Alyson Hoots: Creating a Data Foundation That Yields Insights on Social Drivers of Health

Alyson Hoots (she/her), Director of Engineering

Alyson Hoots leads the development of Elevance Health's social drivers of health data foundation and the delivery of population health management analytics tools for the Enterprise Data and Analytics team. These tools aggregate public and health plan member data to provide insights on members’ clinical risks and health-related social needs.
 

How does your role help advance the Elevance Health purpose to improve the health of humanity?

Improving the health of humanity means we need to expand our definition of health, to include life. I focus a lot on educating people about the upstream approach to healthcare; how we have to disrupt structural barriers to transform a person’s quality of life and health outcomes. If we can contribute to improving factors such as income, financial stability, education, food access, and housing stability, we will naturally influence health consequently.

I work with an incredible team committed to leveraging technology to make an impact in this space.
 

Which of our company values is the most meaningful to you?

Community. Improving the health of humanity isn't something any one of us can do on our own. It's not even something I think only Elevance Health can do. It is an effort that takes community and partnerships across the entire ecosystem. Humans are a social species driven by a desire for connection and belonging — community feeds that. Community is key to everything — at the individual level and at the enterprise level.
 

What work accomplishment are you most proud of?

The whole health analytics dashboard our team has recently developed helps our business partners develop meaningful population health strategies and interventions to better serve our members.

Recently, I've had the opportunity, alongside my colleagues, to speak at conferences on the topic of data-driven population health management to improve whole health and shared some of the best practices we've learned in building meaningful analytic tools. It's always energizing to share our work and hear from leaders across the industry on how valuable the sessions are. 
 

What workplace advice can you share?

There is always work to do, so find work that energizes you. That's where you'll bring your best self — and that’s what our members deserve. Build a healthcare system you would want your children and grandchildren to have.
 

What are your favorite activities and how do they contribute to your health?

I am really enjoying being a mom to my 1-year-old son. From the smile on his face when we walk into his room in the morning, to the kiss goodnight when we tuck him in bed, every interaction with him lowers my stress. It gives me the motivation I need in the morning and needed decompression after work. I know these moments won't last forever so I am really focused on being present for them now.
 

What experiences have shaped your interest in healthcare?

I grew up surrounded by doctors in the hospital, waiting for my uncle, who lived with us, to get a heart transplant. After he finally received a new heart, we were blessed with eight more years with him before he passed away. Growing up watching my parents work full-time and serve as full-time caregivers for my uncle and raising me and my brother, showed me the power of community and family. I have wanted to work in the medical field since I was 5 years old. I became an EMT when I turned 16 and volunteered at my local fire department for years. I am fiercely passionate about helping others.
 

How do you like to spend your free time?

I just started taking pottery classes. Creating something from a slab of clay has been incredibly satisfying.