My farewell message to you as I step into semi-retirement

By John Tynes, MD, MBA, (Soon-to-be-former) Saint Joseph Hospital Chief Medical Officer

It feels a bit surreal to be writing a farewell note to my colleagues and friends at Saint Joseph (emphasis on “friends”). After 35-plus years working in healthcare, first as an OB-GYN and gradually evolving through many leadership roles, finally spending the last decade as a Chief Medical Officer, I have decided that it’s time to take a step back and move into some kind of semi-retirement.

I came to medicine as a career a bit later than most physicians, having banged around in other industries somewhat aimlessly and unsuccessfully in my youth before finally finding a profession that has challenged and satisfied me ever since. Now, looking back, what I treasure most are the connections I made with so many people in so many clinical settings. Of course, there were my patients, who trusted me with their care, and whom I was so honored to serve, but mostly I fondly remember the many caregivers whom I have worked alongside in the care of those patients…dedicated and compassionate individuals and teams who were called, as I was, to serve their neighbors and communities.

Of all those remarkable people, none were more exceptional than the caregivers of Saint Joseph Hospital. Many of you have heard me say it before, but this is the finest medical staff, the most expert and compassionate nursing staff, and the most dedicated group of other staff and leaders whom I have ever worked with. We have been through a lot together over my 6-1/2 years here…first the COVID pandemic, then the merger with Intermountain, and most recently the Kaiser transition, not to mention the dozens of lesser disasters and catastrophes along the way. It was all met with resilience, determination, and an unfailing commitment to do what is best and right for our patients.

Through it all, there has been unfailing attention to the quality of care we (you) provide, the safety of our patients and our caregivers, and the experience of everyone involved. This is truly the 'secret sauce' of Saint Joseph, the trait that sets us apart from the pack in Denver and Colorado, and it is that passion for excellence that will carry the hospital forward and upward through the years.

I know that I leave at a time of anxiety and uncertainty regarding the future of Saint Joseph and healthcare in general. My timing is purely coincidental, not intentional (other than the fact that age waits for no one). Just know that the hospital will still be led by people who feel genuinely called by the legacy of the Sisters of Charity to find a way through all the challenges ahead and continue to build on the rich history of the past century and a half.

As I mentioned, I consider my departure to be a ‘semi’ retirement. It’s the curse of the Type-A personality, which most doctors possess, that we can never really let go of our identity as caregivers. So, I will likely find interim work or consulting opportunities to keep my mind active and engaged. And healthcare is actually a pretty small business, so maybe we’ll cross paths again.

Thanks for some of the best years of my life, and keep up the good and important work that you do every day.