Staff spotlight: Betsy Buswell

A UW alumna, Betsy earned both her bachelor’s degree in psychology and MBA from the University of Washington. She first joined the UW Department of Medicine in 2008 as an administrative specialist in the Division of Medical Genetics. In 2009, she moved to White Salmon, Wash., and began working at Little Oak Montessori, eventually rising to the position of head of school.

Returning to Seattle and the department in 2014, she managed various faculty and fellowship programs in academic HR before joining the finance team as finance manager and then transitioning to administrator in the Division of Cardiology. She has served as vice chair of finance and administration since April 2021.

Accomplishments

Some of her numerous accomplishments include:

• Spearheading growth in central department leadership and infrastructure for research administration and management by hiring a senior director of operations and expanding central research administration.
• Developing the team and structures around our clinical programs to support the alignment of departmental priorities with the broader system, enabling greater input and leadership from the Department of Medicine in system-wide initiatives.
• Driving initiatives to support “one Department of Medicine,” including IT for all, and evolutions in funds flows within the department to drive faculty and staff compensation equity.
• Leading organized compensation strategies for hospitalists and APPs in the department.
• Operational leadership and change management strategy for integration of our Hematology and Oncology division and the administration integration of our divisions of Medical Genetics and Rheumatology.
• Recruiting new division administrators for 9 of our 11 divisions.

Mentorship and leadership

Throughout her time at UW, Betsy has gained widespread respect for her extensive knowledge across the system, her innate leadership skills, her innovative problem-solving approaches, and her unwavering dedication.

Betsy is highly solutions-oriented and has achieved numerous successes that have enhanced both the department and the broader organization. Throughout this, she has built a team where individuals feel heard, supported, and motivated to work alongside a dynamic leader. By fostering a positive and encouraging atmosphere, she has promoted innovation and risk-taking, resulting in substantial improvements within the department, including the empowerment of its leadership.

She has taken a proactive approach in developing innovative strategies for recruitment and retention, such as introducing full-time float positions, merging roles, centralizing programs, and creating new positions. These efforts have contributed to greater stability and efficiency.

In recognition of her exceptional leadership, she was nominated for the John R. Pettit Leadership Award, which honors individuals who demonstrate integrity, leadership, and a positive attitude.

Comments from some of her direct reports include: “Betsy is one of the main reasons I have committed to the department, taken on extra work, and continue to contribute to her team;” “Betsy’s leadership has helped to create a culture of resiliency that I’m proud to be a part of and she is a shining example of what a UW Medicine leader should look like; ” “Betsy is truly the best boss I have had in my over 20 year career.”

Change agent

Betsy is the perfect example of an effective change manager. With her exceptional listening skills, she crafts strategic directions that inspire enthusiasm. In her current role, she manages the largest and most complex staff within the system. She has played a key role in transforming the department, particularly in staff integration as dyad partners and in staff recognition, areas she has tirelessly championed.

She’s been a fierce advocate of initiatives for our staff to be recognized, including our Outstanding Staff Awards, Gender Equity Staff Awards, Staff Spotlights, Staff Shout-Outs and the Staff Professional Development Fund.

Betsy has been very strategic and thoughtful in growing our programs sustainably and ensuring that the workflows and jobs can be replicated and documented. She has encouraged systems thinking – combining groups like Clinical Programs, Compensation, and Academic HR – to make hiring a standardized and equitable experience for all.

In an ever-changing and evolving academic and clinical environment, Betsy has tackled issues head-on, while collaborating with and championing leaders to be part of positive change. 

“People like Betsy come around once in a blue moon,” said former Department Chair Dr. Barbara Jung. “She is exceedingly talented, grounded in values, puts others first, and has a thirst to improve us. She rises above in any crowd.”

Personal life

Those closest to Betsy know she loves walking fast, sour candies, a clean office, and doing crosswords whenever she can find a spare moment. 

Outside of work, she loves skiing, swimming, traveling with her children, and making regular trips back to White Salmon.

Leaving the UW and Department of Medicine is bittersweet for her.

“The Department of Medicine has been my professional home for most of my career, and words can’t fully capture the myriad emotions I feel as I transition into my new role at UCSD. What I’ll treasure most are the relationships I’ve built with the dedicated, passionate, and kind individuals in the department. I feel immense pride when reflecting on all that we’ve achieved together.

Although I have lived in Washington all my adult life, I grew up in southern California (Pasadena) so I will only be a couple hours from home and my parents. I’m excited to enjoy the sunny weather with my husband Kyle and two kids June (5) and Reid (2)."