1 00:00:00,225 --> 00:00:03,235 - This is Laura Dedo with the Becker's Healthcare Podcast. 2 00:00:03,935 --> 00:00:06,075 I'm thrilled today to be joined by Scott B. Johnson, 3 00:00:06,365 --> 00:00:07,835 chief Strategy Officer at St. 4 00:00:07,835 --> 00:00:08,875 Luke's Health Corporation. 5 00:00:09,085 --> 00:00:10,955 Scott, it's a pleasure to have you on the podcast today. 6 00:00:11,975 --> 00:00:13,445 - Laura, it's a pleasure to meet you, 7 00:00:13,505 --> 00:00:16,165 and thank you for the opportunity to be interviewed. 8 00:00:16,265 --> 00:00:17,925 I'm really excited about it. 9 00:00:18,305 --> 00:00:21,085 You know, Becker's is the go-to source 10 00:00:21,225 --> 00:00:23,685 for healthcare information and insights. 11 00:00:24,025 --> 00:00:26,485 My peers and I all read it everywhere I've been, 12 00:00:26,985 --> 00:00:29,325 and, uh, so you know, I, well, I've got you on the line. 13 00:00:29,405 --> 00:00:31,565 I wanna say thank you for the tremendous value 14 00:00:31,565 --> 00:00:32,765 that you provide all of us. 15 00:00:34,105 --> 00:00:36,195 - Well, thank you so much, Scott, and Absolutely. 16 00:00:36,275 --> 00:00:38,395 I, I know the team here works really hard to try 17 00:00:38,395 --> 00:00:40,395 to make sure we've got the most updated news 18 00:00:40,395 --> 00:00:42,755 and information for healthcare executives 19 00:00:42,755 --> 00:00:44,955 to really do the important work that you are doing 20 00:00:44,975 --> 00:00:46,955 for your communities and, and workforces. 21 00:00:46,975 --> 00:00:49,995 And, um, it is just such an inspiration to be able 22 00:00:49,995 --> 00:00:52,675 to connect with so many executives, um, 23 00:00:52,675 --> 00:00:54,555 through this podcast and through our broader network. 24 00:00:54,655 --> 00:00:57,475 So I'm so glad to have you on the line today, Scott, 25 00:00:57,575 --> 00:01:00,275 and, you know, along those lines here, could you 26 00:01:00,785 --> 00:01:01,795 tell us a little bit more 27 00:01:01,795 --> 00:01:03,035 about yourself and your background? 28 00:01:03,215 --> 00:01:04,875 How did you grow up in the healthcare space? 29 00:01:06,055 --> 00:01:07,705 - Sure. That, that's a great question. 30 00:01:08,145 --> 00:01:13,065 I started at a very small 72 bed rural hospital in a town 31 00:01:13,065 --> 00:01:15,705 of about 4,000 in Awa, Tennessee. 32 00:01:16,045 --> 00:01:19,345 As a director there, a director of pr. 33 00:01:20,045 --> 00:01:24,105 And the way I got the job was I was fresh outta college, 34 00:01:24,365 --> 00:01:27,625 and I literally bugged the HR director to death 35 00:01:27,795 --> 00:01:28,945 until she said, okay, 36 00:01:28,945 --> 00:01:30,945 if you will quit calling me about this job, 37 00:01:31,455 --> 00:01:33,625 I'll give you five minutes with our CEO. 38 00:01:34,805 --> 00:01:37,385 You know, I went up for the interview, five minutes, 39 00:01:37,405 --> 00:01:38,625 turned into two hours. 40 00:01:38,925 --> 00:01:39,985 One thing led to another. 41 00:01:40,125 --> 00:01:42,865 And, you know, that was the start of my healthcare journey. 42 00:01:43,445 --> 00:01:47,785 And it was a incredibly fun time, uh, for a young man to, 43 00:01:48,245 --> 00:01:51,505 you know, be in a hospital and learn about a new industry 44 00:01:51,685 --> 00:01:55,105 and, you know, meet physicians from a business perspective. 45 00:01:56,005 --> 00:01:59,465 And it, it was a, a great start to a, a career 46 00:01:59,575 --> 00:02:02,625 that has been extremely fulfilling and enjoyable for me. 47 00:02:03,165 --> 00:02:07,025 Uh, from there, I ended up going to, uh, 48 00:02:07,265 --> 00:02:09,065 Tennessee Donor Services in Nashville. 49 00:02:09,065 --> 00:02:10,385 Worked there for a brief time, 50 00:02:10,565 --> 00:02:13,865 did tissue education across the state of Tennessee, 51 00:02:13,925 --> 00:02:15,385 was in my car all the time, 52 00:02:16,365 --> 00:02:19,985 and then got recruited to a hospital in Hopkinsville, 53 00:02:20,265 --> 00:02:23,625 Kentucky, uh, Jenny Stewart Medical Center, where, uh, 54 00:02:23,645 --> 00:02:25,065 it was a very appealing role. 55 00:02:25,085 --> 00:02:26,345 It was a director of marketing. 56 00:02:26,425 --> 00:02:30,505 I have a lot of family there, and went to that organization 57 00:02:31,205 --> 00:02:34,145 and just really flourished from a marketing perspective. 58 00:02:34,785 --> 00:02:36,585 I had a great team that I worked with. 59 00:02:36,685 --> 00:02:40,545 We had the good fortune of doing extremely well as far 60 00:02:40,545 --> 00:02:44,025 as external awards and accolades and things of that nature. 61 00:02:44,495 --> 00:02:47,945 Grew market share, which led to me being recruited 62 00:02:47,945 --> 00:02:52,145 to community health systems, which is a company based out 63 00:02:52,145 --> 00:02:53,185 of Franklin, Tennessee. 64 00:02:53,185 --> 00:02:54,745 They have a national presence. 65 00:02:55,325 --> 00:02:57,745 Uh, started out doing marketing for them, 66 00:02:58,525 --> 00:03:01,155 and it was a, a really wonderful experience. 67 00:03:01,535 --> 00:03:05,635 We developed their marketing template, how we do, um, 68 00:03:06,945 --> 00:03:09,275 marketing across each of our facilities. 69 00:03:09,845 --> 00:03:11,355 While there, I, I noticed 70 00:03:11,465 --> 00:03:14,435 that the strategic business plan process seemed a bit 71 00:03:14,575 --> 00:03:18,395 varied, and so I approached my boss, Debbie Landers, 72 00:03:18,395 --> 00:03:20,235 and said, Hey, I think this could be done 73 00:03:20,435 --> 00:03:21,715 a slightly different way. 74 00:03:22,415 --> 00:03:24,835 And she said, if you think it could be done, you know, 75 00:03:24,855 --> 00:03:27,675 in a more effective manner, put something together. 76 00:03:28,495 --> 00:03:31,315 And so I did and presented to a bunch 77 00:03:31,315 --> 00:03:33,035 of vice presidents that I knew. 78 00:03:33,735 --> 00:03:37,435 And next thing I know, you know, I was being charged 79 00:03:37,585 --> 00:03:40,875 with helping write the template for the organization, 80 00:03:41,015 --> 00:03:42,075 the strategic plan. 81 00:03:42,615 --> 00:03:45,115 And, you know, quite frankly, that changed my career. 82 00:03:45,495 --> 00:03:46,835 Uh, the trajectory of it. 83 00:03:46,955 --> 00:03:50,755 I went from being more of a marketing focused, uh, executive 84 00:03:50,775 --> 00:03:52,955 to one that focused on strategic planning 85 00:03:53,295 --> 00:03:54,555 and business development. 86 00:03:55,275 --> 00:03:57,755 I really had a fantastic time, uh, 87 00:03:58,495 --> 00:04:01,315 at community health systems, great organization, 88 00:04:01,445 --> 00:04:04,955 great people, and, you know, really enjoyed it. 89 00:04:05,295 --> 00:04:08,875 Uh, ended up transitioning from there to Christus Health, 90 00:04:09,285 --> 00:04:12,075 which is a large, uh, Catholic healthcare system. 91 00:04:12,575 --> 00:04:16,595 Uh, for them. I was a group vice president over Louisiana 92 00:04:16,595 --> 00:04:19,555 and C Tex at the southeast Texas market. 93 00:04:20,095 --> 00:04:22,235 Got to do a lot of really interesting 94 00:04:22,735 --> 00:04:25,035 and accretive projects for, uh, 95 00:04:25,145 --> 00:04:26,675 that healthcare organization, 96 00:04:26,745 --> 00:04:29,795 whether it was acquiring hospitals, you know, we 97 00:04:30,475 --> 00:04:32,875 invested in a heart hospital within a hospital 98 00:04:33,505 --> 00:04:35,875 that had a expanded ed. 99 00:04:36,495 --> 00:04:39,315 You know, we did the micro hospital, uh, aspect 100 00:04:39,375 --> 00:04:40,395 for the hub and spoke. 101 00:04:40,655 --> 00:04:42,675 It was truly an exciting time 102 00:04:43,415 --> 00:04:47,315 and really enjoyed my time with Christus Health. 103 00:04:47,935 --> 00:04:52,715 And then last March, uh, March of 23, I transitioned to, 104 00:04:53,455 --> 00:04:54,515 um, St. 105 00:04:54,515 --> 00:04:57,875 Luke's here in St. Louis as their Chief Strategy officer. 106 00:04:58,575 --> 00:05:00,595 And that has been a really great move. 107 00:05:01,015 --> 00:05:05,075 Um, what appealed to me about this organization is it has 108 00:05:05,625 --> 00:05:07,795 exceptional quality and outcomes 109 00:05:08,015 --> 00:05:11,315 and patient, uh, satisfaction engagement scores. 110 00:05:12,095 --> 00:05:15,235 And, you know, I wanted to be part of an organization that, 111 00:05:15,495 --> 00:05:17,795 you know, in my opinion is one of the best in the country 112 00:05:17,975 --> 00:05:20,435 for, you know, a small community health system, 113 00:05:21,095 --> 00:05:23,995 and be able to come in and bring the insights 114 00:05:24,255 --> 00:05:26,515 and learnings that I've had throughout my career 115 00:05:27,295 --> 00:05:29,915 and help this organization get to that next level. 116 00:05:30,315 --> 00:05:33,235 I mean, it, it has been a terrific move 117 00:05:33,255 --> 00:05:35,875 for me on a professional, uh, basis. 118 00:05:36,595 --> 00:05:39,635 I love what I do every day here, great people to work with. 119 00:05:40,135 --> 00:05:42,555 And then even on a personal, uh, standpoint, 120 00:05:42,555 --> 00:05:43,715 it's closer to family. 121 00:05:43,975 --> 00:05:46,515 So, you know, that's been nice for the holidays. 122 00:05:46,535 --> 00:05:49,315 We don't have quite the long trek that we used to have it. 123 00:05:49,695 --> 00:05:51,115 It has been quite the journey. 124 00:05:51,275 --> 00:05:52,795 I, as I was telling you 125 00:05:52,795 --> 00:05:56,075 before the call, I have far exceeded any expectation 126 00:05:56,155 --> 00:05:57,245 I had for my career. 127 00:05:57,865 --> 00:06:00,645 Um, you know, I've been a very fortunate and blessed person. 128 00:06:04,105 --> 00:06:05,195 - Well, that's amazing to hear. 129 00:06:05,295 --> 00:06:07,995 And what a great journey in terms of being able to, 130 00:06:08,135 --> 00:06:10,995 you know, kind of talk your way into a job initially at the 131 00:06:11,395 --> 00:06:12,995 hospital in Tennessee as director of pr 132 00:06:13,055 --> 00:06:16,315 and then growing to continue to identify issues and, 133 00:06:16,535 --> 00:06:18,755 and figure out how to do things better, um, 134 00:06:18,755 --> 00:06:19,915 within the healthcare space. 135 00:06:20,055 --> 00:06:24,115 That's so, so crucial, um, for any organization 136 00:06:24,135 --> 00:06:26,755 to have people like that who are willing to take ownership 137 00:06:26,755 --> 00:06:29,115 of those challenges and rewrite the strategy 138 00:06:29,295 --> 00:06:30,635 and really move forward. 139 00:06:30,775 --> 00:06:32,915 So I think that's so fascinating to hear 140 00:06:32,915 --> 00:06:34,195 and inspiring as well. 141 00:06:35,025 --> 00:06:37,395 From your perspective, what are some of the biggest issues 142 00:06:37,395 --> 00:06:39,555 that you're following right now in 2024? 143 00:06:40,135 --> 00:06:42,075 How are you really thinking about things in, 144 00:06:42,075 --> 00:06:43,955 in prioritizing initiatives going forward? 145 00:06:45,085 --> 00:06:48,015 - Yeah, you know, we're really keeping a close eye on the 146 00:06:48,015 --> 00:06:49,015 labor shortage, right? 147 00:06:49,445 --> 00:06:51,495 There's a labor and a provider shortage. 148 00:06:51,495 --> 00:06:53,415 It's real, it's concerning. 149 00:06:53,955 --> 00:06:55,975 You know, we have a lot of retirements 150 00:06:56,045 --> 00:06:58,655 that are happening post covid, you know, 151 00:06:58,655 --> 00:07:01,415 especially in the provider, uh, space. 152 00:07:01,505 --> 00:07:02,535 We've got physicians 153 00:07:02,535 --> 00:07:05,095 where I believe the average age is about 54, 154 00:07:05,795 --> 00:07:07,375 and then about 41% 155 00:07:07,375 --> 00:07:09,135 or so of those physicians say, Hey, 156 00:07:09,155 --> 00:07:10,615 I'm gonna retire in my sixties. 157 00:07:11,155 --> 00:07:12,895 So that's something that we're really keeping 158 00:07:13,215 --> 00:07:14,295 a close eye on. 159 00:07:14,955 --> 00:07:16,735 You know, the shortages in labor 160 00:07:16,875 --> 00:07:19,855 and physicians has created some access issues. 161 00:07:19,955 --> 00:07:23,375 So, you know, that's an area that we have a tight reign on. 162 00:07:23,595 --> 00:07:25,775 You know, here at St. Luke's, we're really saying, okay, 163 00:07:25,835 --> 00:07:28,055 how do we get patients that want 164 00:07:28,055 --> 00:07:31,615 to come into our healthcare system in, in a timely manner? 165 00:07:32,075 --> 00:07:34,615 You know, we don't, we don't want people to have 166 00:07:34,615 --> 00:07:35,735 to wait for their care. 167 00:07:36,395 --> 00:07:39,575 Um, and so we're actively working to improve that. 168 00:07:40,035 --> 00:07:42,935 Uh, you know, you've got escalating costs which are being 169 00:07:42,935 --> 00:07:45,575 driven up, you know, through intense competition. 170 00:07:46,035 --> 00:07:48,175 And, you know, you know, inflation's a real thing over 171 00:07:48,175 --> 00:07:49,215 the last several years. 172 00:07:49,955 --> 00:07:53,175 So we're really managing our, um, 173 00:07:53,885 --> 00:07:56,735 operational excellence within the organization saying, Hey, 174 00:07:56,735 --> 00:07:58,455 we always have to keep our eye on the ball. 175 00:07:59,245 --> 00:08:02,735 Then you add to that, you know, there's some denials 176 00:08:02,795 --> 00:08:07,055 and delays from a certain slack group of payers for care 177 00:08:07,055 --> 00:08:08,695 that truly is appropriate. 178 00:08:09,715 --> 00:08:12,375 That's something that it's been a real challenge, you know, 179 00:08:12,425 --> 00:08:16,095 especially in a healthcare system that doesn't have, 180 00:08:16,635 --> 00:08:21,135 you know, a massive resource to be able to, um, 181 00:08:22,305 --> 00:08:24,815 gauge with these insurers on these claims. 182 00:08:24,995 --> 00:08:26,095 So, you know, that's something 183 00:08:26,095 --> 00:08:28,615 that is a very real and tangible thing. 184 00:08:29,075 --> 00:08:31,815 You've got cyber attacks that are happening almost daily. 185 00:08:32,085 --> 00:08:35,055 It's, it's not a matter of where, it's not a matter 186 00:08:35,055 --> 00:08:38,055 of if you're gonna have a cyber attack these days, it seems 187 00:08:38,055 --> 00:08:39,175 to be much more a matter 188 00:08:39,195 --> 00:08:41,255 of when you're gonna have a cyber attack. 189 00:08:41,355 --> 00:08:43,655 So, you know, we're trying to balance all 190 00:08:43,655 --> 00:08:46,375 of these different things and keep up with them 191 00:08:47,035 --> 00:08:48,375 and, uh, really make sure 192 00:08:48,375 --> 00:08:50,815 that we position the organization first 193 00:08:50,835 --> 00:08:54,375 and foremost to provide the great care that we're known for, 194 00:08:54,795 --> 00:08:57,965 but then also to make sure that we are a financially healthy 195 00:08:58,185 --> 00:09:00,885 and strong organization moving into the future. 196 00:09:01,625 --> 00:09:04,365 And, uh, we feel very good about where we're headed, 197 00:09:04,665 --> 00:09:05,845 uh, as an organization. 198 00:09:07,745 --> 00:09:08,755 - Well, that's great to hear. 199 00:09:08,815 --> 00:09:11,835 And you know, absolutely so many things to be thinking about 200 00:09:11,975 --> 00:09:13,915 and kind of have that front of mind for you 201 00:09:13,975 --> 00:09:16,595 as you're looking at growth development 202 00:09:16,615 --> 00:09:19,875 and how to build that financially strong organization, um, 203 00:09:20,215 --> 00:09:21,555 and sustainably as well. 204 00:09:22,225 --> 00:09:25,235 When you think about the future in all these different, um, 205 00:09:25,615 --> 00:09:26,715 issues that 206 00:09:26,785 --> 00:09:29,915 that are affecting healthcare in health systems today, 207 00:09:30,185 --> 00:09:31,995 what are you most excited about and what makes 208 00:09:33,955 --> 00:09:35,965 - Yeah, that's, that's an excellent question. 209 00:09:36,025 --> 00:09:38,685 Now I'll speak first what I'm most excited about, 210 00:09:38,685 --> 00:09:41,125 that's within my sphere of influence, which is St. 211 00:09:41,145 --> 00:09:45,405 Luke's. Um, we recently completed our strategic plan. 212 00:09:45,665 --> 00:09:48,005 Uh, that was one of the first things that my boss, 213 00:09:48,115 --> 00:09:50,005 Andy Bagnal had us put together. 214 00:09:50,745 --> 00:09:53,405 And we, we branded it one St. Luke's. 215 00:09:53,585 --> 00:09:55,805 We wanted a moniker that was memorable. 216 00:09:56,025 --> 00:09:58,725 We wanted something that conveyed, Hey, 217 00:09:58,815 --> 00:10:00,165 we're all in this together, 218 00:10:00,355 --> 00:10:02,845 that we can no longer operate in silos. 219 00:10:02,905 --> 00:10:06,125 We have to be integrated, uh, to benefit our patients. 220 00:10:06,505 --> 00:10:08,925 So, you know, we're really, um, 221 00:10:09,605 --> 00:10:11,805 thrilled about the progress that we've made. 222 00:10:11,935 --> 00:10:14,565 We've set some really ambitious, uh, goals 223 00:10:14,665 --> 00:10:15,885 and visions for ourself. 224 00:10:16,345 --> 00:10:18,365 You know, we've got pillars that we build on. 225 00:10:18,455 --> 00:10:21,165 We've got centers of excellence that we're focused on. 226 00:10:21,705 --> 00:10:24,645 And as an organization, you know, we're really, 227 00:10:25,495 --> 00:10:28,125 we've really been able to pull together a passionate group 228 00:10:28,185 --> 00:10:30,125 of people that are committed 229 00:10:30,125 --> 00:10:32,045 to doing the right things in the right way, 230 00:10:32,625 --> 00:10:34,605 and that have a hunger to be the best. 231 00:10:35,185 --> 00:10:38,485 And it's really an exciting time, um, from a St. 232 00:10:38,505 --> 00:10:41,045 Luke's perspective. And, you know, we'll know 233 00:10:41,045 --> 00:10:44,245 that we've really succeeded as an organization, uh, 234 00:10:44,245 --> 00:10:46,925 when we can transition our patients 235 00:10:47,345 --> 00:10:49,405 to true fans of the organization. 236 00:10:49,745 --> 00:10:53,005 We want anybody who engages with our organization 237 00:10:53,105 --> 00:10:54,925 to say it's different there. 238 00:10:55,115 --> 00:10:58,165 It's incredible there. And we wanna make them fans, right? 239 00:10:58,165 --> 00:11:00,125 People are fans of sports teams 240 00:11:00,225 --> 00:11:02,805 and different, uh, companies and organizations. 241 00:11:02,825 --> 00:11:05,555 And we help people, uh, 242 00:11:05,615 --> 00:11:07,395 at a time when they need help the most. 243 00:11:07,535 --> 00:11:10,635 And we think there's a real opportunity for us to take, uh, 244 00:11:10,665 --> 00:11:13,235 what we do today and leverage it to be incredible 245 00:11:13,375 --> 00:11:16,955 and better tomorrow, uh, from a larger healthcare, 246 00:11:16,965 --> 00:11:18,355 healthcare landscape. 247 00:11:18,695 --> 00:11:20,475 You know, there's a lot to be excited about. 248 00:11:20,855 --> 00:11:23,635 You know, agency utilization is down across the board. 249 00:11:24,325 --> 00:11:25,755 We've got AI 250 00:11:25,895 --> 00:11:29,115 and big data is actually being integrated now 251 00:11:29,115 --> 00:11:32,115 to improve care and outcomes in a meaningful way. 252 00:11:32,575 --> 00:11:33,595 So that's exciting. 253 00:11:34,055 --> 00:11:37,515 You've got the development of, uh, more personalized care 254 00:11:37,565 --> 00:11:39,555 where you take into account people's unique, 255 00:11:39,975 --> 00:11:41,035 uh, genetic makeup. 256 00:11:41,195 --> 00:11:43,715 I think that's gonna be a big thing on the horizon. 257 00:11:44,375 --> 00:11:46,955 And even telehealth and remote patient 258 00:11:46,955 --> 00:11:48,035 care monitoring, right? 259 00:11:48,035 --> 00:11:49,755 They're growing and we're being able 260 00:11:49,755 --> 00:11:51,235 to meet patients where they're at. 261 00:11:51,775 --> 00:11:54,605 Uh, so that's, uh, a very exciting development. 262 00:11:55,065 --> 00:11:57,445 And then two, I think there's a movement to say, okay, 263 00:11:57,505 --> 00:12:01,975 how do we take patient from a 360 degree view 264 00:12:02,395 --> 00:12:04,815 and meet the entire needs of that individual? 265 00:12:05,395 --> 00:12:07,375 You know, if you're the president of the United States, 266 00:12:07,845 --> 00:12:09,655 your care is amazing, right? 267 00:12:10,365 --> 00:12:12,455 It's integrated, it's coordinated, 268 00:12:12,755 --> 00:12:15,375 and everybody, um, works actively 269 00:12:15,515 --> 00:12:16,855 to keep him or her healthy. 270 00:12:17,395 --> 00:12:19,095 And that's what we want to be able to do 271 00:12:19,095 --> 00:12:20,855 for our patients in, in healthcare. 272 00:12:20,975 --> 00:12:24,215 I think we're really close. Uh, the way I see it, 273 00:12:24,555 --> 00:12:28,215 our job in healthcare really is to anticipate patient needs 274 00:12:28,355 --> 00:12:30,975 to help alleviate their fears so 275 00:12:30,975 --> 00:12:32,295 that we can give them hope, right? 276 00:12:32,525 --> 00:12:34,695 Because that's really, in my opinion, 277 00:12:34,835 --> 00:12:37,015 you have the technical side of healthcare, 278 00:12:37,555 --> 00:12:39,735 but real healing comes from a strong 279 00:12:39,835 --> 00:12:41,135 belief in your provider. 280 00:12:41,635 --> 00:12:43,095 And that's the most beautiful gift 281 00:12:43,095 --> 00:12:46,175 that we can give our patients when they have confidence that 282 00:12:46,175 --> 00:12:50,415 that provider, that organization, you know, we have 'em, 283 00:12:50,465 --> 00:12:52,135 we're gonna take great care of 'em. 284 00:12:52,135 --> 00:12:54,775 We got this. I think that's something that is, uh, 285 00:12:55,285 --> 00:12:56,415 extremely exciting. 286 00:12:57,225 --> 00:12:59,055 There are also a few things we're 287 00:12:59,055 --> 00:13:00,135 a little concerned about too. 288 00:13:00,215 --> 00:13:01,615 I, I know I mentioned a few earlier, 289 00:13:02,155 --> 00:13:03,215 but there's a, you know, 290 00:13:03,215 --> 00:13:05,575 major shortage in a couple key specialties. 291 00:13:05,585 --> 00:13:09,175 Anesthesia is a challenge, radiology is a challenge. 292 00:13:09,835 --> 00:13:11,975 And then we've got an aging workforce 293 00:13:12,795 --> 00:13:14,135 and pending retirements. 294 00:13:14,635 --> 00:13:16,975 And then you've got a younger generation who went 295 00:13:16,975 --> 00:13:17,975 through Covid, right? 296 00:13:18,675 --> 00:13:21,415 And they have a different worldview than maybe the 297 00:13:21,415 --> 00:13:22,895 older generation does. 298 00:13:23,045 --> 00:13:25,575 It's much more about work life balance. 299 00:13:26,235 --> 00:13:28,535 And that's completely understandable and valid. 300 00:13:28,875 --> 00:13:31,335 You know, if, if there's one thing we all learned in Covid, 301 00:13:31,765 --> 00:13:33,175 it's, you know, life is short. 302 00:13:33,515 --> 00:13:35,935 You need to spend it in ways that are meaningful 303 00:13:35,935 --> 00:13:36,935 and memorable to you. 304 00:13:37,515 --> 00:13:38,695 And we want to be able to help 305 00:13:38,695 --> 00:13:40,455 that younger generation achieve that. 306 00:13:41,035 --> 00:13:44,575 But we also want to say, okay, as we transition our provider 307 00:13:44,595 --> 00:13:47,215 and workforce, how do we meet the needs of 308 00:13:47,215 --> 00:13:49,935 that younger generation while also ensuring 309 00:13:49,935 --> 00:13:52,135 that our patients get the care that they need 310 00:13:52,195 --> 00:13:55,255 and we meet, meet their concerns and those kind of things. 311 00:13:56,005 --> 00:13:58,495 Then the other thing that I'd I'd like to touch on is, 312 00:13:58,875 --> 00:14:01,095 you know, it's really exciting with AI 313 00:14:01,155 --> 00:14:04,215 and all the technological advancements that are happening, 314 00:14:05,115 --> 00:14:08,015 but you know, it's really important that at the end 315 00:14:08,015 --> 00:14:11,215 of the day, we don't forget that healthcare is really about 316 00:14:11,215 --> 00:14:12,775 that one person in front of you. 317 00:14:13,195 --> 00:14:14,255 You know, they're scared 318 00:14:14,795 --> 00:14:17,495 and they need somebody to say, you know, 319 00:14:17,575 --> 00:14:20,175 I see you kinda like from the movie avatar, right? 320 00:14:20,375 --> 00:14:21,695 I see you, I hear you. 321 00:14:22,435 --> 00:14:25,135 And you know, we need to make sure that the kind 322 00:14:25,135 --> 00:14:26,975 of the glitz and the glamor of AI 323 00:14:27,035 --> 00:14:30,895 and technology doesn't make us forget that healthcare, 324 00:14:30,895 --> 00:14:32,935 healthcare is always personal. 325 00:14:33,085 --> 00:14:34,375 It's always about caring for 326 00:14:34,375 --> 00:14:35,855 that one person in front of you. 327 00:14:36,535 --> 00:14:39,415 'cause I think if we ever lose that intimate side 328 00:14:39,615 --> 00:14:42,135 of healthcare, you know, as we have this quest 329 00:14:42,155 --> 00:14:43,375 to offer amazing tech, 330 00:14:43,935 --> 00:14:45,975 I think we'll have failed miserably, quite frankly. 331 00:14:46,695 --> 00:14:49,935 'cause there is no way that tech can replace personal touch. 332 00:14:50,155 --> 00:14:52,305 It can't happen, 333 00:14:52,525 --> 00:14:56,065 and we cannot, um, let that be something 334 00:14:56,065 --> 00:14:57,385 that develops in our industry. 335 00:14:59,065 --> 00:15:00,165 - That's such a great point. 336 00:15:00,265 --> 00:15:03,205 And, you know, certainly so important for everyone to 337 00:15:04,005 --> 00:15:05,725 remember and think about as technology 338 00:15:07,425 --> 00:15:10,675 evolves in AI really solidifies its place in the healthcare 339 00:15:10,675 --> 00:15:13,635 space, is, is really that human touch, like you said, 340 00:15:13,855 --> 00:15:16,115 and interaction is such a important 341 00:15:16,115 --> 00:15:19,435 and vital aspect of healthcare and, and really a trademark. 342 00:15:19,495 --> 00:15:21,555 Um, you know, what healthcare should be, it needs to be, 343 00:15:21,615 --> 00:15:22,635 um, to serve patients. 344 00:15:22,655 --> 00:15:24,995 And I love, as you were talking about 345 00:15:25,135 --> 00:15:26,995 as well from your strategic plan 346 00:15:27,135 --> 00:15:30,595 and, um, thinking through how you can really make sure 347 00:15:30,595 --> 00:15:32,955 that you're creating patients into fans 348 00:15:32,955 --> 00:15:34,595 of the health system, the organization. 349 00:15:34,695 --> 00:15:36,315 Um, I really feel like that's inspiring 350 00:15:36,335 --> 00:15:38,115 and something, you know, um, that 351 00:15:38,935 --> 00:15:40,475 the whole organization would have 352 00:15:40,475 --> 00:15:42,035 to jump in and, and buy into. 353 00:15:42,135 --> 00:15:46,115 And, you know, when you're, um, making a, a, um, 354 00:15:46,705 --> 00:15:48,795 tagline like that or really trying 355 00:15:48,855 --> 00:15:51,795 to make change within the culture of the organization, 356 00:15:51,795 --> 00:15:54,715 even if it's one that, you know, um, makes a lot 357 00:15:54,715 --> 00:15:58,275 of sense intuitively, how do you really, um, tie back, 358 00:15:58,375 --> 00:16:01,195 you know, some big changes, whether it's with technology, 359 00:16:01,195 --> 00:16:04,115 virtual care, or other initiatives that you're doing, um, 360 00:16:04,115 --> 00:16:06,275 that people might bristle at a little bit. 361 00:16:06,455 --> 00:16:09,555 Um, you know, to really show that, hey, we want to, 362 00:16:09,745 --> 00:16:13,115 this is in service of our, our, um, desire 363 00:16:13,115 --> 00:16:15,475 and mission to serve patients and create accessibility 364 00:16:15,975 --> 00:16:19,275 and really, you know, transition them into fans that see 365 00:16:19,275 --> 00:16:21,595 that we can do incredible things, um, within St. 366 00:16:21,595 --> 00:16:22,595 Luke's. 367 00:16:23,085 --> 00:16:26,175 - Yeah, it, it starts with the providers and the staff 368 00:16:26,795 --> 00:16:28,855 and you know, as part of our One St. 369 00:16:28,875 --> 00:16:31,575 Luke's goal, we've set a vision for our organization 370 00:16:32,005 --> 00:16:33,615 that we want to be a nationally 371 00:16:34,135 --> 00:16:35,335 recognized healthcare system. 372 00:16:35,875 --> 00:16:38,535 One that wins awards not for the sake of awards, 373 00:16:39,075 --> 00:16:43,405 but for the fact of what they mean our patients, right? 374 00:16:43,405 --> 00:16:45,165 That, hey, you're getting exceptional 375 00:16:45,165 --> 00:16:46,245 care when you come here. 376 00:16:46,585 --> 00:16:49,645 And I know, you know, we're a smaller healthcare, uh, system 377 00:16:50,305 --> 00:16:52,445 and you know, we think, wow, that's really kind 378 00:16:52,445 --> 00:16:56,245 of an ambitious statement or vision for the organization, 379 00:16:56,905 --> 00:17:00,365 but, but to be honest, timid goals don't move the solve. 380 00:17:00,465 --> 00:17:02,765 So we really set that bar high, 381 00:17:03,385 --> 00:17:07,205 and I will say we've got tremendous buy-in from those 382 00:17:07,205 --> 00:17:08,605 within our organization. 383 00:17:09,105 --> 00:17:12,245 Uh, you know, it's one thing to have goals and aspirations, 384 00:17:12,865 --> 00:17:15,525 but you really have to have the metrics of success. 385 00:17:16,325 --> 00:17:18,965 'cause you know, the old saying, what is measured moves? 386 00:17:19,185 --> 00:17:22,845 And so we have all these different areas of, we say, 387 00:17:22,845 --> 00:17:24,685 how are we doing on our big goal as far 388 00:17:24,685 --> 00:17:27,645 as making the experience exceptional for patients? 389 00:17:28,065 --> 00:17:30,765 How are we doing as far as making, um, 390 00:17:30,945 --> 00:17:33,925 the clinical outcomes exceptional for our patients? 391 00:17:34,225 --> 00:17:36,205 And those are really being ingrained into the 392 00:17:36,205 --> 00:17:37,845 organization right now. 393 00:17:37,845 --> 00:17:41,445 We have 275 plus tactics 394 00:17:41,445 --> 00:17:44,845 that tie back into our pillars that we monitor, right? 395 00:17:45,175 --> 00:17:47,565 Every month we're saying, Hey, how are we doing on this? 396 00:17:47,625 --> 00:17:48,885 Are we moving the ball forward? 397 00:17:49,625 --> 00:17:51,885 We have listening sessions with our patients. 398 00:17:51,985 --> 00:17:54,205 We listen to their concerns. 399 00:17:54,705 --> 00:17:56,805 Um, we're trying to take our view 400 00:17:56,825 --> 00:17:59,365 of the patient experience from more of a, um, 401 00:18:00,145 --> 00:18:02,285 how do you say, like a rear view mirror view. 402 00:18:02,285 --> 00:18:04,525 Like, oh wow, we, we did this patient 403 00:18:04,745 --> 00:18:06,885 who came here two months ago didn't have a, 404 00:18:07,165 --> 00:18:10,405 a great experience to her front view out the windshield 405 00:18:10,655 --> 00:18:13,965 where we say real time, how was the patient in room 406 00:18:14,475 --> 00:18:15,805 1500 doing? 407 00:18:16,345 --> 00:18:18,365 Is he or she having a good experience? 408 00:18:18,465 --> 00:18:20,925 You know, we're building in some real time metrics 409 00:18:21,465 --> 00:18:24,565 and ability for that patient to say, wow, my food was cold. 410 00:18:25,025 --> 00:18:28,245 Or, Hey, you know, this didn't go quite right, 411 00:18:28,745 --> 00:18:31,965 and within five to 10 minutes, we want to be in that room 412 00:18:32,025 --> 00:18:33,725 and we wanna make it right for the patient. 413 00:18:34,275 --> 00:18:37,845 Anybody who entrusts you with their care deserves the best 414 00:18:37,955 --> 00:18:39,685 that we can possibly give them. 415 00:18:40,105 --> 00:18:41,685 And so we're really committed to that. 416 00:18:41,865 --> 00:18:45,285 And that's what excites me about this organization, St. 417 00:18:45,285 --> 00:18:48,365 Luke's, that there's such a passion for people here. 418 00:18:49,025 --> 00:18:51,445 And, you know, I've worked in a lot of different places 419 00:18:51,905 --> 00:18:54,685 and, you know, with a lot of different, uh, 420 00:18:54,685 --> 00:18:56,565 healthcare systems and structures, 421 00:18:56,945 --> 00:19:00,165 and this is not to speak ill or negative of them at all, 422 00:19:00,625 --> 00:19:04,885 but for me, and what I was looking for, the people here 423 00:19:05,155 --> 00:19:09,325 that really, in my opinion, are just solely focused on 424 00:19:09,475 --> 00:19:11,565 that patient and their experience. 425 00:19:11,945 --> 00:19:13,605 And man, that could be your mother. 426 00:19:13,675 --> 00:19:16,405 That could be your brother, that could be your child, 427 00:19:16,475 --> 00:19:18,085 your best friend in the hospital. 428 00:19:19,025 --> 00:19:22,205 And they get that and they want to say, okay, what do I need 429 00:19:22,205 --> 00:19:25,965 to do to make sure that this person knows I got you, 430 00:19:26,265 --> 00:19:27,405 you're well cared for, 431 00:19:27,535 --> 00:19:29,325 we're gonna find out what's going on for you. 432 00:19:29,755 --> 00:19:32,765 It's, it's a, i I know it sounds probably a little corny, 433 00:19:32,765 --> 00:19:37,085 Laura, but it, it really just lights my fire, so to speak. 434 00:19:37,625 --> 00:19:40,445 And, uh, I'm super excited to be here 435 00:19:40,705 --> 00:19:44,685 and I, I feel very confident that over the next two 436 00:19:44,685 --> 00:19:48,005 to four years, people are going to start to hear about St. 437 00:19:48,025 --> 00:19:49,725 Luke's in St. Louis, right? 438 00:19:50,115 --> 00:19:51,805 That we're gonna start to do some things 439 00:19:51,805 --> 00:19:55,045 that are really innovative, that really are impactful 440 00:19:55,345 --> 00:19:57,045 and, you know, our goals are big 441 00:19:57,745 --> 00:20:00,085 and we want to be able to impact the larger, 442 00:20:00,085 --> 00:20:02,405 broader healthcare system and take these ideas 443 00:20:02,665 --> 00:20:04,845 and share them across the board so 444 00:20:04,845 --> 00:20:06,285 that everybody gets great care. 445 00:20:07,765 --> 00:20:08,945 That's kind of where we're at. 446 00:20:09,095 --> 00:20:11,545 It's, it's an exciting time and a great time to be here. 447 00:20:13,725 --> 00:20:15,285 - Absolutely. I love that mantra 448 00:20:15,465 --> 00:20:17,445 and definitely, you know, excited to see how things grow. 449 00:20:17,945 --> 00:20:19,085 Um, really quick here 450 00:20:19,085 --> 00:20:21,525 before we wrap up, as you're talking through all of these 451 00:20:22,045 --> 00:20:24,125 transformational changes and really, um, 452 00:20:24,125 --> 00:20:26,325 some exciting things going on, I'm wondering 453 00:20:26,675 --> 00:20:29,365 what from your perspective will the most effective 454 00:20:29,365 --> 00:20:30,805 healthcare leaders need in order 455 00:20:30,805 --> 00:20:32,765 to be successful over the next two to three years? 456 00:20:34,575 --> 00:20:38,195 - You know, the healthcare landscape has really changed 457 00:20:38,495 --> 00:20:41,795 and it's evolved at an unprecedented pace, really. 458 00:20:42,335 --> 00:20:45,355 But what hasn't changed are those timeless qualities 459 00:20:45,585 --> 00:20:47,035 that make a leader great. 460 00:20:47,625 --> 00:20:52,005 You know, attributes like integrity, empathy, authenticity, 461 00:20:52,515 --> 00:20:53,805 character, that's 462 00:20:53,805 --> 00:20:57,445 what will make a leader great in both good and bad times. 463 00:20:58,105 --> 00:21:00,405 You know, to me they have to be able to bring 464 00:21:00,405 --> 00:21:03,085 that steady hand, a calm demeanor, you know, 465 00:21:03,085 --> 00:21:05,925 they have a bright mind, but they're also flexible 466 00:21:06,225 --> 00:21:08,525 and they're able to really work with those people 467 00:21:08,545 --> 00:21:10,245 around them and inspire 'em. 468 00:21:10,545 --> 00:21:14,005 And you know, the analogy I always think of is, okay, 469 00:21:14,145 --> 00:21:17,605 if it's tough time in the market, you know, there's all kind 470 00:21:17,605 --> 00:21:19,165 of raging storms about you. 471 00:21:19,705 --> 00:21:22,165 You want to know from your leader that, Hey, 472 00:21:22,305 --> 00:21:23,485 our ship is on course. 473 00:21:24,295 --> 00:21:26,925 These tough times are temporary, better, 474 00:21:27,485 --> 00:21:28,565 brighter days are ahead. 475 00:21:29,105 --> 00:21:31,045 You know, don't worry about the fact 476 00:21:31,045 --> 00:21:33,045 that the boat is swaying in the swell 477 00:21:33,225 --> 00:21:34,885 of this recent business cycle. 478 00:21:35,945 --> 00:21:37,405 Got a steady hand at the helm, 479 00:21:37,975 --> 00:21:40,485 we're gonna hit our destination and where we want to go. 480 00:21:41,105 --> 00:21:44,695 So it's almost like we don't have 481 00:21:44,695 --> 00:21:46,175 to reinvent leadership. 482 00:21:46,915 --> 00:21:49,655 We just have to remember what great leadership is 483 00:21:50,195 --> 00:21:51,735 and make sure that we bring that 484 00:21:51,755 --> 00:21:56,055 to our healthcare organizations so that our, the individuals 485 00:21:56,055 --> 00:21:57,615 who work there and you know, 486 00:21:58,015 --> 00:22:01,335 practice there can feel confident about the direction 487 00:22:01,555 --> 00:22:03,175 and the vision of the organization. 488 00:22:03,715 --> 00:22:07,135 And if we do that, I really believe we will emerge stronger, 489 00:22:07,885 --> 00:22:12,495 more resilient, just robust organizations on the back end 490 00:22:12,495 --> 00:22:14,375 of some of this kind of turbulent times 491 00:22:14,375 --> 00:22:15,495 that we're going through right now. 492 00:22:16,035 --> 00:22:20,215 So me, whatever we do today 493 00:22:20,475 --> 00:22:22,575 as a leader, a strong leader will help us 494 00:22:22,635 --> 00:22:23,815 be successful tomorrow. 495 00:22:24,355 --> 00:22:26,415 And I would encourage everybody to just 496 00:22:27,045 --> 00:22:28,615 rely on those timeless values 497 00:22:28,955 --> 00:22:30,815 and qualities that make a leader, 498 00:22:31,175 --> 00:22:33,015 somebody you would like to follow yourself. 499 00:22:37,745 --> 00:22:39,065 - I love that. Scott, thank you so much 500 00:22:39,065 --> 00:22:42,015 for joining us on the podcast today. 501 00:22:42,015 --> 00:22:43,735 This has been such a fascinating discussion 502 00:22:43,735 --> 00:22:45,655 and I look forward to connecting with you again soon, 503 00:22:46,325 --> 00:22:47,325 - Laura. 504 00:22:47,325 --> 00:22:47,875 I really appreciate it, 505 00:22:47,975 --> 00:22:50,995 and for the opportunity to kind of tell our story. 506 00:22:51,095 --> 00:22:53,955 And again, keep up the great work, work at Becker's. 507 00:22:54,055 --> 00:22:55,275 You know, you guys are awesome.