Becker's Hospital Review

54 54 Thought Leadership Mr. Van Gorder: is is a simple question for me – honesty, integrity and transparency – in that order. Mr. Oostra: ere are a number of character traits and philosophies I look for in leaders, colleagues and employees. Leaders have to help define reality for employees, establish a sense of urgency, push people to do better in an environment where excellence is expected and they are action-oriented. As individuals, I look for people who are humble, naturally curious, good listen- ers and who question the status quo. I believe in a philosophy of servant leadership, and that we are all incomplete leaders — no one single person can be the flawless leader. We can't be all things to all people. We need a team of people, board members, leadership, physicians, clinicians and staff — all working together — to truly be a com- plete leader. Q: What was the last piece of healthcare news that truly sur- prised you in either a positive or negative way? Why? Ms. Agee: e rate at which technology is disrupting healthcare continues to surprise and impress me. ree decades ago, telemedicine was 'science fic- tion.' Today, its commonplace and in ways we couldn't have imagined even a few years ago. Who knew that telemedicine would be in the form of apps on our smartphones? In the past decade, an individual's ability to track her health has dramatically changed. Mr. Van Gorder: I've tried to think of something that truly surprised me, but I can't come up with anything. I guess that is because I've come to 'expect the unexpected' in healthcare today. Part of my job as a CEO is to research and forecast the possibilities ahead and as a result, my team and I spend con- siderable time with contingency planning which means thinking about and planning for the unexpected. Mr. Oostra: ere was an article by Michael Porter, Ph.D., and Dr. omas Lee recently in the New England Journal of Medicine that suggests by im- proving outcomes and improving efficiencies we will enhance our financial success and professional satisfaction. at strategy, while sound, doesn't go far enough. Healthcare needs to join voices — to be the strongest voice — to address the health impacts from hunger and other social determinants of health. Q: The last great book you read — what was it and why did you enjoy it so? Ms. Agee: I am a bookworm. I have audiobooks on my smartphone and piles of books on my desk, shelves and bedside table. Usually the best book I read is the last I read! So, here are two — one, fiction and the other, business. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is a well-researched, beautifully written story about two sisters during World War II in oc- cupied France. The depravation of that gruesome war can knock you off your feet and yet, the beauty and celebration of life remains. I enjoy good fiction to relax my mind. But, of course, I am always reading to pro- pel learning. We have a couple of book clubs here at Carilion, and we've just finished Atul Gawande's excellent book, Being Mortal. We are now reading Decisive: How to Make Better Choices in Life and Work by Chip Heath and Dan Heath. The book shares decades of psy- chological research about inherent biases that often trip up judgment. I'm a firm believer on continuous learning. Anytime I have the chance to learn, especially with others like a book club, I jump at it! Mr. Van Gorder: I've enjoyed Atul Gawande's books, and the last one I read was Being Mortal. My wife and I have lost both of our parents now, with my father being the first to pass away back in 1980. He did not have the benefit of today's palliative care and hospice programs and as a result, the death was very dif- ficult for all. I think the experience would have been very different today. Dr. Gawande teaches like I like to teach — with stories. "Being Mortal"discusses serious issues and in a constructive and memorable way but in a compas- sionate style. Mr. Oostra: I am currently reading Our Kids: e American Dream in Cri- sis by Robert Putnam, which is a follow-up to his best-selling book Bowling Alone, both of which speak to the issue of the decline of American life, and in particular the widening gap between the haves and the have-nots. e story Putnam weaves about the social fabric of American life, and the expanding income and social gaps, echo what we in healthcare are challenged to address relative to the social determinants of health. So much of health is determined by what happens away from the doctor's office or hospital, like hunger and health, infant mortality and mental health. So this book really struck home for me. n SAVE THE DATE learn more & register at beckershospitalreview.com November 18-19, 2015 • Ritz Carlton, Chicago, IL Becker's Hospital Review CEO Roundtable + CFO/CIO Roundtable 77 Health System Executive Speakers

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