Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/593112
29 EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP Words of Appreciation: Thank-You Notes From 8 Health System CEOs By Erin Marshall I t's easy to forget to say thank you. While appreciation is important year round, this time of year is the perfect time to express appreciation. Becker's spoke with eight CEOs who took the time to write notes to their staff, team members and families to express their gratitude. Delos "Toby" Cosgrove, MD CEO of Cleveland Clinic To cost-conscious caregivers: Healthcare is always changing. But this time it's different. Past changes have been driven by science, innovation and tech- nology. Today's changes are economic. American healthcare has cost too much for too long. Healthcare providers have to discover how to deliver better care at a lower cost, or we'll torpedo the economy and put our most vulnerable populations at risk. e good news is this: We can do it. Healthcare professionals are the smartest, most innovative, most conscientious people on earth. ey're seizing the opportunity to change the old, costly ways of doing things, and launching new approaches to patient care — ideas that may or may not work, but which need to be tried and evaluated. We are transitioning from volume-based to value-based care. And I'm proud to say that Cleveland Clinic caregivers have been at the forefront of this transformation. Working in multidisci- plinary teams, they've been examining every procedure, pur- chase and protocol to see if it can be done faster, better and more efficiently. From the operating room to the storeroom, they're finding ways to consolidate services, eliminate redundancy, stan- dardize purchasing, and improve the care and services we pro- vide to patients, families and our fellow caregivers. Over the past five years, these teams have cut hundreds of millions of dollars out of our costs. Ideas submitted by individual caregivers have contributed to additional savings. anks largely to their efforts, Cleveland Clinic is leading the transition to val- ue-based care from a position of economic strength. My heartfelt thanks to all of our 43,000 caregivers for the en- ergy, innovation and patient-focus they bring to this necessary and ongoing task. My thanks to providers everywhere who are engaged in the effort to improve quality and lower costs. Working together, for the good of the patient, we cannot fail. Joe Mullany CEO of Detroit Medical Center Dear friends, As I prepare to enjoy the company of my family and friends this anksgiving, I'm especially appreciative for the great men and women of the Detroit Medical Center, an organization I lead with pride. It is because of the outstanding physicians, nurses, employees, volunteers and hospital leadership that we are able to provide award-winning care to our patients each and every day. At the DMC, we are driven by our purpose to improve the quality of life for every person who comes through our doors and elevate the communities we touch. ere is no greater gi than that of good health, and your continued dedication to serve the residents of Detroit, southeast Michigan and our guests from around the world is very much recognized and appreciated. As one of the city's largest employers, the DMC embraces the re- sponsibility of continuing to fuel local economies and positively impact the overall health and well-being of the residents in this region. Now is an exciting time. e revitalization of our great city of Detroit is well underway. With your help, Detroit continues to move toward becoming a healthier region, and your work will have a positive impact on the health outcomes for generations to come. Our reputation for medical excellence, breakthrough re- search and community outreach would not be possible without your sincere commitment to the health and well-being of every- one we serve. I believe all leaders are nothing without a great team. So during this season of reflection and thanksgiving, please know how very proud I am to serve you and our community as the leader of the DMC and am thankful to be traveling on the path to the top alongside you. ank you for your continued dedication. Sincerely, Joe Mullany Elizabeth Nabel, MD President of Brigham and Women's Health Care (Boston) I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to the many people whose work is driving innovation and improving the lives of our pa- tients at Brigham and Women's Hospital. From the strong network of scientists and clinicians collab- orating here in Boston and around the world; to the organiza-