I am writing in response to Dr . Larry Griffin ’ s characterization of physicians as sheep .
Although that may be true in some areas of the country , this has not been my experience at UofL Health . In fact , I have seen just the opposite . Although the trend of partnering with physicians through an employment model exists because of costly infrastructure and IT and poor reimbursement , the heart of our providers remains focused on improving the health of our community . What I have witnessed over the last five years is a group of physicians who are passionate about their professions : physicians dedicated to bringing world class research to Louisville , leaders teaching the next generation of providers and caregivers focused on providing compassionate care to every patient . They are committed to be the best of the best in the clinical care of their patients not just locally but nationally . I use the word “ their ” broadly because I have seen the care they provide to our community , and each takes this responsibility personally . I have seen trauma surgeons who won ’ t leave their patients ’ side caring for them all night long , primary care physicians dedicated to the wellness of those in need and obstetricians smiling each time they welcome a new life into the
OPINION Response
by TOM MILLER
world . The extent of the dedication of our physicians throughout our system and in all specialties is remarkable !
Our physician group , UofL Health-UofL Physicians , is a 1,100-provider group which is self-governed by a physician oversight board whose interest is to provide extraordinary care to the Commonwealth of Kentucky . This group provided care to over 2 million patients last year , never saying no to those in need . They challenge me as the CEO of UofL Health each day and they ask our organization to do more to help others to be better partners with our community and to be innovators bringing outstanding state of the art care to Louisville . I am proud of every one of our physicians for their dedication to our community and I know that they are making a difference every day .
Instead of sheep , I would describe them as LIONS because along with our nurses and other professionals , they are the kings and queens of the health care profession and we as a community should treat them as heroes !
Thank you , UofL Health-UofL Physicians providers , and all providers in our community for all that you do !
Tom Miller is the CEO of UofL Health .
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