Samantha Julias: Chief of Finance and Strategy at Vero Orthopaedics

Bloom Magazine had the pleasure of speaking with Samantha L. Julias, the Chief of Finance and Strategy at Vero Orthopaedics. Samantha's career journey, from her beginnings as an athletic trainer to her current leadership role, is a testament to her dedication and passion. Her diverse experiences and unwavering commitment to healthcare have made her an indispensable part of the Vero Orthopaedics team.

Samantha started her career with a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Florida Southern College. She worked in various settings like action sports, physical therapy, high school sports, and in a physician’s clinic. While she was working as an athletic trainer, she also took on a part-time role in a physician’s office. She found that environment much more engaging because there were always new problems to solve and things to learn. However, transitioning fully to the office setting wasn’t easy because people didn’t take her seriously as an athletic trainer. That’s what motivated her to pursue her master’s in health services administration from the University of Central Florida.

During her master’s program, Samantha did a full-time internship at Orlando Orthopaedic Center. A couple of years later, they had an opening for an office manager, and she got the opportunity to help them open a new walk-in clinic and physician’s office. Just two months after the office opened, they promoted her. Her time at Orlando Ortho allowed her to grow in various areas like marketing, business development, ancillary services, professional services, accounts receivable, and accounts payable. Eventually, she became the CFO there.

Later, Samantha joined Vero Orthopaedics as the Director of Finance and Business Development, and within four months, she was promoted to Chief of Finance and Strategy. Now, she oversees accounts receivable, accounts payable, business development, organizational strategy, and marketing.

Growing up, Samantha was really into sports and had a strong interest in anatomy and physiology. Athletic training felt like the perfect blend of those two passions. She loves the analytical aspect of her job, whether it's operationally reviewing processes to make them more efficient or determining the best way to implement a new project. On the financial side, she enjoys analyzing whether a new product or venture is a smart business decision and examining finances to see where improvements can be made.

Outside of her professional role, Samantha loves being outdoors and staying active. Exercise is a constant in her life—it really helps her stay sane. She also enjoys gardening, hiking, and sailing with her fiancé.

For Samantha, it's been about the trust and faith people have put in her. She's had incredible support and encouragement, which has motivated her to keep growing and developing in this field. Now, she tries to give back by mentoring younger or newer colleagues and by joining committees like the Young and New Professionals through AAOE.

Flexibility and problem-solving are key qualities for success in healthcare. Healthcare is always changing, with new policies and laws coming into effect. Samantha strives not to jump to conclusions. Instead, she assesses and processes the facts, and if she’s unsure, she reaches out to peers or does some research to find the solution.

Vero Orthopaedics ensures patients have smooth access to orthopedic care by making it easy for patients to schedule appointments by calling or booking online. If they have an urgent need, they can walk in without an appointment. For non-urgent matters, they guarantee same-day appointments if contacted before 3 pm.

Samantha's dedication and innovative approaches are making a significant difference in patient care and the workers' compensation industry. We look forward to seeing the continued success and growth of Vero Orthopaedics.