1 00:00:00,645 --> 00:00:02,975 - This is Laura Deida with the Becker's Healthcare Podcast. 2 00:00:03,595 --> 00:00:05,855 I'm thrilled today to be joined by Dr. Eric Summers, 3 00:00:05,855 --> 00:00:07,895 chief Medical Officer at Atrium Health, 4 00:00:07,895 --> 00:00:10,055 wake Forest Baptist, part of Advocate Health. 5 00:00:10,835 --> 00:00:11,935 Dr. Summers, it's a pleasure 6 00:00:11,935 --> 00:00:13,135 to have you on the podcast today. 7 00:00:14,365 --> 00:00:15,775 - Yeah, thanks. Thanks for inviting me. 8 00:00:16,975 --> 00:00:18,835 - Now, I'm looking forward to our discussion. 9 00:00:18,995 --> 00:00:20,915 I know there's so much happening in healthcare right now, 10 00:00:20,915 --> 00:00:23,795 and in particular, it's a fascinating time for clinical care 11 00:00:24,015 --> 00:00:26,075 to just see some of the different trends and, 12 00:00:26,075 --> 00:00:27,875 and the way technology has evolved as well. 13 00:00:28,015 --> 00:00:29,755 But before we dive into that discussion, 14 00:00:29,755 --> 00:00:30,755 can you tell us a little bit more 15 00:00:30,755 --> 00:00:31,995 about yourself and your background? 16 00:00:33,625 --> 00:00:37,595 - Yeah, sure. I, um, I'm a hospitalist by training. 17 00:00:37,825 --> 00:00:42,355 I've been in, uh, medicine as a physician for 24 years, uh, 18 00:00:42,695 --> 00:00:46,515 and um, through my, uh, hospitalist experiences I got into, 19 00:00:46,615 --> 00:00:49,075 uh, administration and system change, 20 00:00:49,175 --> 00:00:51,555 and I've been CMO here for six years, 21 00:00:51,735 --> 00:00:54,565 and, um, it's been a great experience, so. 22 00:00:57,305 --> 00:00:58,595 - Well, that's excellent and, 23 00:00:58,595 --> 00:01:01,115 and definitely, um, you know, really cool to see 24 00:01:01,415 --> 00:01:03,555 how you've taken your career from a hospitalist now 25 00:01:03,555 --> 00:01:06,235 to leading, um, you know, a team of physicians 26 00:01:06,255 --> 00:01:07,595 as a chief medical officer. 27 00:01:08,215 --> 00:01:11,115 Uh, I'm wondering, you know, especially given, um, 28 00:01:11,535 --> 00:01:13,715 so much has, has been changing over the past few years, 29 00:01:13,925 --> 00:01:15,755 could you talk about one change in particular 30 00:01:15,755 --> 00:01:18,515 that you have made that has yielded some great results? 31 00:01:20,345 --> 00:01:23,315 - Yeah, I, um, we've done a lot of good things here, 32 00:01:23,415 --> 00:01:27,315 but I, uh, there's one that is, um, the one 33 00:01:27,315 --> 00:01:28,715 that really has stood out for me. 34 00:01:29,095 --> 00:01:32,395 And it's, um, because I've seen how it's impacted our staff, 35 00:01:32,395 --> 00:01:36,275 and that is, um, we've put a lot of work into, uh, 36 00:01:36,385 --> 00:01:39,835 workplace violence and initiatives to, 37 00:01:39,975 --> 00:01:41,595 uh, mitigate that. 38 00:01:41,895 --> 00:01:45,915 And, uh, the reason that's top of mind is, um, you know, 39 00:01:45,975 --> 00:01:47,715 we didn't pre covid. 40 00:01:48,195 --> 00:01:50,435 I mean, it was important, but we didn't have, um, 41 00:01:50,715 --> 00:01:51,835 a structure like we do now. 42 00:01:51,855 --> 00:01:55,875 And, and so patients were, we're about patients, 43 00:01:55,875 --> 00:01:57,835 patient care, needs of the patient come first. 44 00:01:57,835 --> 00:01:59,955 That's always kind of been my mantra, mantra, 45 00:02:00,055 --> 00:02:01,355 and it still is, but, 46 00:02:02,135 --> 00:02:05,075 but, uh, post covid, I realized that our staff are just 47 00:02:05,075 --> 00:02:06,915 as important and keeping them safe, 48 00:02:07,565 --> 00:02:09,395 supporting them is critical. 49 00:02:09,455 --> 00:02:13,395 And so we have a process now in place with behavioral alerts 50 00:02:13,415 --> 00:02:14,995 and, and more importantly, 51 00:02:15,655 --> 00:02:18,795 administrators like myself when there is an issue 52 00:02:19,375 --> 00:02:22,155 at the bedside in a patient who is, um, able 53 00:02:22,155 --> 00:02:23,275 to make their own decisions 54 00:02:23,275 --> 00:02:25,875 and making, uh, poor decisions with regards 55 00:02:25,875 --> 00:02:30,435 to physical violence or, uh, uh, mental violence, you know, 56 00:02:30,535 --> 00:02:32,835 myself or one of my colleagues will go to the bedside and, 57 00:02:32,835 --> 00:02:37,515 and talk to that patient and, and, um, set expectations. 58 00:02:37,855 --> 00:02:39,675 You know, we care about our patients, but, 59 00:02:40,335 --> 00:02:42,235 but we, we have to support our staff. 60 00:02:42,615 --> 00:02:46,595 And, um, and the the thing that's really gratifying 61 00:02:46,825 --> 00:02:49,755 that I didn't realize until doing this, uh, was 62 00:02:51,085 --> 00:02:53,025 how important that was for our staff. 63 00:02:53,765 --> 00:02:56,665 You know, the perception, well that, um, you know, the, 64 00:02:56,805 --> 00:02:59,470 the leaders don't understand or they don't care, 65 00:03:00,265 --> 00:03:02,565 but when you're at the bedside, uh, and you're there 66 00:03:02,945 --> 00:03:05,005 and they, and they see that we're a team 67 00:03:05,185 --> 00:03:07,245 and we're gonna, we're gonna support each other, 68 00:03:07,635 --> 00:03:11,165 that has just been very gratifying, uh, 69 00:03:11,165 --> 00:03:15,025 because, um, uh, this is a tough job. 70 00:03:15,655 --> 00:03:17,025 It's, medicine is very tough, 71 00:03:18,045 --> 00:03:21,545 but, um, you know, doing things to, to help our staff is, 72 00:03:21,565 --> 00:03:24,135 um, uh, is just the right thing. 73 00:03:24,355 --> 00:03:26,175 And so I'm just really proud of that. 74 00:03:26,235 --> 00:03:27,295 I'm proud of what we've done and, 75 00:03:27,315 --> 00:03:29,095 and actually our work, our, our number 76 00:03:29,095 --> 00:03:30,895 of workplace violence events has dropped 77 00:03:31,735 --> 00:03:34,115 by 20% since we did this initiative over the last, 78 00:03:34,295 --> 00:03:35,515 uh, two years. 79 00:03:35,655 --> 00:03:38,395 And we have, um, we have a workplace violence leader. 80 00:03:38,975 --> 00:03:42,915 So yeah, that just is something that I'm, uh, very proud of 81 00:03:43,415 --> 00:03:44,635 for, for my organization. 82 00:03:46,025 --> 00:03:47,845 - That's amazing to hear. And as you mentioned, 83 00:03:47,955 --> 00:03:50,085 such an important, uh, aspect 84 00:03:50,085 --> 00:03:52,685 of leading the clinical teams is making sure, you know, 85 00:03:52,685 --> 00:03:55,805 people feel safe in, in their actual protocols 86 00:03:56,065 --> 00:03:59,045 and measures in place, um, so they know what to do if, 87 00:03:59,065 --> 00:04:00,645 if violence does occur. 88 00:04:01,025 --> 00:04:04,565 Um, so, you know, that seems like something I hear day in 89 00:04:04,565 --> 00:04:07,085 and day out from healthcare executives is they're thinking 90 00:04:07,085 --> 00:04:10,005 through, you know, top priorities is being able to, um, 91 00:04:10,585 --> 00:04:13,165 create those programs in respond appropriately. 92 00:04:13,785 --> 00:04:15,645 Um, so thank you for laying that out for us. 93 00:04:16,505 --> 00:04:17,845 - One quick thing I wanna throw in, 94 00:04:18,225 --> 00:04:20,005 if there's one thing I could recommend 95 00:04:20,385 --> 00:04:24,205 for every organization out there is, is to emphasize, 96 00:04:24,355 --> 00:04:26,245 have your leaders be present at the bedside. 97 00:04:27,075 --> 00:04:30,245 Have your CMO, your CO your president come to the bedside 98 00:04:30,425 --> 00:04:31,925 for those, those cases that, 99 00:04:31,955 --> 00:04:33,445 that makes a world of difference. 100 00:04:34,145 --> 00:04:35,555 That was a game changer for us. 101 00:04:36,725 --> 00:04:38,095 - Yeah. Yeah, I can imagine. 102 00:04:38,595 --> 00:04:40,215 You know, it, it really, um, 103 00:04:40,215 --> 00:04:42,655 the team feels the support from you, your presence and, 104 00:04:42,655 --> 00:04:43,975 and the leadership's presence there. 105 00:04:44,035 --> 00:04:46,095 And from your perspective, you know, 106 00:04:46,565 --> 00:04:50,415 when you're going into those situations, what is it that, 107 00:04:50,485 --> 00:04:53,935 like for you, how do you really, um, I guess, 108 00:04:54,215 --> 00:04:55,975 approach those situations so you can diffuse them? 109 00:04:55,975 --> 00:04:56,975 Yeah, 110 00:04:57,345 --> 00:04:59,445 - So yes, it's not something I learned in medical 111 00:04:59,445 --> 00:05:00,605 school, that's for sure. 112 00:05:01,025 --> 00:05:04,645 But, um, and the first few times it was a little nerve 113 00:05:04,645 --> 00:05:07,645 wracking, but now since I've, I've become a, um, 114 00:05:07,915 --> 00:05:10,725 experienced at it, what I'd say is that, um, 115 00:05:11,435 --> 00:05:13,405 it's actually one of the most enjoyable things I do. 116 00:05:13,665 --> 00:05:15,765 And it's not just for our staff, 117 00:05:16,705 --> 00:05:18,645 but when I walk in that room, usually I'm, 118 00:05:18,665 --> 00:05:20,605 people are saying, watch out. 119 00:05:20,605 --> 00:05:22,445 This is gonna be tough. Do you want security? 120 00:05:22,545 --> 00:05:24,965 Do you want, you know, and and I almost always say no. 121 00:05:25,505 --> 00:05:29,285 And, and what I've learned from these crucial conversations 122 00:05:29,625 --> 00:05:32,925 are that, um, patients are, when they're angry, 123 00:05:33,195 --> 00:05:35,245 when they're doing things like that, we, you know, 124 00:05:35,525 --> 00:05:39,855 physical violence, a a large proportion of the, 125 00:05:39,955 --> 00:05:43,175 of the issue is, uh, a patient doesn't know what's going on 126 00:05:43,835 --> 00:05:48,575 and ha and, and wants to know, uh, the issues why they're, 127 00:05:48,595 --> 00:05:50,175 why they're there, their treatment plan. 128 00:05:51,075 --> 00:05:54,095 And the other is they want to be heard, they want 129 00:05:54,095 --> 00:05:55,415 to be acknowledged, their viewpoint. 130 00:05:55,515 --> 00:05:58,585 And so I often, the first thing I've gotta do, 131 00:05:58,585 --> 00:06:00,225 I've gotta connect as a human. 132 00:06:00,505 --> 00:06:05,105 I, I need them, I need patients to see my eyes and, 133 00:06:05,125 --> 00:06:07,185 and know that I care about them 134 00:06:07,215 --> 00:06:10,065 because I do even, even in those situations. 135 00:06:10,125 --> 00:06:14,145 And so I care and we connect and then I listen, 136 00:06:15,045 --> 00:06:17,345 and then I give the perspective of the hospital and, 137 00:06:17,365 --> 00:06:19,985 and then have maybe some difficult conversations that 138 00:06:20,575 --> 00:06:21,625 this can't continue. 139 00:06:22,405 --> 00:06:25,025 But, um, we want to support, you know, 140 00:06:25,025 --> 00:06:27,105 we wanna support the patients as much as our staff. 141 00:06:27,205 --> 00:06:31,705 And I will tell you 95% of the time that works, that 142 00:06:31,845 --> 00:06:33,945 that's, uh, that's the secret recipe. 143 00:06:35,085 --> 00:06:38,105 I'm not gonna lie, 5% of , there's, there's nothing 144 00:06:38,135 --> 00:06:39,825 that I can that that works. 145 00:06:40,125 --> 00:06:43,345 Uh, but people wanna be heard, they wanna be respected, 146 00:06:43,615 --> 00:06:45,065 they want you to listen to 'em, 147 00:06:45,065 --> 00:06:46,265 and they, they want you to care 148 00:06:46,925 --> 00:06:48,025 and they want you to communicate. 149 00:06:48,285 --> 00:06:50,345 And that's what I try to do. And, and, and 150 00:06:50,345 --> 00:06:51,385 because it's successful 151 00:06:51,385 --> 00:06:54,305 because of staff appreciates that, it's actually one 152 00:06:54,305 --> 00:06:55,705 of the more enjoyable things I do now. 153 00:06:57,545 --> 00:06:58,765 - That's really amazing to hear. 154 00:06:58,785 --> 00:07:01,005 And, and certainly, you know, um, I, 155 00:07:01,205 --> 00:07:02,525 I appreciate you giving those pointers. 156 00:07:02,725 --> 00:07:03,885 'cause like you said, it's not something 157 00:07:03,885 --> 00:07:05,045 that always comes naturally 158 00:07:05,145 --> 00:07:07,525 or that, you know, has really been taught in the traditional 159 00:07:07,525 --> 00:07:10,685 medical schools, but having that ability to take, um, 160 00:07:10,995 --> 00:07:12,525 real steps that are meaningful 161 00:07:12,545 --> 00:07:16,005 and connect to patient's, person to person, um, and, 162 00:07:16,025 --> 00:07:17,645 and deescalate those situations, 163 00:07:17,765 --> 00:07:19,205 I can imagine those wonders. 164 00:07:19,205 --> 00:07:21,925 And also, uh, like you said, supports the staff as well. 165 00:07:22,065 --> 00:07:23,645 So that, that's really cool to hear. 166 00:07:25,305 --> 00:07:27,165 Now, what are some of the other top trends 167 00:07:27,165 --> 00:07:28,445 that you're following healthcare right now? 168 00:07:28,445 --> 00:07:30,285 What's really top of mind for you, 169 00:07:32,575 --> 00:07:33,575 - For you? 170 00:07:33,575 --> 00:07:36,715 Well, boy, there's a, there's a lot of things, um, you know, 171 00:07:36,775 --> 00:07:38,155 uh, from the acute aspects. 172 00:07:38,275 --> 00:07:42,435 I mean, you know, uh, workforce sur shortages in healthcare 173 00:07:42,575 --> 00:07:45,155 and, and how we, we keep our staff together, certainly 174 00:07:45,155 --> 00:07:46,515 what I talked about with workplace violence, 175 00:07:46,815 --> 00:07:51,115 that's a component of, um, you know, improving staff, 176 00:07:51,285 --> 00:07:52,475 staff satisfaction. 177 00:07:52,535 --> 00:07:56,035 But, um, you know, reducing that, that, um, 178 00:07:57,505 --> 00:08:01,875 that labor that is, um, um, you know, locums, 179 00:08:02,335 --> 00:08:05,755 um, we, we need to keep our, we need to have staff here 180 00:08:05,755 --> 00:08:09,955 that is, is connected and engaged and, and with our mission 181 00:08:10,975 --> 00:08:13,835 and, and, you know, for not just our culture, 182 00:08:14,015 --> 00:08:15,835 but for, you know, cost containment. 183 00:08:15,895 --> 00:08:18,355 And so that, that's something we've been working on and, 184 00:08:18,355 --> 00:08:19,835 and we've been making strides on. 185 00:08:19,895 --> 00:08:23,355 But, um, you know, other things, you know, kind 186 00:08:23,355 --> 00:08:25,915 of the latest artificial intelligence, you know, 187 00:08:26,165 --> 00:08:27,955 we're certainly are looking at that and, 188 00:08:28,375 --> 00:08:32,115 and how, how can ai, you know, change medicine, 189 00:08:32,255 --> 00:08:34,915 how can it transform our operations, make us more efficient, 190 00:08:34,945 --> 00:08:37,555 make us make the patient experience better? 191 00:08:37,655 --> 00:08:41,075 And, uh, we're noticing some small successes, but, 192 00:08:42,195 --> 00:08:43,935 but, you know, taking it to that next level 193 00:08:44,035 --> 00:08:46,175 and that, that may not be something we, 194 00:08:46,355 --> 00:08:47,775 we see in the next year, but, 195 00:08:47,875 --> 00:08:50,815 but that's, there's a lot of optimism there that, um, 196 00:08:50,925 --> 00:08:54,535 that can, you know, transform, um, what we're doing now, 197 00:08:54,715 --> 00:08:55,885 get the, get the doctor 198 00:08:55,945 --> 00:08:59,085 or the, the healthcare professional away from the computer 199 00:08:59,145 --> 00:09:00,485 and, and more time with the patient. 200 00:09:01,265 --> 00:09:03,725 You know, how can we use our analytics to generate revenue? 201 00:09:04,165 --> 00:09:05,445 I mean, you know, as we all know, 202 00:09:06,105 --> 00:09:07,365 the bottom lines are a little bit 203 00:09:07,365 --> 00:09:08,645 tighter than they used to be. 204 00:09:08,705 --> 00:09:10,245 And, and what can we do to 205 00:09:11,045 --> 00:09:12,645 generate value from our data in this 206 00:09:12,805 --> 00:09:13,885 challenging cost environment? 207 00:09:14,065 --> 00:09:17,525 Um, how can we get a, how can we maximize our access? 208 00:09:17,525 --> 00:09:19,765 We're doing some great things with access continuing 209 00:09:19,765 --> 00:09:22,805 to improve, but the environment in medicine has changed 210 00:09:22,875 --> 00:09:23,885 over the last few years. 211 00:09:24,205 --> 00:09:26,525 Consumers have more options, you know, these private equity 212 00:09:27,405 --> 00:09:29,645 entities and, you know, we need to listen 213 00:09:29,645 --> 00:09:32,285 to our consumers even more patient 214 00:09:32,525 --> 00:09:33,605 centered, give 'em what they want. 215 00:09:34,105 --> 00:09:37,045 Um, and, and, you know, without that, without that access, 216 00:09:37,045 --> 00:09:38,845 without that, that improvement, that's, um, 217 00:09:39,465 --> 00:09:42,405 that's gonna impact our ability to, uh, fulfill our mission. 218 00:09:42,505 --> 00:09:44,845 And so, um, you know, we're looking at, 219 00:09:44,845 --> 00:09:46,325 at key service lines to grow. 220 00:09:46,425 --> 00:09:48,605 And, um, but yeah, I mean, it's really, 221 00:09:49,465 --> 00:09:52,085 all these things are about improving the patient experience, 222 00:09:52,305 --> 00:09:53,485 the employee experience, 223 00:09:53,625 --> 00:09:57,405 and, um, uh, maximizing our, our margin and bottom line. 224 00:09:59,485 --> 00:10:01,375 - That makes a lot of sense. And I know 225 00:10:01,375 --> 00:10:02,815 that it can sometimes be a balance, 226 00:10:02,875 --> 00:10:05,615 as you were talking about in terms of figuring out how 227 00:10:05,615 --> 00:10:08,215 to deliver the great outcomes while understanding the 228 00:10:08,215 --> 00:10:09,575 financial realities and, 229 00:10:09,575 --> 00:10:13,015 and knowing, you know, what can be helpful, um, from the 230 00:10:13,575 --> 00:10:15,695 clinical perspective, um, in that regard. 231 00:10:15,715 --> 00:10:18,655 And then too, thinking about the patient experience, 232 00:10:18,975 --> 00:10:20,815 I know there's so much that happened, has happened, 233 00:10:20,915 --> 00:10:23,575 it seems like even in the last two years as, um, 234 00:10:23,705 --> 00:10:27,215 focus zeros in on, you know, what patients are looking 235 00:10:27,275 --> 00:10:31,055 for within their, um, their healthcare journey and, 236 00:10:31,075 --> 00:10:33,095 and when they're approaching and needing care. 237 00:10:33,555 --> 00:10:36,895 Um, you know, really there's a lot that can be done, um, to, 238 00:10:37,075 --> 00:10:39,695 to make it a better experience and achieve better outcomes. 239 00:10:39,795 --> 00:10:42,135 And so I think it, it is really interesting to hear, 240 00:10:42,275 --> 00:10:44,015 you know, from your perspective, the work that you 241 00:10:44,155 --> 00:10:47,175 and your teams are doing, um, in that space. 242 00:10:48,315 --> 00:10:50,255 Is there anything that you're, you're looking at right now 243 00:10:50,315 --> 00:10:52,495 and are, are excited about when you think about growth 244 00:10:52,515 --> 00:10:54,975 and development over the next 12 to 24 months or so? 245 00:10:56,135 --> 00:10:59,985 - Well, I mean, we just need to grow, uh, and 246 00:10:59,985 --> 00:11:01,385 and we need to grow in key areas. 247 00:11:01,705 --> 00:11:05,275 I, I guess one thing that excites me personally, 248 00:11:05,295 --> 00:11:08,475 and it's, it's, um, you know, I, I went into this 249 00:11:08,475 --> 00:11:10,955 for patients, uh, you know, like most, 250 00:11:11,025 --> 00:11:12,115 like most in healthcare. 251 00:11:12,195 --> 00:11:14,715 I mean, uh, we love patients and, 252 00:11:14,775 --> 00:11:17,235 and we want to, we want to help. 253 00:11:17,575 --> 00:11:21,035 And so, um, there's not only improvement of access 254 00:11:21,095 --> 00:11:24,075 and growth and all those things that, that, um, uh, 255 00:11:24,095 --> 00:11:25,155 you know, we're trying to do. 256 00:11:25,175 --> 00:11:27,835 But, but the other one that I'm really proud that our, 257 00:11:27,855 --> 00:11:30,315 our enterprise has, has emphasized this is, 258 00:11:30,775 --> 00:11:32,315 is closing the gaps in health equity 259 00:11:33,055 --> 00:11:36,355 and, you know, the, um, the, uh, groups, 260 00:11:36,925 --> 00:11:39,795 lower socioeconomic status, uh, et cetera. 261 00:11:39,835 --> 00:11:43,115 I mean, getting them the healthcare, the same healthcare 262 00:11:43,115 --> 00:11:44,995 that everyone else is getting. 263 00:11:45,215 --> 00:11:49,155 We all, we all, they all deserve the same, we want 264 00:11:49,155 --> 00:11:50,275 that, we want that equity. 265 00:11:50,335 --> 00:11:53,485 And it's, you know, certainly something, I've been 266 00:11:54,005 --> 00:11:55,085 involved in different initiatives 267 00:11:55,085 --> 00:11:56,725 and different health systems over the years, but, 268 00:11:57,385 --> 00:11:59,645 but I'm really excited with some of the things, uh, 269 00:12:00,245 --> 00:12:03,085 advocate Health's doing to, to improve those gaps. 270 00:12:03,225 --> 00:12:05,805 And, you know, engaging with the community and, and, 271 00:12:05,945 --> 00:12:08,565 and drilling down certain patient groups, um, 272 00:12:09,745 --> 00:12:11,725 that's just important and why we do this. 273 00:12:11,745 --> 00:12:13,525 And, and, you know, and then on a personal level, 274 00:12:14,155 --> 00:12:15,765 I'll share, I'm happy to share this. 275 00:12:15,965 --> 00:12:19,685 I, I, um, grew up myself in a very, uh, 276 00:12:20,625 --> 00:12:24,395 poor environment, uh, low socioeconomic status, struggled 277 00:12:24,975 --> 00:12:27,995 to, uh, not just see a physician, but, 278 00:12:28,575 --> 00:12:30,475 but groceries, get groceries and, 279 00:12:30,535 --> 00:12:33,755 and you know, I remember that, I remember those times and, 280 00:12:33,815 --> 00:12:35,675 and, um, I don't want anyone 281 00:12:35,675 --> 00:12:36,835 to have to go through that, you know? 282 00:12:36,915 --> 00:12:40,075 I mean, that's, uh, yeah, just, just really proud 283 00:12:40,075 --> 00:12:41,955 that we are, are, are working hard 284 00:12:41,955 --> 00:12:44,355 and emphasizing that part of medicine. 285 00:12:46,755 --> 00:12:48,675 - Absolutely. I, I think it's so meaningful and, 286 00:12:48,735 --> 00:12:52,275 and definitely a, as you mentioned from experience, know 287 00:12:52,275 --> 00:12:55,515 how important it is when you have somebody looking out 288 00:12:55,515 --> 00:12:57,915 for you and, and making sure that, um, you know, 289 00:12:57,945 --> 00:12:59,115 when you might not have 290 00:12:59,115 --> 00:13:02,235 otherwise had access, um, naturally to healthcare in, 291 00:13:02,235 --> 00:13:04,075 in some of the, the different services 292 00:13:04,095 --> 00:13:05,955 and resources, um, as others. 293 00:13:06,055 --> 00:13:09,595 And so, you know, I, I think it's really powerful to bring 294 00:13:09,595 --> 00:13:12,555 that perspective into the role that you have as a physician 295 00:13:12,555 --> 00:13:15,475 and, and then to, um, your work as chief medical officer 296 00:13:15,615 --> 00:13:16,955 and thinking about health equity. 297 00:13:17,135 --> 00:13:19,955 So, um, thank you so much for sharing that with us. 298 00:13:20,735 --> 00:13:22,515 Are there any of the, um, projects 299 00:13:22,515 --> 00:13:26,795 or initiatives that, um, you know, kind of, um, um, 300 00:13:26,795 --> 00:13:29,515 have been really impactful already on the community or, 301 00:13:29,575 --> 00:13:32,115 or anything that, um, you wanna share that, you know, 302 00:13:32,115 --> 00:13:34,075 you've, um, thought, you know, 303 00:13:34,135 --> 00:13:35,915 really made a difference so far? 304 00:13:37,385 --> 00:13:39,005 - You know, I think we have a, 305 00:13:39,685 --> 00:13:42,005 a good group working on social determinants of health and, 306 00:13:42,065 --> 00:13:43,565 and, and those areas. 307 00:13:43,865 --> 00:13:48,245 Um, you know, I would just say I, off the top of my head, 308 00:13:48,285 --> 00:13:49,645 I can't think of a specific project, 309 00:13:49,785 --> 00:13:51,925 but I, I would say broadly, you know, 310 00:13:51,925 --> 00:13:55,445 and this, this goes back to my own personal experiences, um, 311 00:13:56,565 --> 00:13:58,705 you can build all sorts of processes, 312 00:13:58,725 --> 00:14:01,945 but at the, at the core, you have to have trust. 313 00:14:02,485 --> 00:14:04,785 And, um, you know, I remember back in those, 314 00:14:05,235 --> 00:14:08,985 those days being scared, my family being scared to see 315 00:14:09,625 --> 00:14:13,595 a healthcare provider because of, um, you know, cost 316 00:14:13,735 --> 00:14:16,435 and, you know, and, and we didn't have much money. 317 00:14:16,615 --> 00:14:18,475 And, and that never should have been a barrier. 318 00:14:19,255 --> 00:14:23,315 If people aren't coming to see you, then 319 00:14:24,055 --> 00:14:26,915 you, you can't design, in my opinion, a process 320 00:14:26,975 --> 00:14:29,035 that's gonna work you, that's the first step. 321 00:14:29,135 --> 00:14:33,355 And so, you know, I think broadly, our, our teams are, 322 00:14:33,695 --> 00:14:35,915 are really trying to bridge that trust gap 323 00:14:36,145 --> 00:14:37,915 through our churches, through the community. 324 00:14:37,915 --> 00:14:41,715 And, and, um, yeah, I think, I think that's the, 325 00:14:42,685 --> 00:14:44,825 you know, these things are very complex. 326 00:14:44,825 --> 00:14:46,065 There's many things you have to work through, 327 00:14:46,065 --> 00:14:47,505 but I think that's a key step. 328 00:14:48,245 --> 00:14:50,585 Uh, and I, I know that we have initiatives that are, 329 00:14:51,105 --> 00:14:54,005 are improving that, and, you know, so that's an example of 330 00:14:54,585 --> 00:14:58,685 my own bias from my own life versus, um, you know, uh, 331 00:14:58,865 --> 00:15:01,565 and translating that to, to some of our initiatives. 332 00:15:03,045 --> 00:15:04,645 - Absolutely. Well, Dr. Summers, thank you so much 333 00:15:04,645 --> 00:15:05,925 for joining us on the podcast today. 334 00:15:05,925 --> 00:15:08,005 This has been such a fantastic conversation. 335 00:15:08,105 --> 00:15:09,205 We covered a lot of ground 336 00:15:09,305 --> 00:15:12,285 and, you know, really helpful to see from your perspective, 337 00:15:12,785 --> 00:15:15,005 um, some of the, the great work that you're doing. 338 00:15:15,105 --> 00:15:17,405 So, uh, thank you for being here with us today. 339 00:15:17,525 --> 00:15:18,765 I appreciate our conversation 340 00:15:18,765 --> 00:15:20,685 and I look forward to connecting with you again soon. 341 00:15:22,335 --> 00:15:23,315 - All right. Thank you for your time. 342 00:15:23,395 --> 00:15:24,435 I appreciate you talking with me. 343 00:15:25,025 --> 00:15:25,435 Take care.