Have you ever heard of QIPM? It stands for Quality Improvement/Performance Management. In public health, quality improvement is “the use of a deliberate improvement process focused on and responsive to community needs and improving population health.” Performance Management is “using performance data to improve the public’s health.” These are some of the standards that the Putnam County Department of Health adheres to as a PHAB accredited health department. They amount to ongoing efforts to achieve measurable improvements in quality of services that improve the health of the community. Spearheading these efforts is QIPM Coordinator Adebola Adefioye, MBBS, MPH. Dr. Adefioye has been with the health department for nearly two years, guiding quality improvement efforts in the department. He also has a leading role in the continued accreditation of the health department. Learn more about him by reading below.

What is your favorite part of working at the health department?

My favorite part of working at the Putnam County Department of Health is the people. I work alongside dedicated employees who truly care about the health and well-being of our community, and it is rewarding to know that even behind-the-scenes quality improvement efforts ultimately support better services.

Is there a particularly rewarding experience you’d like to share?

One rewarding experience is seeing staff engage in a PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) cycle, especially when a process becomes more efficient or a service becomes easier for the public to access. Projects like strengthening our customer satisfaction survey process or modernizing record storage have shown how small changes can make a meaningful impact.

What does your day-to-day work look like?

No two days are the same, which keeps the work engaging and interesting. My day basically consists of supporting staff with performance measures, facilitating QI projects, analyzing data, and collaborating with leadership and committees to ensure alignment with our strategic goals.

What do you wish the public knew about your job?

I wish the public knew that quality improvement isn't just about data—it's about listening to feedback, learning from experiences, and making changes to better serve the community.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice I ever received came from the late Chief Isaac Fola Alade, OFR—a distinguished architect and elder statesman of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He once said to me, "Son, live your life with apologies to no one." I have carried this advice with me throughout my life, and it has guided me to live authentically, with purpose and integrity. Embracing this principle has been a true source of clarity and joy for me.

What have been some of the most important lessons you’ve learned throughout your career?

Some of the most important lessons I’ve learned are the importance of adaptability, and the power of data-informed decision-making. I’ve also learned that leadership can happen at any level, just listening, supporting others, and encouraging improvement can make a difference regardless of job title.

Additional Information:

• The National Association of County & City Health Officials Performance Improvement Infographic: https://www.naccho.org/uploads/downloadable-resources/PI-Infographic-Lightbulb-Full-Definitions.pdf
• PHAB Accreditation: https://phaboard.org/accreditation-recognition/