On April 1,
2009 I was offered the opportunity to become the CEO of the Community Health
Network. I don’t think being offered the role on April Fool’s Day was a
coincidence. It provided an ongoing “out” for our board to change its mind! From
my perspective this was an unplanned career path. I am an accountant by
education and not a fan of blood (mine or anyone else’s). I spent many hours in
prayerful consideration and ultimately decided that I would accept the challenge
to lead a health system during unchartered times.
I also spoke
with other leaders and personal mentors whom I respected. They shared their
approaches to leadership, and I appreciated their time and wisdom. I decided
that my role was to lead an extremely talented collection of physicians,
nurses, pharmacists, social workers, coders, etc. to become a team–and collectively
a reliable system.
Our early
focus was to develop a mission, vision and values statement that everyone could
embrace. Sometimes only words on a paper, but ours were developed through
engagement, listening and dialogue. These words then became a picture and we
collectively realized that achievement was attainable only if we worked as a
trusting team. My role transitioned into that of a ”coach.”
As a “coach” I
strive to keep the picture clear, monitor our progress, identify weaknesses,
recruit additional talent and provide constant encouragement and support. I
must stay on the sidelines, decisively make adjustments, set goals, reward
achievement and ensure that we stay on course.
Our
scoreboard is the clinical outcome of each patient who entrusts their care to
us. Did we provide the best outcome for their particular need? In addition, did
we treat them, and their family, with dignity and respect? That’s what a system
does—every time. Creat
Our system is
a work in progress. Improving, but not perfected. But the vision is clear. The
patient is the only focal point, and our team is determined to link arms to
address his or her need. I’m delighted to have the opportunity to lead our
system. Having a role in the delivery of care is motivating and inspiring.
While not in my original career plan, developing a system for delivering health
care is truly a blessing!
Community Health Network
Community Heart and
Vascular Hospital, Indianapolis
Community Hospital Anderson
Community Hospital of Indiana
Community Hospital North, Indianapolis
Community Hospital South, Indianapolis
Community Westview Hospital, Indianapolis
