Dr. Stephen Clark discusses Confluent Health’s ACE Program
Medical Technology Schools featured Confluent Health in a recent article on upskilling in the healthcare industry, a projected phenomenon to assist with the rise in skill gaps. The skill gaps perpetuating the healthcare industry can be attributed to the rise of technology within the industry, the rise of AI-based tools and a shift in the type and demand of healthcare needed as the Baby Boomer generation continues to age.
Upskilling opportunities are no longer just a perk; they are crucial to employee satisfaction. A staggering 55% of employees have expressed their willingness to leave their current roles for positions that offer upskilling opportunities. This talent shortage is a wake-up call for employers, urging them to provide these opportunities to boost retention rates.
Stephen Clark, PT, DPT, OCS, ATC, Clinical Innovations Director at Confluent Health, spoke with Medical Technology Schools about the opportunities Confluent Health offers its employees to continue learning, one of its core values. Namely, Confluent Health’s support of the Academy of Clinical Excellence (ACE) Program.
The ACE Program, a cornerstone of Confluent Health’s commitment to employee development, is structured in five key areas: training and development, teaching and professional service, community and marketing, leadership and development, and finally, degrees and certification. This comprehensive program provides personal and professional growth and offers financial advancement, making it a valuable asset.
Dr. Clark’s career progression is a testament to the effectiveness of the ACE Program. Starting as a staff physical therapist, he embarked on a clinical development track with online didactic work and mentorship in the clinic. His mastery of clinical concepts led him to pass a Clinical Specialist exam, a feat achieved by less than 10% of PTs nationwide. As he honed his clinical skills, he developed into a leader by being mentored as a “clinic director in training,” locally but also invested in at an enterprise level through PTVille, Confluent Health’s primary clinical leadership training. Dr. Clark was rewarded for his continuous learning through the ACE Program.
“For example, as clinical expertise is gained, the ACE program rewards taking classes to attain mastery (in PT, that’s board certification), hosting clinical trainings (serving to advance peers), and cross-discipline instruction (outside the four walls of our company).”
To read the full article, please follow this link: Upskilling in the Allied Health Professions.
Director of Marketing, Training and Professional Development
Marketing Consultant | Boutique Partners
Digital Marketing Specialist
Digital Marketing Manager
Senior Graphic Designer
Content Production Manager
Graphic Designer
Senior Director of Partner Growth
Hive Marketing Liaison
Digital Marketing Campaign Specialist
Marketing Analyst
VP Brand Communications 
Web Designer
Marketing Communications Specialist
PR + Communications Manager
Senior Director, Consumer Media Group