Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/831159
63 PRACTICE MANAGEMENT THOUGHT LEADERSHIP "What a class act. Chuck was the guy who knew everyone in the room from the CEO of the largest healthcare system in the country to the name of the waiter and he treated everyone the same, his yardstick was respect and kindness. When Chuck would stop and speak with you, with the unmistakable Chuck Lauer 'radio voice,' he would look you in the eye and really listen; you felt like you were the only person in the room. Comparing notes over the years I discovered Chuck was a medic in the Korean War, as was my father, and his love of his family and colleagues was only rivaled by his love of his country. Interestingly enough if there was the rare time we didn't see eye to eye on an issue he could also give me 'the look' I'd get from my own father signaling me to throw in the towel! Chuck will be missed but certainly not forgotten by a long shot. He'll have a ripple effect on the healthcare industry for many years to come; he was our industry's LinkedIn." — Neil orpe, Strategic Account Manager - U.S. at Halyard Health (Phoenix) "Chuck Lauer was a giant among healthcare journalists. He was a true professional who had incredible insight and knowledge of the indus- try. He was a prolific writer, public speaker and career coach who also happened to be a great guy — and a good friend. All those who knew and worked with him will miss him greatly, but we're buoyed by many fond memories." — Michael Dowling, President and CEO of Northwell Health (New Hyde Park, N.Y.) "I believe every industry, if you look hard enough, has a finite num- ber of sage, experienced leaders — leaders with a passion and a heart for making that industry — and the world for that matter — a better place. Chuck Lauer was in my book one of these people. rough a long career of service in healthcare, he inspired others to learn more and do more. His objective was always to li up others and help them fulfill their vision and dreams. My interactions with Chuck were always filled with kindness and respect, with upliing remarks and encouragement. In the world of healthcare, he will be sorely missed. ank you, Chuck, for your many contributions to our industry. May you rest in peace." — Paul Stewart, President and CEO of Sky Lakes Medical Center (Klamath Falls, Ore.) "Imagine the old-fashioned speech cadence of radio's Paul Harvey combined with the hail-fellow-well-met brio of a man who wore the badge of 'salesman' with a pride that came from working to win over the loyalty of every single customer. en add in a lifetime of industry knowledge and infuse it all with the genuine warmth and caring of a devoted family man who saw everyone in healthcare as part of his extended family. at was Chuck Lauer. Did I say 'healthcare'? Really, it was hospitals that captured Chuck's heart. Chuck was a key part of the transition of Modern Hospi- tals into Modern Healthcare. at was before my time, but when I met Chuck back in the spring of 1982 as a Chicago Tribune financial re- porter who'd had the healthcare beat unexpectedly thrust upon him, Chuck quickly tutored me in that and a great deal more industry history. Crain's, the publisher of Modern Healthcare, was based just a few blocks away from the Trib, and Chuck and his then-editor, Don Johnson, served as mentors and, eventually, friends. It was an era of colorful personalities, when congressmen, industry lobbyists and jour- nalists could take in dinner and a Las Vegas show together without anyone batting an eye. Everyone was Chuck's pal, though he was no naif; privately, he knew exactly who was doing what with (or to) whom. I freelanced the main story for Modern's 'Healthcare Hall of Fame' is- sue while on leave from the Trib in 1986, briefly considered becoming Chuck's editor when the position became open and then returned to the Trib before leaving journalism some years later to write a book and then go into full-time consulting and part-time academic endeavors. Chuck and I still corresponded and sometimes saw each other. His energy, optimism and commitment to using his voice to make things better — through books, articles, speeches, blogs and every oth- er communication form known to man — was an inspiration. Chuck's writings were filled with love — whether for his country, his wife and kids, the latest in a series of loyal family dogs or the healthcare (one word, please!) industry. He will be missed." — Michael Millenson, President of Health Quality Advisors "e legacy le by Chuck Lauer is one of wisdom, insight and friend- ship. I ran into Chuck a few years ago at a Becker's conference in Chi- cago. As we got on the elevator together at the Ritz Carlton, Chuck had just finished reading e Wall Street Journal and when he threw it down the trash chute at the hotel, he accidentally threw his cell phone with it. With the help of the staff at the Ritz, we recovered his cell phone but it was always a fun event to recall and brought us closer together. I will miss him for his laughter, his graciousness and his genuine love for life. Healthcare has lost a great leader and the nation has lost a great American." — Bill Sexton, CEO of Crossing Rivers Health (Prairie du Chien, Wis.) "I had the privilege of participating in a panel discussion that Chuck moderated at last year's Becker's conference. Chuck was an absolute pleasure to team with, both in our preparation for the panel and the discussion itself. He was on his game, asked us excellent questions, of- fered wonderful insights, and was a true gentleman. I will always have fond memories of his energy, enthusiasm, and pas- sion for healthcare! Our sincerest condolences to the Lauer family and his many friends." — Don Barbo, Managing Director at VMG Health (Dallas) "Much has been said about Chuck and all of it is true! It was my privilege to call Chuck a friend and a colleague over several decades. Whether it was professional advice or personal mentoring he always had pearls of wisdom that helped you think through the issue at hand. ose pearls captured in his many articles are still in my possesion and in many cases in my adult children's possesion as I passed them along to them. His most powerful pearl was in the calls he placed to me aer my heart attack. He said 'Let Go…Let God'….words I still live by six years later. I was privileged to return those calls during his recent struggles. We both loved hockey, golf and dogs, and I was delighted to have played golf with him this past January in Naples. It was quite the group. Ed Eckenhoff, Tony Alibrio, Chuck and myself….the laughter that day was the best medicine. anks for all you did for us and this industry. It is good to know we all have another angel in heaven looking aer us. God Bless you Chuck!" — Brian Grissler, President and CEO of Stamford (Conn.) Health System "e highlight for the many years that I subscribed to Modern Health- care while Chuck served as editor was reading his editorial column. More oen than describing some temporary crisis in reimbursement