Good things are happening at Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Medicine. Throughout the institution, staff members are being promoted, earning new certifications and — in some cases — coming back home to where their eye care career began. Let’s take a few minutes to welcome back familiar faces and congratulate our colleagues on their career achievements, advancements and milestones.
Stephen Chott, B.A., C.O.A. – Ophthalmic Compliance Coordinator
Stephen Chott
When Stephen Chott returned to Wilmer in May to serve as its ophthalmic compliance coordinator, it was a full-circle moment. Without any prior ophthalmology experience, Chott first began working at the institute in 2018 as an ophthalmic technician assistant in the float pool. The following year, he became a full-time ophthalmic technician at the White Marsh location, and by June 2019, he became a certified ophthalmic assistant. Chott continued at White Marsh until September of last year, when he accepted an office manager position at a local multi-specialty wellness center. After a few months away, he is excited and ready to come back to Wilmer and take on the new role.
The role of ophthalmic compliance coordinator is multifaceted, says Chott. He trains new ophthalmic technicians and assists with float pool operations, including the coordination of daily clinical assignments for float pool technicians. He exhibits a lead-by-example approach, coupled with active listening and being readily available.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be helping train new technicians,” says Chott. “I came to Wilmer with no experience, and have now been able to build a career through being a technician. I owe a lot to all the people at Wilmer who helped me get where I am, and I’m excited for the opportunity to give back.”
What is your favorite thing to do during the summer? To be outside enjoying the weather, including going to baseball games and breweries.
What’s your favorite thing to do when spending time with family? My family has always enjoyed playing board games. We usually play one when we get together.
What places are on your travel bucket list? Greece is at the top. Also, I really would like to visit some of the national parks that we have here in the U.S.
If you were alone on an island, which three music albums would you want to have? Malibu by Anderson .Paak, Rumors by Fleetwood Mac and Traveller by Chris Stapleton.
Kim Jones, A.S., C.P.C., O.C.S. – Coding Specialist III
Kim Jones
For the past 40 years, Kim Jones has had a storied career in eye care. In 1982, Jones earned an associate’s degree in optometric technology, while working as a certified ophthalmic technician and scribe at a private ophthalmology practice. A few years later, she accepted a leadership position in the practice’s refractive surgical center, where she operated the excimer laser, assisted in the procedures and scheduled refractive patients. She did that until 2012, when the practice merged with Wilmer.
In 2013, Jones transitioned from clinical staff to administrative, working in the physician billing department for Wilmer. Subsequently, she earned a certified professional coder accreditation in 2015. Last May, Jones — along with five colleagues in the billing department — earned a three-year certification as an ophthalmic coding specialist through the American Academy of Ophthalmology. According to the organization, there are about 800 individuals who have achieved their OCS designation.
Jones says the most interesting part about being a coder is the challenge of finding the correct procedure, or CPT, code for unusual procedures and surgeries.
What’s your favorite thing to do during the summer? We love taking short trips, enjoy the pools of our friends and family, and ride our Harley trike.
What’s your favorite thing to do when spending time with family? Playing cards and board games, floating in the pool and visiting craft breweries.
What places are on your travel bucket list? Hawaii to visit our oldest son, Mount Rushmore and a cruise from the port of Baltimore to Bermuda.
If you were alone on an island, which three music albums would you want to have?25 by Adele, Night Moves by Bob Seger and Rumors by Fleetwood Mac.
Kathy Kahn, C.M.A. – Bethesda Clinic Supervisor
Kathy Kahn
Kathy Kahn began her career in ophthalmology about 10 years ago, having first worked in New York as a call center agent for an eye care practice. Two years later, she moved to Maryland, where she began working at Wilmer as a patient service coordinator in the PACE clinic. The following year, she became an ophthalmic technician assistant before moving closer to Washington, D.C. in 2018 and accepting a position as a surgical coordinator at Wilmer’s Bethesda office. Five years later, Kahn was promoted to clinic manager.
As clinic supervisor, Kahn is most excited about being able to enhance clinic flow and provide support to patients and physicians. She enjoys the opportunity to be a listening ear for staff members, creating a culture of feedback while setting realistic expectations, as well as organizing ideas and projects, and implementing time management tactics that allow for efficient execution of tasks.
“I want my team to feel heard and supported,” says Kahn. “I like to promote open communication to make sure we all work as one.”
What is your favorite thing to do during the summer? I enjoy going to the pool with my 2-year-old.
What’s your favorite thing to do when spending time with family? We enjoy eating, so we like to try new food from all over the world.
What places are on your travel bucket list? Europe
If you were alone on an island, which three music albums would you want to have?A Night of Salsa by Celia Cruz and Friends, Bacháta Rosa by Juan Luis Guerra and Exile on Main Street by the Rolling Stones.