What’s new in your industry?
Health care in America is in a period of rapid change. Health reform and consumer demand require that health care be redesigned. Our focus is shifting to the prevention of illness, managing the health and wellness of our local populations more aggressively, and meeting the medical needs of our community. This shift also means we’re moving away from concentrating on episodic care to person-centered care creating strategies in prevention, education, wellness and chronic-disease management.
What is the economic forecast for your industry?
We want to provide the communities we serve with two things – stability and sustainability. So providers nationwide, including Carondelet Health Network, are evaluating everything we do to be sure we continue to serve the health care needs of the community in a sustainable fashion. The key is agility. Health care organizations must be willing to reassess their traditional structures, reevaluate and, if necessary, redesign every aspect of their business and care delivery models.
Why does your company support economic development?
Historically, health care has been an economic driver in Tucson. Access to affordable, quality health care can be
a contributing factor in determining whether a company chooses to invest in or recruit employees to any community. Carondelet wants to contribute to a business environment that is stable and has the potential for growth. It’s good for the health of the community.
Why is your industry strong in the Tucson region? What can be done to make it even stronger?
At the very core of why health care is valued and valuable is the belief that with good health and wellness come the flexibility for every individual to truly enjoy life. Individuals who are thriving benefit themselves, their families, and their employers. Those of us in health care have an additional responsibility to shift the culture of our communities so individuals recognize the value of their personal wellness.
What is your personal passion as it relates to our economy and Tucson’s future?
Since joining Carondelet in October, I have had the opportunity to meet wonderful people in our facilities and throughout the community. I find them to be welcoming, caring and optimistic about our city’s future. It is personally inspiring to me and I feel a great responsibility to contribute to those goals through my work with other community and business leaders and as a member of TREO’s Chairman’s Circle.