U.S. Army
Fort Knox, Ky.
The biggest challenge that healthcare executives face today is managing employee expectations in an uncertain future. The Defense Health Agency’s assumption of responsibility for the administration of all military treatment facilities may increase efficiency by reducing redundancy and streamlining processes, but military healthcare leaders and employees see it as a possible threat to current operating procedures.
The most important characteristic required today of an effective healthcare leader is adaptability. The rapidly changing healthcare environment requires leaders to adapt to new circumstances, people and policies. Agile leaders also inspire the adaptability, creativity, and cooperation of others. As a service member in the United States Army, I generally move to a new location and assignment every two or three years. ACHE’s chapter system connects me to healthcare leaders wherever I go, and this gives me a more comprehensive view of the healthcare industry.
The success of my current organization’s transformation from hospital to outpatient clinic while continuing to provide safe, high quality patient care and supporting large scale operations depends on our relationships with Army installation, community and network partners. Our partners span the care continuum and include, public, private and government systems.
Using the tools that I have learned through ACHE, I was able to better collaborate and communicate with various stakeholders while facilitating quality patient care to the Fort Knox community. I have also become a more agile and adaptive leader by employing lessons learned from the continuing education opportunities and leader panels at my local chapters.
Performance Improvement Committee Member, U.S. Army
Demand Management Committee Member, U.S. Army
Transition Steering Committee Member, U.S. Army