Kriss brings an energy and expertise to the process that inspires stronger relationships, smarter strategies and more meaningful results.
The leading expert in physician relationship strategy, Kriss Barlow has deep healthcare experience and an unrelenting commitment to deliver meaningful results to her clients. Backed by more than two decades experience as a healthcare consultant, plus clinical and business development experience within organizations, Kriss offers unparalleled expertise in the areas of strategic growth and implementation; physician relations, engagement and retention; as well as sales and training. Her passion for developing innovative growth strategies and a shared vision helps teams define the right medical staff relationships, increase referrals and meet even the most ambitious objectives. While Kriss is highly skilled at inspiring vision, she also takes a hands-on approach to implementation that drives results.
A nationally recognized healthcare speaker, Kriss is frequently asked to share her insights at conferences and webinars, including The Forum for Healthcare Strategists, SHSMD and ACHE. She’s the author of five books, including her newest, Physician Relations: The Model, The Method & The Impact. A certified sales instructor, Kriss is a recipient of SHSMD’s award for Individual Leadership Excellence.
Located in Hudson, WI, Kriss has dedicated her entire professional career to healthcare. She’s earned a BS in Nursing from Augustana College, Sioux Falls, South Dakota and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska, Omaha.
Working with Kriss:
The work that we have been doing with Kriss Barlow is aimed at structuring our provider relations team in a way that would meet the needs of the organization and drive measurable results. I couldn’t be more pleased with the growth and development of our team, facilitated by Kriss. Her knowledge and expertise has really positioned us for the right level of credibility with leadership which has proven to be key in sustaining a successful provider relations team.
– Summer M. Lesic, VP Sales and Growth, Centura Health
Recent Posts and Articles
Making the Boss Look Good
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA | kbarlow@barlowmccarthy.com Are you a team player? I bet we all answer an emphatic “Yes!” when asked that question. But, does the answer change when we expand “team” to include the broader organization and more senior leaders? Lifting up...
Everyday Grace in the Field Staff Role
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA | kbarlow@barlowmccarthy.com On occasion, we all have one of “those” days where it seems that people just feel compelled to push our buttons. Admittedly, some of us might have more ‘pushable’ buttons than others! Our roles have high...
Physician Relations: Is Awesome Talent Alone Enough?
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA | kbarlow@barlowmccarthy.com In physician relations, there’s a ton of conversation about finding, guiding and motivating the right talent. Talent development continues to be a cornerstone for best practices and it’s a good place to invest....
Does Strategy Matter for Relationship Sales?
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA | kbarlow@barlowmccarthy.com Referral growth is a very effort-driven, tactical obligation. Many conversations are centered on visit cadence, quality messaging and the ability to demonstrate results. Where does strategy fit in and how will it...
Physician Relations: Does Strategy Still Matter?
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA | kbarlow@barlowmccarthy.com Healthcare leaders need to be nimble and responsive. The quick decision-making and tactical deployment when COVID-19 demanded it was awe-inspiring. But, when we fast-forward to our current environment, my sense is...
Kriss Barlow Article in Strategic Health Care Marketing
Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA, Principal of Barlow/McCarthy, was recently interviewed in a feature article for Strategic Health Care Marketing. This timely interview focuses on the evolving role of physician relations in driving growth for health systems. If you have followed...
Impulsive vs. Thoughtful Change
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA | kbarlow@barlowmccarthy.com We hear a lot about resistance to change. But, is part of the resistance the way we throw-down the idea for an immediate change, sometimes without a real plan? While most have a plan in mind, sometimes explaining...
Physician Relations: Upping Our Game with Questions
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA | kbarlow@barlowmccarthy.com Leading sales training is near and dear to my heart. Seasoned professionals typically pick up one or two ideas to try while new team members generally leave with a better sense of process and technique that helps...
A Big Finish Assumes We’re Strong on Each Step
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA | kbarlow@barlowmccarthy.com ‘Tis the season… This is usually a good time to consider whether plans were completed, goals were met and if rewards for our work are in the offing. In our space, getting to big goals means we’ve been committed to...
Physician Relations: Your Welcome Mat for New Talent
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA | kbarlow@barlowmccarthy.com Sitting on a plane recently, I overheard two passengers talking about the “new, young team members.” They’d been at a conference and were frustrated that so many sessions were for those new to their industry....