Thomas's innovative mobile COVID testing program received significant media attention for its groundbreaking approach to community healthcare access during the pandemic. The Baltimore Sun featured her leadership in establishing comprehensive testing operations that served thousands of community members daily while maintaining the highest safety and quality standards.

This initiative demonstrated her ability to rapidly scale healthcare operations while navigating complex regulatory requirements, community partnerships, and resource allocation challenges. The program became a model for other healthcare organizations seeking to expand community access during crisis situations.

Her work in this area contributed to Maryland's overall pandemic response effectiveness and helped establish new standards for emergency healthcare delivery that continue to influence best practices across the healthcare industry.

At last years Emerging Healthcare Leadership Summit, healthcare leaders from across disciplines explored innovative approaches to leadership in medicine and health systems. Thomas spoke on Value-Based Care Leadership, Community Health, and the importance of building a workforce and healthcare culture rooted in empowerment, collaboration, and accountability. Her session highlighted strategies to develop healthcare professionals — from physicians and advanced practice providers to nurse administrators and executives — as leaders who engage with patients, advocate for their communities, support their teams, and reduce burnout among providers, support staff, and allied healthcare professionals. Together, we examined how fostering empowered leaders improves patient and employee engagement, drives meaningful change, strengthens organizations, and advances the future of healthcare.

At the Leadership Summit, Shaska A. Thomas, MBA, shared the story of a burned-out provider and a confused, hopeless patient — a powerful illustration of what happens when healthcare systems fail both caregivers and those they serve. Thomas posed the question, “What if things were different?” "What if providers had real support, true team-based care, less administrative burden, financially sustainable medical practices, and manageable workloads?" "What if patients had access to affordable preventive care, trustworthy education, and clear guidance on navigating insurance and accessing care?" "What if insurers, administrators, government leaders, and society were equally accountable for patient outcomes and community health?" "What if the clinician didn't have to carry all the weight, alone?" "What if, clinicians were heard?"