MDNews - Central New York

A Renewed Culture of Collaboration and Innovation Takes Root at Upstate University Hospital BY THOMAS CROCKER INSPIRED BY THE VISION AND LE ADERSHIP OF A CEO WHO IS ONE OF THEIR OWN, PHYSICIANS AT UPSTATE UNIVERSIT Y HOSPITAL THRIVE IN A CULTURE IN WHICH PARTNERSHIP AND ENGAGEMENT ARE PAR AMOUNT — AND THE Y ARE FREE TO GROW AND INNOVATE IN THE SERVICE OF PROVIDING WORLD- CL A SS PATIENT CARE. UP STATE UNIVERSIT Y HOSPITAL CEO Robert Corona, DO, MBA, is not a proponent of leading from behind a desk. "I try to stay out of the office as much as possible," he says. "I'd rather go on rounds with physicians and nurses or visit the physical plant to ask what's important to those who work there, and then provide the tools they need to succeed. Regardless of their role in the organization, people want to know their work makes a difference and that they're trusted and appreciated." Appointed in January 2019, Dr. Corona's path to the hospital's CEO position included two decades in clinical and academic realms at Upstate Medical University to a leadership role at the medical diagnostic device manufacturer Welch Allyn. His journey instilled a belief in him that an organization is only as strong as the talented people who power it. Most recently, Dr. Corona was the John B. Henry Professor and Chair of the Department of Patholog y and Laboratory Medicine, Medical Director of Neuropathology, Chief Innovation Officer, and Vice President of Business Development at Upstate Medical University prior to his appointment as CEO at its hospital. "People are our strength," Dr. Corona says. "They work at Upstate because they want to belong to something bigger than themselves. We're situated in a large region and serve many different populations across a wide swath of the state. Everyone at the hospital feels a sense of appreciation and value for the contributions they make to the institution because the com- munities we serve rely on us for so many services that only Upstate provides." In less than a year, Dr. Corona has united the Upstate com- munity around a vision of transforming the hospital into an innovative teaching institution. That vision rests on four pillars: relentless pursuit of high-quality care, leveraging innovative technologies to make the hospital smarter, commitment to environmentally sustainable practices and sourcing, and promo- tion of what Dr. Corona calls "the Upstate experience." "The Upstate experience is exceptiona l for patients and families but also our employees," he says. "Focusing on all three groups creates a positive interchange. Happy employees result in happy patients and families. Happy patients and families help create a more pleasant work environment for providers and nonproviders alike." The Upstate experience empowers physicians to do their best work at the bedside, in the laboratory and in the classroom — in short, it is an atmosphere in which physicians can pursue their passion. Here is a look at how several Upstate physicians are doing just that. Chief Medical Officer Amy Tucker, MD, is working with Chief Ambulatory Officer Nancy Daoust on data pulled from EHRs to evaluate room utilization for access and throughput in the outpatient clinics. "We are looking at ways we can see more patients and use our clinic space more efficiently," Dr. Tucker says. Jeremy Joslin, MD, MBA, Associate Chief Medical Officer for Capacity and Clinical Operations, is focused on maximizing capacity — such as the recent project to improve patient logistics by streamlining cross-campus transportation. His work supports the goal to provide the most immediate access to care at one of the busiest transfer centers in the state. Innovation and Leadership for Access Matthew Glidden, MD, (left) Associate Chief Medical Officer, works to expand care at Upstate's community campus. The Upstate Birth Center completed a $9.2 expansion and renovation; upcoming projects upcoming include dialysis and an expansion of the ICU at the Broad Road location. 0 6 0 6❱❱❱❱❱ C O V E R F E A T U R E

• Cover