Get in the Know with your CMO!

Hear from Dr. Gill about the CEENTA history, their providers and communities they serve.  You also learn about Dr. Gill's personal and professional experiences prior to his arrival to Charlotte.  

Hear from Dr. Tom Wherry, CEO of SCOPE Anesthesia, the work that went into starting a large, new anesthesia group in Charlotte.  The team that he's built have been outstanding partners with Atrium especially in our response to Atrium's COVID preparedness efforts.  They are also leading innovative approaches to improve patient care - e.g. optimization prior to surgery... 

A delightful conversation with Dr. Louis Zbinden, President of the independent surgical group - Surgical Specialists of Charlotte, on the many ways we've worked together as a medical community to deliver the best care for the patients in the Charlotte Metro area!  He's held medical staff leadership roles at AH Pineville but also system roles and with CPA (Carolinas Physician Alliance) - to deliver value based care.  

Meet Dr. Bruce Cohen, a practicing orthopedic surgeon and CEO of OrthoCarolina, who shares his excitement for his team and the patients they serve.  2020 brought unique challenges, but one that has prepared us to be ready for 2021!   

You'll enjoy this honest conversation where we review 2020, the pandemic and now look forward to 2021.  Dr. Raghavan discusses our local efforts by Levine Cancer Institute but brings in his global expertise...

Find out about more about Brian and our West Market, an area that extends approximately 85 miles outside of Charlotte.  Brian leads Atrium's efforts to provide care "for ALL" with specific emphasis to our underserved in our rural communities.  Brian also shares some wonderful stories of teammates and communities coming together e.g. for vaccine administration and more...  

Looking back at 2020 but also looking forward to 2021 - what have we learned from our response to COVID-19 and how are we prepared for the year ahead?   Dr. Rose shares his enthusiasm for our team and discusses some of the exciting opportunities that await - a new outpatient facility, integration with our new partners from the north, etc. 

Do you want to know more about Care Redesign.  The host of Creating a New Healthcare (podcast) and author of Reframing Healthcare shares his wisdom and hopes for 2021...  As a leader with Atriums Strategy and Transformation healthcare team, we can learn from the experiences of many and the fortitude of our team...  

In this conversation with Mike Lutes, he shares his teams response to the call during COVID - whether to help a skilled nursing facility in crisis or to vaccinate the teachers in Union county - their team responded!  2021 holds some exciting opportunity with the opening of Union West and Pineville's new bed tower.  The southern market extends its service to our rural communities, while also being a support to CMC and the Central market  by offering tertiary services at AH Pineville.  

Dr. T Moorman who is leading Atrium's MSKI will help us become the premier musculoskeletal program in the country.   A native from Concord, NC, this 3rd generation Duke alum attended and played football for Duke University!  Having been the team physician for the NFL's Baltimore Ravens during their first Championship, as well as, the team coach with several of Duke's National Championship teams, he knows what it takes to get to the top! 

A fun conversation with our Rehab leaders: Robert Larrison (President), Dr. Bill Bockenek (Chair and CMO) and Janet Pue (EQADR - PSO coordinator).  Together, they've spent more than 62 years with Atrium and reflect on the history as well as their teams contribution during the Pandemic.  Their excitement for 2021 includes the integration efforts with our new partners (e.g. WFU) and the new World Class Rehab Hospital - AKA the "Stadium" - for our star athletes (PM&R physicians, therapists, nurses, support teams, etc.) to perform at their best!  Opening is scheduled for Fall 2022!  

Meet Mrs. Vicki Block, SVP and President of the Central Market that includes CMC, LCH and AH Mercy.  In this conversation, she shares her observations of 2020 that includes our teammates caring for our patients/community, caring for each other and our nimbleness as an organization.  She shares her excitement about the new bed tower, slated to open in 2026, that will allow CMC to continue leading as a quaternary hub while continuing to serve the Charlotte community.  

Meet Mr. Christopher Bowe, who leads our Northern Market in the Charlotte Metro Region.  In this conversation, he shares his observations of how 2020 has been the most inspiring year of his leadership career.  Hear some examples from healthcare heroes in the Northern Market, as well as, his enthusiasm for what 2021 brings.  

This Valentine's Day weekend for ~ 16,000 recipients will be at Charlotte Motor Speedway receiving their 2nd dose "gift" of the COVID Vaccine.  As shared by one of our Atrium teammates volunteering at these Mass Vaccination Sites - the patients share a feeling of "Fear then Hope and finally, Gratitude!"  Hear from Dr. Gary Little, who is leading Atrium's vaccination strategy on our For All mission - whether providing the vaccine through drive-thru tent sites, mass vaccination events, roving/mobile buses going to at-risk and vulnerable communities, etc.  

It's 2021 and we've be fighting this pandemic for almost a year.  Though we're making progress against Covid, our Emotional Bank Account has likely suffered!  Hear some suggestions from a true expert in the field - Dr. Sotile, who guides us with some Strategies to Create More Trusting and Productive Relationships in the Workplace!  

David Carl and Terri Bolotin discuss the importance of the Holidays to your wellbeing.  Take a listen, you may find the gift you're in need of...

How long will this last?  As we enter the winter holidays, Covid is surging with it's 3rd wave!  Dr. Turk shares his teams predictions for how long this could continue...

Hear the most recent of what you need to know about the Vaccine from our very own Dr. Passaretti.  

We discuss how Atrium is responding to COVID-19, both at the facility level (Atrium Health Mercy AVP - Dwight Roache) and at an Enterprise level (EVP, Chief People and Culture Officer - Dr. Jim Dunn)!  Hear of how our teammates and leaders embody the AH Mission - For ALL!  We also discuss the response and resources available to teammates as related to the topic of Racial Injustices being experienced locally and nationally!   

Were are we headed after flattening the surge/curve - as we enter July and communities have lifted some of the precautions, what does the model show?  What do we take from the rise in incidence in many states?

Hear from two of our Emergency Management team at Atrium and their role in responding to crisis!  It's preparedness, being systematic and trusting in the team.  Creativity and the ability to be nimble has resulted in excellent outcomes.

Our Culture comes through in Crisis - and having build outstanding teams, two of our physician leaders - Drs. Scott Rissmiller (Chief Physician Executive) and Suzanna Fox (Deputy Chief Physician Executive) share their pride in our Mission at Atrium.  These "bulldogs" speak to our commitment to physician and APP wellness and building the Best Place to Care initiative.

The Flashpoint of COVID-19 in the US occurred within the confines of a skilled nursing facility (SNF) in Washington.  Dr. John Barkley, CMO of Continuing Care Division, shares our Atrium response to COVID-19 for post-acute care Residents.  Leading  the SNF Collaborative partnership and providing a coordinated, best-practice approach, has kept our community SNF residents safe.  

Dr. Little discusses how we need to emphasize protecting ourselves at work & home, the role of testing, and the long-term strategy to be successful against the COVID-19 pandemic.  How do we prioritize who gets PPE, testing, etc.?  

Dr. Raghavan - President of Levine Cancer Institute, shares an update on the efforts to care for some our most vulnerable (cancer) patients and how LCI has responded to continue providing care through the fear of the surge, as well as, safely re-opening services very systematically!  Learning from our international colleagues and harnessing our LCI talented professionals, our patients benefit from compassionate and coordinated care - delivered as safely as possible. 

The Center for Physician Leadership at Atrium Health Presents: Sustaining in the Long Game: Maintaining Resiliency & Strengthening your Team with special guest Dr. Wayne Sotile, Sotile Center for Resilience and Dr. Jill Hendra, Atrium Health Behavioral Health. There is no "magic pill" but we can control our own Neurochemistry... drive the parasympathetic effect...  and so much more...  for you, your team at work and at home!

Mrs. Lois Ingland, Vice President, and Mr. Matt Roden, Director, both in Community Engagement & Corporate Responsibility, share some amazing stories of generosity.  Though typically, their work has focused on how Atrium gives back to our communities, COVID-19 reversed their work efforts.  Now, it's in part, coordinating and sharing the donations from our communities who are thankful for our Healthcare Heroes!  

Drs. Andy McWilliams & Phil Turk follow-up from their initial interview on April 6th as to how data analytics (modeling) has provided guidance to our nimble responses at Atrium.  Though we are in a monitoring phase, if we notice an uptick, we will respond quickly.  And as a data informed system, how can and should we apply these analytics skills to other health care areas - e.g. disparities, etc.  

Drs. Catherine Passaretti and Lewis McCurdy share a status update and grade our efforts to the pandemic response.  How do you think we fared?  

Hear from three of our Lab experts sharing what's available at Atrium today - PCR testing and Antibody testing.  Drs. Ned Lipford and John Longshore provide an update from their previous interview in early April and Dr. Gerald Capraro shares the current offering of Antibody Testing.  However, none of us is ready to commit to a vaccine completion date...

As we enter May 2020 of the COVID pandemic, hear from the Atrium Health Central Division leadership (Vicki Block - Market President, Chan Roush - Facility Executive CMC, Rob Rose - Chief Nursing Executive Central Division and Callie Dobbins - Facility Executive Levine Children's Hospital) who provide an update.  They discuss some of the amazing efforts by our teammates, organization and community since mid-February as we prepared for the surge.  They also share some of our next steps to our Recovery to the "new" normal.

How has Atrium responded to the Anticipated Pandemic Surge since mid-February through April?  What response can we prepare to expect through May and into the summer?  Hear an update from our Atrium System Incident Commander, Dr. Jim Hunter, as he answers these questions and more... for our listeners.  

For our fragile behavioral health patients - how are clinicians continuing to care for them given the stressors of social distancing and "isolation"?  Drs. Manuel Castro and Wayne Sparks share the Atrium response using virtual and in person care, while maintaining a low no-show rate by their patients.  It should come as no surprise that the most common diagnosis during the pandemic is anxiety... 

When we decided to stop nonessential surgeries in response to the Coronavirus impact, what role did our anesthesia colleagues play?  Did we  learn from our partners in the hot spot areas - the Northeast and Pacific Northwest?  Enjoy a conversation with Drs. Brasfield and Patel with SCOPE anesthesia, who share how we responded at Atrium and how we’re remaining ahead of the curve.  

Though many refer to our efforts to suppress the spread of COVID-19 as a War, how does this compare to a battle in Afghanistan?  Hear from Col. Dr. Bobby Johnson, currently on Active Duty in Ohio with the Army National Guard, supporting the Pandemic Efforts.  

Part 2 of the Virtual Hospital at Atrium.  Visit our 2nd Floor offering Acute Care Services led by Dr. Stephanie Murphy.  Go on a home visit with Mrs. Valerie Elliott, or other paramedics and nursing teammates who become the eyes, ears and extension for Dr. Murphy.  Other technological resources allow for feedback & monitoring of these patients who stay in the comfort of their own home!  

How did Atrium and our partners decide on our Response - delaying non-essential surgeries for weeks, if necessary?  What was the buy-in from independent or affiliated partners?  How about the community and patients?  Hear from Drs. Brent Matthews (Surgeon in Chief, Atrium), Jeff Kneisl (Chief Surgical Officer, Atrium) and Jason Burgess (Surgical Specialist of Charlotte, Vascular Surgeon) as to where we are and where we're heading...

Hear from Drs. Tom Batchelor and Stephanie Murphy on the creation of Atriums' Virtual Hospital in response to the COVID pandemic.  Operational in less than a week, the efforts reveal how Atrium team can creatively and efficiently implement to deliver exceptional healthcare.  In this episode, Dr. Batchelor describes the 1st Floor that serves as the Observation Unit.  

How will the CARES Act ($2T stimulus) support the Atrium mission?  Mrs. Marcia Turner (AVP Finance) & Mr. David Thomas (Group VP, Controller) share how our Finance Team has been supporting our clinical response even before this stimulus is realized.  They discuss how removing barriers to support operations (e.g. standing up new sites) to tracking costs associated with this pandemic will help during the next phase of our System Response.  

Set up a Virtual Hospital or 5 new COVID Testing Centers (offices) throughout the Charlotte Metro area within a few days?  No problem!  Listen to Dr. Matt Sullivan (Associate Chief Medical Informatics Officer), Mrs. Becky Fox (Chief Nursing Informatics Officer) and Mrs. Pam McCreary (VP, Clinical Applications) discuss the many ways our IAS Team has contributed to Atrium's response to COVID.  They've help streamline the workflows and helped build services from the ground up - rapidly!

Stressed during this pandemic?  did you know that we have virtual SUPPORT GROUP services available for our providers.  Mrs. Yasemin Moore (Director - Center for Physician Leadership & Development) and Dr. Dael Waxman (Medical Director Person Centered Programs & Physician Wellbeing) discuss the many resources available to you!  Prior to this pandemic, Atrium had already committed to The Best Place to Care initiative - with these efforts only adding to that focus!  

What barriers have been softened or even removed to help get patients out of the hospital more efficiently?  Mrs. Barb Desilva (VP Care Management) discusses how our partnerships with post acute care facilities and payers have strengthened during this crisis.  

What are the differences between PCR testing from nasal swabs, serologic testing for antibodies and creating a vaccine to either detect or treat COVID19?  In January, Atrium's Laboratory team proactively sought reagents, supplies, etc. to be able to operationalize diagnostic assays (by early March) with a 4-24 hour result time compared to reference labs, who report 5-10 Days result time.  Dr. Ned Lipford (Medical Director of Atrium's Consolidated Laboratory) and Dr. John Longshore (Director of Molecular Pathology @ Carolinas Pathology Group) discuss Atrium's experiences and next steps to winning this war.  

Using a similar methodology to Hurricane landfall & impact, our CORE (Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation) Team use innovative Forecast Modeling to improve Atriums' preparedness for this pandemic. Whether the prediction is when we will experience the surge in positive cases or highlights our beds or ICU demands, re-calculation several times a week provides greater accuracy.  "All models are wrong, some are useful."  

Hear from some of our learners - Mr. Rob Short (4th year Medical Student), Dr. Corey Gunn (Chief Resident in Internal Medicine) and Dr. Linsey Spence (GI Fellow) on how their training is being impacted by the Pandemic.  The transition to the virtual platform in both the clinical and educational areas has occurred relatively easy.  And whether volunteering in home visits with paramedics or other support areas, the sense of our teammates "having your back" is ever present. 

What's it like being full time physicians and addressing this pandemic both at work and at home?  Dr. Priya Joseph (CHG Hospitalist) and Dr. Ken Singhel (Internal Medicine Faculty Physician) share examples of their "New Normal".  With two young children at home, "Air Hugs" have resulted from the practice of Social Distancing.  

What's fact or fiction when it comes to therapeutic options?  Dr. Lisa Davidson, Infectious Disease and Director of Atrium's Antimicrobial Stewardship Network, discusses the current recommendation of first line treatment for COVID-19 positive patients (in the right clinical condition).  Consider the Risk vs. Benefit of any therapy, even in the setting of compassionate care! 

Wearing clothes that you wear at work should be able to be laundered.  Do you need to wear scrubs?  No, Practice precaution - PPE when appropriate, hand hygiene and don't touch your face!  Proactively reduce your risk.

What happens if a pregnant mothers is affected with Coronavirus-19?  How is Atrium protecting our Womens Health frontline team who care for COVID-19 patients?  Hear from Dr. Ngina Connors (Interim Chair of Ob/Gyn) and Dr. Lorene Temming (MFM Chief of Labor & Delivery) on our continued response to the Coronavirus Pandemic at Atrium!  

A conversation with Dr. Mary Hall (Chief Academic Officer) and Dr. Suzette Caudle (Designated Institutional Official) who help lead our Education Mission at Atrium Health.  What is the AH response to & by our Educators and Learners.  How are we protecting them during this pandemic?  How are we including them to win this war against COVID-19?

Ms. Rankin is the Magnet program director and Clinical Nurse Leader program director at CMC.  She discusses how partnership with a Shared Governance model will enhance our response in the setting of a Pandemic.