Poised in a power position, led by creative thinkers
By Liz Withers, MD, MBA, Good Samaritan Chief Medical Officer
It’s been a year, hasn’t it? I struggle to think of an appropriate analogy. It’s kind of like, you play on a baseball team and on one bright and sunny day you head to the ballpark and learn that half the team has been traded to the club down the road. You didn’t want it and neither did they. But you don’t really have time to think about that. Because there’s a game tonight, and you still need to field a team and step up to the plate.
Our KP colleagues were so much a part of our culture and reputation. They were (still are) our friends and mentors.
But this game never stops, and I’ve been so proud to see you continue to step up to the plate – at every bedside and in every procedure room, at every nurses’ station and in every collaborative space – with strength, skill, good humor and grace. You’ve never wavered, and our patients continue to benefit from the highest-quality care you provide.
I’d like to thank (everyone reading this, as well as) a handful of the physicians who stepped up quickly to ensure seamless leadership in their care areas.
Adam Bulter, MD, our new medical director and chair of Surgery. Enthusiastic and objective, he’s a creative thinker and awesome partner who holds colleagues accountable and takes ownership of the care in his department.
Kiley Mortensen, DO, our new medical director of Anesthesia. A longtime leader, he’s acutely focused on safety and quality and is aligned with our objective to drive smart growth.
Charlotte Ellenbogen, DO, our new medical director of Infection Prevention. She’s practiced here for a long time and continues to brim with great ideas for improving care and outcomes.
Christopher Cannon, MD, our new medical director of Cardiology. Extensively trained and highly skilled, he’s well respected by colleagues and highly rated by patients. He focuses on listening and connecting, on care quality and disease prevention.
Brittany Butler, MD, our new medical director of the NICU and chair of Women’s & Children’s. She’s a delight and so passionate about babies! She avidly pursues all strategies that can lead to growth, better quality and enhanced safety.
The field is shifting. As KP has moved into other hospitals, their longtime physicians are being squeezed out. For the first time in our history, we’re able to offer them the facilities, support, appreciation and organizational expertise they need. And they know it.
We are poised in a power position. There is opportunity in change, and we’re ready to capitalize. We look forward to new relationships and to strengthening our alignment with current partners.
Our physician leadership team is sharp, innovative, abuzz about the future and hungry to grow. Thank you for your loyalty and enduring commitment to our patients and this community. It’s part of our culture: We play on. Batter up.