Losasso and Gruber “Trading Places”

With two years under our belt as Beacon Health System, I’m pleased to report that we are making steady progress. During 2013, we continued to align resources, moved to one payroll system, standardized benefits, rolled out the Cerner electronic medical record and migrated to a single email platform.

I am also happy to report that as of January 1, 2014, both Elkhart General Medical Group and Memorial Medical Group have transitioned to form Beacon Medical Group. As the year begins, you will notice the installation of new signage at nearly 50 Beacon Medical Group locations throughout the community.

Beacon Associates are collaborating on creative solutions for 2014 and continue to reach out to each other in a spirit of understanding to meet common goals. Multiple teams consisting of Beacon Associates from nearly every delivery location are working to identify best practices that occur within Beacon Health System and from around the country. As these expert teams work to clarify and operationalize best practices, more standardization will be deployed throughout our organization. We like to call it “The Beacon Way.” Stay tuned. You will be hearing more about The Beacon Way in future editions of The Beam.

During February and March, Beacon Associates at Memorial and Elkhart General will have the opportunity to participate in a dynamic sharing and learning experience. Greg Losasso, president of Elkhart General Hospital, and Kreg Gruber, president of Memorial Hospital, will literally trade places. This includes trading offices, calendars and responsibilities. In the spirit of the funny and thought-provoking 1983 blockbuster movie Trading Places, featuring Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd, our version of “Trading Places” is an innovative approach to learning that has proven successful in other organizations.

I expect that our version of “Trading Places” will further propel the development of best practices and lead to standardization that advances us in clinical care and in the marketplace. The ever-changing health care climate requires that we work together quickly and mindfully to prepare for the future. I am certain that with our team of dedicated and talented Beacon Associates, we are up to the task.

When you see Greg Losasso and Kreg Gruber in February and March, ask them what they are learning, let them know about bright spots, and if they look lost, as always, offer to walk them to their next destination.

Looking forward to a 2014 filled with innovation and growth,

Phil Newbold
CEO, Beacon Health System