Sheila Miles-Dial
Director of Provider Relations
Quick Takes:
- Leadership Philosophy: Learning and teaching top priority to encourage growth and development
- Best Career Advice Received: Flexing to Different Personality Styles
- Favorite Way to Relax: Hiking, Yoga
- What are You Currently Reading?
High Crimes Michael Kodas - Early Bird or Night Owl? Early Bird
Professional Journey in 2 Minutes:
"Like so many others, my path into workers' compensation wasn't planned—it found me. I started in healthcare administration, working directly with patients and understanding the complexities of medical care delivery. When I transitioned into workers' comp, I discovered the perfect intersection of healthcare, advocacy, and relationship-building. Over the years, I've worn many hats—from managing provider networks to negotiating payer contracts—but what's remained constant is my commitment to ensuring injured workers receive quality care without unnecessary barriers. At Preferred Medical, I get to leverage that experience to build partnerships that genuinely serve both providers and the people they treat."
Most Exciting Project Right Now:
"We're expanding our provider network strategically, not just for coverage but for quality and accessibility. I'm working closely with specialty providers who understand the unique needs of injured workers. What makes this exciting is seeing how the right provider relationships can dramatically improve outcomes and return-to-work timelines."
Biggest Industry Challenge We’re Tackling:
"Provider engagement in workers' compensation has always been challenging. Many medical professionals find the system complicated, the reimbursement slow, and the administrative burden heavy. We're tackling this head-on by simplifying processes, improving communication, and demonstrating that we value our provider partners. When providers feel supported, injured workers get better care—it's that simple."
Partnership Philosophy:
"Trust is everything. You can't build meaningful provider relationships through contracts alone—you build them through consistency, respect, and follow-through. I approach provider conversations asking, "How can we make this work better for everyone involved?" That includes the provider, the injured worker, the employer, and the payer. When all parties feel heard and valued, outcomes improve across the board."
What Sets Preferred Medical Apart in the Provider Relations Space?
"We don't treat providers as vendors—we treat them as partners in care. That means transparent communication, fair reimbursement practices, and listening when providers raise concerns. I've seen too many organizations approach provider relations transactionally. We approach it relationally, because we understand that the provider-patient relationship is where healing happens."
How Do You Envision the Future of Workers' Compensation, and Preferred Medical's Role in Shaping It?
"The future of workers' comp lies in collaboration—breaking down silos between payers, providers, and employers to create a truly integrated care experience. I see Preferred Medical leading the way by demonstrating what's possible when you prioritize relationships alongside efficiency. We're proving that technology and the human touch aren't mutually exclusive. As the industry evolves, we'll continue championing provider partnerships that put injured workers first, because that's ultimately what transforms outcomes and reshapes how this industry operates."
Coffee Order
"Dark Roast-Black"