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New Hospital President Charles Williams …
With his understanding of Tarrant County ’ s needs , Williams is ready to grow the Fort Worth hospital . One area he wants to strengthen is the academic partnership with Texas Christian University ’ s Burnett School of Medicine to train new physicians . By building on the existing programming , he hopes to ensure the hospital is providing the latest and greatest innovations . The Fort Worth hospital became an academic medical center to address the community ’ s physician shortage , with the underlying premise that physicians and trainees typically will lay down roots where they do their training .
Q & A with Baylor Scott & White – Fort Worth President Charles Williams
What role does philanthropy play in a healthcare organization like Baylor Scott & White – Fort Worth ?
Philanthropy plays an enormous role in healthcare organizations like Baylor Scott & White – Fort Worth . In my view , it is indispensable . Without philanthropy , organizations like Baylor Scott & White – Fort Worth would struggle to effectively address the strategic requirements of serving the community . Considering the ongoing rise in costs due to inflation , philanthropy enables us to strategically meet those long-term needs , be they investing in capital , building projects or programs . In essence , philanthropy allows us to fully align with our mission , vision , values and strategic goals for the benefit of the community .
Dr . Carol Nwelue , Demetra and Charles Williams , Dr . Hoylan Fernandez and Dr . Nida Rasheed
You are back in Fort Worth . How are you different today than when you left ?
Leaving Fort Worth in 2011 and gaining experience in healthcare across the country has shaped me significantly . While healthcare is undoubtedly localized and unique in all places , there are also many commonalities . Traveling has exposed me to approaches that have succeeded elsewhere but might not have been explored and could have advantages in Tarrant County . This exposure has broadened my perspective , opening my eyes to new possibilities and strategies . It has also made me aware of potential warning signs or obstacles that could lead to adverse situations .
These insights — from finance , community needs , state and federal programs , and different care models — can now be put to use for the benefit of the great people of Tarrant County and our community as a whole .
Why did you want this job ?
This is my dream . This opportunity aligned completely with my prayers and my desires . When I asked the Lord how I could serve this community . I had an opportunity to leave and to grow , and now I have an opportunity to come home to serve the community where I was born and raised and that has taken care of my family . So , it ’ s personal . This is not just a 9-to-5 job . This is my family ; these are my friends . It ’ s truly about giving back to those who have supported me all my life .
What are you most looking forward to ?
I ’ m most looking forward to the day when we fully embody our role as an integrated academic medical center with a new tower and an expanded Andrews Women ’ s Hospital . However , my anticipation extends beyond what happens on our campus . I ’ m eager to see how our work stretches its tentacles out in the community and embraces everyone , in line with the true purpose of healthcare . This includes making a meaningful impact on social determinants of health and empowering our community to lead healthier lives . Often , we focus solely on what happens within the hospital walls . It ’ s essential that our influence extends far beyond the campus , especially when we are situated in a zip code with the lowest life expectancy in the state of Texas . So , I eagerly anticipate a future when everyone in healthcare recognizes their role and works together for the greater good of all .
Demetra and Charles Williams
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THE COMPASS / BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE FOUNDATION NEWS / FALL 2023