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that services outside our core service may be performed more efficiently by a partner,” Ann acknowledges.
One example is pediatric services. Methodist Le Bonheur operates a pediatric hospital within West Tennessee Healthcare’ s facility in Jackson, so patients receive care from that partner without leaving the building. Methodist Le Bonheur excels in pediatrics.“ We haven’ t tried to become experts at running a pediatric hospital,” Ann explains. The legal team structures these partnerships and ensures compliance. These collaborations extend access without requiring patients to travel outside the region.
Technology presents new challenges. Tools like AI now appear throughout hospital systems and equipment. Ann points out that oversight has not always kept up with how quickly organizations adopt new technology.“ If there are things we need to watch for, like bias in data, someone needs to teach us how to spot it,” Ann queries. She highlights the gap between those who build technology and those who use it.“ We’ re running a hospital here. We’ re not inventing new medical devices or technology,” she clarifies. To address
If you want a problem solved, ask a nurse. It doesn’ t matter what the problem is
this, the organization relies on governance structures that integrate legal and technical perspectives. The goal is to evaluate threats to care while managing privacy and security risks.
Leading without control
Ann’ s leadership style has evolved over time. Early in her career, she focused on directing outcomes. Now, she prefers to support others.“ I no longer try to control processes. I focus on understanding them, and if something isn’ t working, I remove the barrier,” Ann explains.
She sees clinicians as constant problem solvers who adapt in real time.“ If you want a problem solved, ask a nurse. It doesn’ t matter what the problem is,” she insists. Her outlook shapes how she develops teams. She looks for people who tackle challenges and see them through to completion.“ I look for someone who is passionate, who truly wants to help, and who loves solving problems,” Ann continues.
She places less weight on technical expertise.“ You can teach skills,” Ann observes. Her leadership mirrors the culture set by West Tennessee Healthcare CEO Tina Prescott, whose approach influences how teams work across the system.“ Tina is excellent at identifying issues and caring for people as
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