees.
We asked our employees, to share stories of what gets them excited each day, what they are most proud of, why they enjoy working at Conduit, and highlight how a figure in black history shaped their career or life.
We hope you enjoy these inspiring stories as much as we do.
Lamar Burch, Contact Center Manager for the Scheduling Division at Conduit Health Partners, enjoys helping his team understand the critical role they play in getting people access to the care they need.
“I have the ability to show my team how they fit into the bigger picture, and how what they’re doing day to day makes a big impact on the community,” he said.
Lamar — a father of two who’s originally from Canton, Ohio and now lives in Fairfield Township, Ohio — joined Conduit in September 2020 and assumed his current position in November 2021.
“One of the things I like about Conduit is that we’re invested in the health care and wellbeing of the community, not only organizations that we serve across the country, but locally as well.”
It’s this community focus that drives Lamar at work and when he’s away from the office. When he’s not ensuring that his division is meeting needs of clients like health systems and their practices and patients, or spending time with his family, Lamar volunteers and mentors young, at-risk black males through a local school system. He meets with a different elementary-age student each year and he mentors them virtually or in person throughout the year.
“It’s been eye opening because you never know—especially with kids—what they’re going through at home,” Lamar said. “I had a challenging upbringing and so I want to extend whatever influence I can to make a difference.”
According to Lamar’s supervisor, Dusti Browning—Conduit’s Vice President for Client Solutions—Lamar’s positive influence shines through at work, too.
“Lamar holds himself to a high standard and motivates others to do the same,” she said. “He is a capable, agile leader who is committed to optimal performance. We are fortunate to have him as part of the Conduit team.”
Lamar recently demonstrated his commitment toward professional growth and leadership in the industry by earning his Call Center Management Certification.
“I wanted to get the necessary information and tools not only to lead, but to get more of an analytical skillset—to do a deeper dive into numbers—because all of that impacts how we’re meeting patient needs.”
Reflecting on Black History Month, Lamar says it’s an important opportunity for people to learn about the many achievements of African Americans that have impacted the United States and globally throughout all sectors and areas of society. He says there are two historical figures who have influenced his life: Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X.
“Muhammad Ali used his influence to go beyond the boxing ring. He shaped culture, and he did it with charisma and class. He had hard lines for what he believed in but as time went on, he was loved and accepted by everyone.”
Lamar says he admires Malcolm X for his ability to evolve.
“Though his message was more radical, Malcolm X evolved and became more understanding and open—and his message evolved— and he showed that we can still uplift who we are without separation and denigration. He was able to grow.”
Lamar says Black History Month is also a chance for people to simply get to know each other better.
“Let’s talk about our differences, whether it’s the way we interact with each other or our upbringing. For me, it’s an important opportunity to come into my space and learn a little about my culture.”
