1 00:00:05,105 --> 00:00:07,155 - This is the Becker's Healthcare Podcast, created 2 00:00:07,155 --> 00:00:08,315 by the team of Becker's Healthcare, 3 00:00:08,475 --> 00:00:10,195 a multimedia company devoted to the people 4 00:00:10,215 --> 00:00:11,515 who power us healthcare. 5 00:00:11,785 --> 00:00:14,595 Four new 15 minute episodes are released daily containing 6 00:00:14,795 --> 00:00:17,155 industry news analysis and thought leadership from powerful 7 00:00:17,155 --> 00:00:19,435 healthcare decision makers Support our show 8 00:00:19,575 --> 00:00:22,395 by leaving it a five star rating and review on Apple Podcast 9 00:00:22,615 --> 00:00:23,875 or other platforms you use. 10 00:00:24,025 --> 00:00:25,835 It's a chance to tell us what you like about the show 11 00:00:25,895 --> 00:00:27,115 and act on your feedback. 12 00:00:27,115 --> 00:00:29,075 Thanks for listening. Now here's the episode. 13 00:00:30,865 --> 00:00:33,155 - This is Laura Dedo with the Becker's Healthcare Podcast. 14 00:00:33,615 --> 00:00:34,915 I'm thrilled today to be joined by Dr. 15 00:00:35,195 --> 00:00:37,195 Ritu Singh, I, senior vice president 16 00:00:37,195 --> 00:00:39,435 and system chief Medical Officer at St. 17 00:00:39,435 --> 00:00:41,195 Francis Health System. Dr. 18 00:00:41,355 --> 00:00:42,995 Singh, it's a pleasure to have you on the podcast today. 19 00:00:43,605 --> 00:00:45,355 - Thank you, Laura. Thanks for having me. 20 00:00:46,255 --> 00:00:48,235 - No, I, I'm really looking forward to our conversation. 21 00:00:48,355 --> 00:00:49,795 I know there's a lot happening in healthcare 22 00:00:49,895 --> 00:00:52,755 and certainly, um, a lot from the clinical perspective 23 00:00:52,755 --> 00:00:54,195 that I am excited to hear 24 00:00:54,195 --> 00:00:55,275 more about what you're doing at St. 25 00:00:55,275 --> 00:00:57,675 Francis. But before we dive into the broader discussion, 26 00:00:57,675 --> 00:00:58,635 can you tell me a little bit more 27 00:00:58,635 --> 00:00:59,835 about yourself and your background? 28 00:01:00,455 --> 00:01:04,035 - Uh, absolutely. So reusing Chief Medical Officer 29 00:01:04,175 --> 00:01:06,355 for the health system in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 30 00:01:07,015 --> 00:01:10,355 We are the largest health system in northeastern Oklahoma, 31 00:01:10,825 --> 00:01:13,475 locally founded, govern and operated, 32 00:01:13,775 --> 00:01:16,715 and we have over 10,000 employees, 33 00:01:17,185 --> 00:01:18,995 five acute acute care hospitals, 34 00:01:19,595 --> 00:01:20,875 multiple ambulatory settings. 35 00:01:21,535 --> 00:01:22,955 I'm an internist by training. 36 00:01:23,305 --> 00:01:26,755 I've been in this role for close to 18 months now. 37 00:01:27,335 --> 00:01:30,315 Uh, my background, I was Chief Medical Information Officer, 38 00:01:30,975 --> 00:01:34,995 uh, before, and, uh, led clinical documentation, integrity, 39 00:01:35,335 --> 00:01:36,835 uh, some of the other initiatives 40 00:01:36,905 --> 00:01:38,275 with a larger health system. 41 00:01:39,235 --> 00:01:40,235 I am an immigrant. 42 00:01:40,535 --> 00:01:44,035 I'm a first generation immigrant, born and raised in India, 43 00:01:44,175 --> 00:01:45,835 and I've been in US for 18 years. 44 00:01:47,825 --> 00:01:48,885 - Got it. That's great to hear. 45 00:01:48,985 --> 00:01:51,885 And definitely, um, you know, uh, awesome 46 00:01:51,885 --> 00:01:54,365 that you've had such great experiences, um, 47 00:01:54,425 --> 00:01:55,965 to bring into your current role at St. 48 00:01:55,965 --> 00:01:58,685 Francis. Now, could you tell me about your most successful 49 00:01:58,685 --> 00:02:00,405 project or initiative from the last year? 50 00:02:00,675 --> 00:02:03,005 What issues were you trying to solve and what drove success? 51 00:02:04,275 --> 00:02:07,685 - Sure. So Laura, it's really hard to pinpoint 52 00:02:07,705 --> 00:02:10,565 to one project, but, you know, post covid world, 53 00:02:10,905 --> 00:02:15,245 as things are rapidly changing, one of our top 54 00:02:15,775 --> 00:02:19,845 priorities is to establish a comprehensive clinical strategy 55 00:02:20,105 --> 00:02:21,645 for the next one to three years. 56 00:02:22,265 --> 00:02:24,485 And at the core of that strategy, you know, 57 00:02:24,485 --> 00:02:28,445 first is stabilizing our workforce to really brainstorm 58 00:02:28,545 --> 00:02:31,365 and think of ways how we can proactively 59 00:02:31,985 --> 00:02:35,125 engage our physicians, not only recruiting, 60 00:02:35,185 --> 00:02:38,445 but how do we grow them with us to retain 61 00:02:38,505 --> 00:02:41,565 and to be better leaders, empower them at bedside 62 00:02:41,865 --> 00:02:43,445 to make better clinical decisions. 63 00:02:43,505 --> 00:02:46,485 And really, uh, investing in that physician leadership. 64 00:02:47,025 --> 00:02:50,805 We are partnering with our local teaching institutions, uh, 65 00:02:51,045 --> 00:02:53,485 Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma University, 66 00:02:54,225 --> 00:02:55,525 to bring in learners 67 00:02:55,905 --> 00:03:00,845 and grow our own as we work towards what's the future 68 00:03:01,025 --> 00:03:02,125 of workforce for us. 69 00:03:02,465 --> 00:03:04,005 And, you know, second focus 70 00:03:04,025 --> 00:03:07,205 of the clinical strategy is our path moving forward, 71 00:03:07,625 --> 00:03:10,645 not only in terms of clinical quality, 72 00:03:10,905 --> 00:03:12,445 but really from operations 73 00:03:12,665 --> 00:03:14,245 and from being, uh, you know, 74 00:03:14,245 --> 00:03:16,445 good financial stewards of our resources. 75 00:03:17,035 --> 00:03:19,805 What does the success look like for each service line, 76 00:03:19,835 --> 00:03:22,845 whether it's a destination metric, you know, center 77 00:03:22,905 --> 00:03:27,285 of excellence or really creating access in Oklahoma, 78 00:03:27,585 --> 00:03:31,605 we have rural hospitals that we struggle in providing access 79 00:03:31,745 --> 00:03:33,725 and we know our community needs it. 80 00:03:33,825 --> 00:03:37,405 So what is that path moving forward for service lines? 81 00:03:37,585 --> 00:03:39,125 And, you know, third in 82 00:03:39,125 --> 00:03:41,765 that comprehensive clinical strategy is 83 00:03:42,055 --> 00:03:43,605 population health initiatives. 84 00:03:44,065 --> 00:03:45,965 How do we ensure we provide the right 85 00:03:45,965 --> 00:03:47,165 care in the right setting? 86 00:03:47,465 --> 00:03:50,565 And, you know, putting emphasis on preventative care 87 00:03:50,905 --> 00:03:53,405 and ensuring we provide care 88 00:03:53,465 --> 00:03:55,405 to our patients across the continuum. 89 00:03:55,945 --> 00:03:58,325 You know, collaborating with our primary care physicians, 90 00:03:59,285 --> 00:04:01,845 hospital medicine physicians, really looking at ways 91 00:04:01,845 --> 00:04:03,125 to improve the throughput 92 00:04:03,425 --> 00:04:06,165 and then expanding on our post-acute presence 93 00:04:06,345 --> 00:04:08,645 and ensuring that we wrap our patients 94 00:04:08,645 --> 00:04:11,765 with the care they need no matter what setting, uh, 95 00:04:11,995 --> 00:04:13,325 they come to us in. 96 00:04:13,385 --> 00:04:15,205 And, and it's a comprehensive approach. 97 00:04:15,785 --> 00:04:19,205 So that's sort of high level of what, uh, 98 00:04:19,215 --> 00:04:21,605 we've been working on, uh, for the last one year. 99 00:04:21,705 --> 00:04:23,485 And it's a continuous journey. 100 00:04:23,705 --> 00:04:26,645 You know, it's, it's what we are focusing on for next two 101 00:04:26,645 --> 00:04:31,055 to three years, and there's several moving parts to it, lots 102 00:04:31,055 --> 00:04:34,055 of tactics and initiatives underneath. 103 00:04:34,235 --> 00:04:38,335 And, um, you know, we are just glad to be blessed 104 00:04:38,335 --> 00:04:40,495 with an organization that's locally founded 105 00:04:40,635 --> 00:04:43,215 and governed that we can take decisions 106 00:04:43,215 --> 00:04:44,855 and turn them around really quickly. 107 00:04:45,635 --> 00:04:46,855 Our CEO, Dr. 108 00:04:46,855 --> 00:04:48,375 Cliff Robertson is a physician, 109 00:04:48,475 --> 00:04:51,375 and I think there is, there is something 110 00:04:51,375 --> 00:04:53,215 to be said about when there's a clinician 111 00:04:53,215 --> 00:04:54,455 running the health system. 112 00:04:54,795 --> 00:04:57,055 You know, we have that comprehensive approach 113 00:04:57,155 --> 00:04:58,815 to our leadership and our decisions, 114 00:04:59,515 --> 00:05:00,655 so pretty excited about that. 115 00:05:01,595 --> 00:05:02,815 - That's fantastic to hear. 116 00:05:03,115 --> 00:05:04,335 And certainly when you look at 117 00:05:04,485 --> 00:05:06,415 that movement towards more population health 118 00:05:06,415 --> 00:05:09,175 and connecting, partnering with community organizations 119 00:05:09,275 --> 00:05:11,895 and figuring out how you can better serve patients 120 00:05:11,895 --> 00:05:14,735 and create access to care, it seems like there's a lot 121 00:05:14,735 --> 00:05:15,735 of opportunities there, 122 00:05:15,755 --> 00:05:18,975 but it, it is certainly not easy to make those connections 123 00:05:19,115 --> 00:05:20,695 and then, you know, develop a team 124 00:05:20,695 --> 00:05:21,815 that's really strong there. 125 00:05:22,175 --> 00:05:23,535 I know the clinical workforce has changed 126 00:05:23,615 --> 00:05:24,655 a lot in the last few years. 127 00:05:25,105 --> 00:05:26,815 Could you talk about some of the challenges 128 00:05:26,815 --> 00:05:28,855 that you're still facing and how you see 129 00:05:28,855 --> 00:05:31,455 that workforce evolving, especially given some of the things 130 00:05:31,645 --> 00:05:33,575 that you're just mentioning in, in thinking 131 00:05:33,575 --> 00:05:35,615 through population health, um, and, 132 00:05:35,635 --> 00:05:37,855 and really treating patients in in a more 133 00:05:38,055 --> 00:05:39,215 specific and personalized way? 134 00:05:40,465 --> 00:05:44,265 - Absolutely, Laura. So, you know, healthcare has changed 135 00:05:45,245 --> 00:05:46,865 so rapidly post covid, 136 00:05:47,355 --> 00:05:51,545 there is clearly workplace a workforce shortage and burnout. 137 00:05:52,195 --> 00:05:56,465 There is tremendous stress on the existing resources and, 138 00:05:56,565 --> 00:05:57,965 and, you know, there's just 139 00:05:57,985 --> 00:06:00,725 so much people we have with us can do. 140 00:06:00,825 --> 00:06:03,725 So we really need to look at strategies 141 00:06:03,825 --> 00:06:06,005 to address the burnout and, 142 00:06:06,105 --> 00:06:08,525 and prioritize the employee wellbeing. 143 00:06:09,065 --> 00:06:11,885 And as we do that, it's super critical to address 144 00:06:12,505 --> 00:06:15,685 the accelerated technological advancement that we have. 145 00:06:15,785 --> 00:06:18,645 You know, how do we ensure that we use technology 146 00:06:18,745 --> 00:06:21,885 to expand the role of the workforce we have, uh, 147 00:06:21,885 --> 00:06:24,885 whether it's apps or physicians provide tele 148 00:06:24,945 --> 00:06:26,005 and virtual services. 149 00:06:26,345 --> 00:06:28,525 And, and then as we continue to do that, 150 00:06:28,905 --> 00:06:31,965 how can we provide more preventative services from 151 00:06:31,965 --> 00:06:33,365 population health perspective? 152 00:06:33,945 --> 00:06:37,645 And, you know, 20%, I I believe personally, 20% of, 153 00:06:37,825 --> 00:06:41,405 of a patient's healthcare happens with health systems. 154 00:06:41,825 --> 00:06:45,965 80% of the care is really in the community at their homes 155 00:06:46,075 --> 00:06:47,805 with their families and people around. 156 00:06:48,265 --> 00:06:52,645 How do we make sure that we improve the health literacy 157 00:06:52,745 --> 00:06:54,445 and provide them with the resources 158 00:06:54,585 --> 00:06:56,885 and do that extra work that needs 159 00:06:56,885 --> 00:06:57,925 to be done in the community. 160 00:06:58,225 --> 00:07:00,245 You know, whether it's through community health workers 161 00:07:00,945 --> 00:07:05,365 having, um, health fairs, uh, going to schools, uh, 162 00:07:05,365 --> 00:07:09,365 partnering with, uh, you know, different, uh, uh, 163 00:07:09,505 --> 00:07:11,435 organizations within the community. 164 00:07:11,855 --> 00:07:14,635 And, and that's been at the forefront for us. 165 00:07:15,055 --> 00:07:18,115 And, you know, how do we make sure we do that extra 166 00:07:18,115 --> 00:07:21,235 that's needed once these patients leave our hospitals 167 00:07:21,255 --> 00:07:22,635 and our primary cares offices 168 00:07:22,975 --> 00:07:25,115 and whatever setting we encounter them in. 169 00:07:26,335 --> 00:07:31,155 And, and as we look through all of that, you know, um, AI 170 00:07:31,895 --> 00:07:34,275 is the buzz word in healthcare today. 171 00:07:34,975 --> 00:07:38,155 We need to know, ensure that we educate our clinicians 172 00:07:38,295 --> 00:07:39,635 and we provide them the training 173 00:07:39,655 --> 00:07:43,115 and resource they need to be successful with the technology. 174 00:07:43,375 --> 00:07:45,235 We have five generations in healthcare 175 00:07:45,415 --> 00:07:47,835 and, you know, you, we need to meet people 176 00:07:48,795 --> 00:07:51,715 wherever they are in their, uh, technology journey 177 00:07:51,815 --> 00:07:53,715 and their adoption of that technology. 178 00:07:53,895 --> 00:07:55,955 So, um, lots of challenges. 179 00:07:56,375 --> 00:07:57,675 I'm sure we are not unique, 180 00:07:57,855 --> 00:08:00,795 but, uh, I'm excited, uh, for the work we are doing. 181 00:08:02,275 --> 00:08:03,415 - That's fantastic to hear 182 00:08:03,635 --> 00:08:06,815 and certainly great to know that the workforce is evolving 183 00:08:06,875 --> 00:08:08,895 and growing in a way that's gonna be meaningful 184 00:08:08,915 --> 00:08:10,575 for the community and patients. 185 00:08:11,235 --> 00:08:13,535 Now finally, before we wrap up our conversation, 186 00:08:13,735 --> 00:08:15,575 I was wondering if you could share your best advice 187 00:08:15,575 --> 00:08:18,175 for aspiring, aspiring physician and nurse leaders. 188 00:08:18,635 --> 00:08:21,175 Uh, what really do you see as being important for them 189 00:08:21,235 --> 00:08:23,975 as they're building and growing their career right now? 190 00:08:26,515 --> 00:08:28,295 - Wow. It's, it's hard to give one. 191 00:08:28,515 --> 00:08:30,535 Um, but if I could just think of couple. 192 00:08:30,855 --> 00:08:33,775 I think first would be never stop learning 193 00:08:34,035 --> 00:08:35,175 and seeking knowledge. 194 00:08:35,415 --> 00:08:39,095 I think it's so important for us as clinical leaders 195 00:08:39,315 --> 00:08:41,535 to be connected with what's happening at bedside 196 00:08:41,795 --> 00:08:44,615 and what's the latest and greatest in healthcare. 197 00:08:45,355 --> 00:08:49,015 And, you know, as a leader, collaborate with your team, 198 00:08:49,085 --> 00:08:52,455 with your peers, people who, your nurses, your RTSs, 199 00:08:52,455 --> 00:08:54,055 your other ancillary staff 200 00:08:54,595 --> 00:08:59,245 and intentionally grow your team to be a diverse team. 201 00:08:59,575 --> 00:09:01,845 There is, there is power to 202 00:09:02,625 --> 00:09:04,965 the decisions you make when your team is diverse. 203 00:09:05,185 --> 00:09:08,565 And, you know, as, as leaders, it's not just managing task 204 00:09:08,625 --> 00:09:12,325 and responsibilities, it's our responsibility. 205 00:09:12,545 --> 00:09:17,485 We inspire and motivate others to, to be in healthcare. 206 00:09:17,705 --> 00:09:20,605 And I think today, uh, in my humble opinion, 207 00:09:21,065 --> 00:09:22,885 we are not doing the greatest job 208 00:09:23,065 --> 00:09:24,565 of recruiting people in healthcare. 209 00:09:26,845 --> 00:09:28,385 - That's so interesting to hear and, 210 00:09:28,385 --> 00:09:31,705 and definitely, um, just a fascinating challenge, 211 00:09:31,725 --> 00:09:33,985 but also huge opportunity to do better. 212 00:09:34,205 --> 00:09:35,745 You know, when you look at, um, 213 00:09:36,095 --> 00:09:38,145 that recruiting people into healthcare and, 214 00:09:38,205 --> 00:09:42,625 and making it an attractive profession, um, certainly to, 215 00:09:42,725 --> 00:09:46,425 to make sure you've got all the patient care needs filled. 216 00:09:46,765 --> 00:09:48,345 Is there anything that you're doing at St. 217 00:09:48,345 --> 00:09:52,585 Francis to, um, you know, recruit more or, 218 00:09:52,605 --> 00:09:55,225 or really reflect some of those efforts in 219 00:09:55,225 --> 00:09:57,185 how rewarding a career in healthcare could be? 220 00:09:58,295 --> 00:10:00,435 - Uh, sure. So, you know, we are 221 00:10:01,475 --> 00:10:03,955 actively engaged in our diversity equity 222 00:10:04,135 --> 00:10:06,195 and, uh, DEI initiatives 223 00:10:06,255 --> 00:10:08,845 and, um, several 224 00:10:10,125 --> 00:10:11,285 branches under that initiative. 225 00:10:11,465 --> 00:10:14,445 But one of the things is we are actively 226 00:10:14,955 --> 00:10:17,485 educating our frontline to all the way 227 00:10:17,665 --> 00:10:21,965 to our senior leadership on, you know, what is, uh, 228 00:10:21,965 --> 00:10:23,525 diversity in healthcare look like. 229 00:10:23,625 --> 00:10:26,765 And we need to have a diverse workforce for someone from 230 00:10:26,765 --> 00:10:29,685 outside to really want to come engage with us. 231 00:10:30,265 --> 00:10:32,725 And, and when we have that diverse workforce, 232 00:10:33,145 --> 00:10:35,125 we provide better patient care 233 00:10:35,665 --> 00:10:38,845 and, you know, our patients feel more connected with us. 234 00:10:39,385 --> 00:10:42,085 We are going and, uh, into several schools. 235 00:10:42,225 --> 00:10:45,485 We are partnering with, uh, several local nursing schools, 236 00:10:46,105 --> 00:10:50,805 uh, to, to help educate open our facilities 237 00:10:50,945 --> 00:10:52,405 for their learning. 238 00:10:52,825 --> 00:10:55,965 So we are able to eventually, uh, hopefully retain them. 239 00:10:56,195 --> 00:10:59,045 Same with, uh, physician training, you know, 240 00:10:59,045 --> 00:11:02,405 opening our grounds for students and residents 241 00:11:02,405 --> 00:11:04,405 and fellows, um, to really 242 00:11:05,275 --> 00:11:09,205 have them see our culture from the point they really stepped 243 00:11:09,235 --> 00:11:10,445 into healthcare and, 244 00:11:10,825 --> 00:11:15,085 and hopefully champion it for them, be, uh, good leaders 245 00:11:15,155 --> 00:11:17,485 that they can follow and inspire them 246 00:11:17,625 --> 00:11:19,365 to actually have a career long term. 247 00:11:21,085 --> 00:11:22,655 - Amazing. Dr. Singh, thank you so much 248 00:11:22,655 --> 00:11:23,935 for joining us on the podcast today. 249 00:11:23,935 --> 00:11:26,615 This is more a really fun, interesting conversation, 250 00:11:26,675 --> 00:11:28,455 and I look forward to connecting with you again soon. 251 00:11:29,025 --> 00:11:30,415 - Thank you, Laura. Thanks a lot. 252 00:11:33,005 --> 00:11:35,575 - It's so important for leaders at the top of organizations 253 00:11:35,595 --> 00:11:38,095 to keep learning, stay sharp, grow their networks, 254 00:11:38,485 --> 00:11:40,815 help our audience better do this in a more simplified, 255 00:11:40,815 --> 00:11:42,375 personalized, and meaningful way. 256 00:11:43,055 --> 00:11:45,655 Becker's Healthcare has launched my BHC, 257 00:11:46,165 --> 00:11:48,135 it's your trusted Becker's healthcare experience 258 00:11:48,135 --> 00:11:50,335 and more with content, connections, events 259 00:11:50,395 --> 00:11:51,415 and learning opportunities. 260 00:11:52,125 --> 00:11:53,205 Join the community free 261 00:11:53,205 --> 00:11:58,045 of charge@www.my dot becker's hospital review.com 262 00:11:58,145 --> 00:11:58,965 and we'll see you there.