A Conversation with John Theodore Zabasky: Bridging Gaps in Healthcare

Dr. John Zabasky is a distinguished entrepreneur and CEO of WorXsiteHR Insurance Solutions, Inc., a pioneering company dedicated to providing accessible healthcare solutions to underserved populations. Born and raised in Burtonsville, Maryland, John’s passion for history and reading was kindled by his Great Aunt, leading him to pursue advanced degrees in history from UMBC, an MBA from Pepperdine, and a PhD in Information Systems from Concordia. He is currently furthering his commitment to healthcare as a PhD candidate in Health Sciences at Liberty University.

In 2013, Dr.Zabasky co-founded WorXsiteHR with Sharon Rowell, introducing the innovative HealthWorX Plan, a no-cost medical initiative designed to support lower-income, part-time, and front-line workers. Under his leadership, his organization donates over $100 million annually in healthcare services and premiums, significantly impacting the lives of needy families. His interests include his wife and children, golf, bodybuilding, and baseball, reflecting his dedication to both personal health and professional excellence. John’s work exemplifies his deep commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility and efficacy through innovative solutions and compassionate leadership.

What initially sparked your interest in History, and how has it influenced your approach to the healthcare industry?
My love for History began with books and stories from my Great Aunt, which helped me appreciate the long-term challenges and developments in healthcare. This understanding has been crucial in addressing complex issues within the industry through innovative, historically informed solutions.

Can you share how your early experiences in sports, particularly baseball, shaped your approach to leadership and teamwork?
Baseball taught me the value of resilience and teamwork. Even after a career-ending injury, the strategic thinking and collaborative spirit I developed on the field have been integral to my leadership style and my ability to foster team cohesion.

With your extensive academic background, how do these varied disciplines enhance your leadership in healthcare initiatives?
My academic journey through history, business, and information systems provides a broad perspective that enriches my approach to healthcare. Each discipline offers unique insights that offer me opportunities to assimilate information, navigate, and innovate within the industry’s complex framework.

What inspired you to focus on accessible healthcare solutions for lower-income and part-time workers?
Witnessing the stark disparities in healthcare accessibility and quality among underserved groups inspired me to seek scalable, impactful solutions. The motivation came from a desire to level the playing field and ensure that everyone has access to necessary healthcare services. Also, seeing how challenging it was for my co-partner to gain access to quality care during her battle with a rare form of brain cancer has played a huge role.  Not to mention that my wife is also a cancer survivor.

How has your expertise in information systems been applied to improve healthcare accessibility?
My background in information systems has allowed us to develop our own proprietary ERP system which handles all of our implementation, payroll integration, and benefits administration.  This results in an enhanced healthcare delivery system. By streamlining processes and improving communication, we can make healthcare services more efficient and accessible to those who need them most.

What are some of the challenges you face in the non-profit aspect of your work, and how have you learned to overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges is ensuring sustainable funding while scaling up services. I’ve learned that being transparent with donors and stakeholders and engaging the community actively are essential for garnering ongoing support and trust.

Given the significant contributions your initiatives make annually, what drives your personal commitment to this cause?
My commitment stems from a deeply ingrained value of community service, and the knowledge of what lower income families go through; the challenges they face just in order to be healthy.  There are also the experiences of my fellow co-founder and of course, my wife. The ability to make a significant, positive impact on people’s lives provides daily motivation and satisfaction in my work.

How do personal interests like golf and bodybuilding support your professional effectiveness?
Golf and bodybuilding teach discipline and mental focus, qualities that are indispensable in the professional realm. These activities provide a necessary balance, allowing me to maintain physical health and mental sharpness, which are vital for handling the demands of my work.

What future developments do you envision for your initiatives in healthcare?
I aim to expand the reach of our healthcare solutions to include more geographic areas and incorporate more advanced technology, ensuring that efficient, comprehensive healthcare is accessible to even more underserved populations.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs interested in the non-profit sector?
Begin with a clear mission and a strong understanding of the community’s needs. Then, determine how you can combine the innovation of for-profit companies with the charitable interests of a non-profit.  That’s the magic.  Expect challenges but remain dedicated to your vision. Surround yourself with a team that not only shares your passion but is committed to the mission, as this will be key to overcoming obstacles and achieving success.

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