How long have you been with Switch?

I’ve been at Switch for just shy of two years, and the time has flown by in a fury!

Current clients/projects?

I lead the creative side of Switch’s healthcare business, helping support companies that face the uncertain and chaotic new healthcare landscape today. It’s incredibly challenging, complex and downright scary. But at the end of the day, we are truly helping save lives, and that is what makes what I do invaluable and incredibly rewarding.

How did you first get involved in this industry?

When I was just 5 years old, I told my mom I wanted to be a “commercial artist.” They couldn’t give me enough sketchbooks to fill. I preferred to draw bunnies and horses than go play outside. In college, I studied communications thinking I would go into advertising on the account side, but landed my first job as a production artist at a small agency in St. Louis, where I created those horrible financial credit card buck slips jammed with 6-point mice type. A few years and a few more agency jobs later, I started an agency. We grew the business from two of us to upward of 35 people and found our focus and passion in the technology, biosciences and healthcare industries.

What about your personal background (education, hobbies, interests) helps to inspire/enhance your professional life?

I’m an interior-decorating freak. I OBSESS over finding that perfect moss ball or pillow. I love hunting for that relic or antique and balancing that with more modern, clean lines. I feel I’m creative in everything I do, from my love for cooking to my friendly neighborhood competition for the best landscape.

What are the current challenges you’re facing in the industry today?

The healthcare industry is changing at an alarming rate, and its uncertain future has healthcare institutions, honestly, terrified and desperate for help. The disadvantages are stacked against them — declining reimbursements, rising costs and high turnover rates … just to name a few. As communicators, we can help them navigate through these issues by creating plans and strategies to support them. But we also continually face challenges and communication barriers along the way. We’ve had to get pretty creative when it comes to tactics in order to reach certain audiences in unconventional ways.

To learn more about the creative side of Switch’s healthcare business, please contact Dana at danam@theswitch.us.