Introducing Michael Ugwueke, President and CEO of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare
Q: How have your first days as CEO of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare gone?
A: It has gone extremely well. We were very prepared for the transition, and we have an excellent team. That made it extremely easy.
Q: You have been visiting teams across Methodist, including home care nurses, the laundry, the IT Department, the Emergency Departments, and the Hospice Residence. What are you learning?
A: I have truly learned a lot visiting sites throughout our system. I am able to witness our commitment and dedication to our mission. There are so many things that you don’t visually see that are truly little miracles. Our Associates are heroes
The Hospice Residence visit was a very meaningful experience. You know that everyone who comes there is going to pass away at some point. You might think that there is not a lot of hope, but the staff there makes it easy for family members to go through that process in a very peaceful way while maintaining the dignity of the patients.
Q: Tell us about Methodist being named to Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For ® list.
A: It’s very exciting to be among the Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For ®, and as you know, this is an Associate driven award, which is really what makes it so sweet. Looking at our culture, this award reflects our intentional way of providing quality to our patients while treating each other with respect, dignity, and compassion. I am excited about the potential that we will have for our organization moving forward for recruiting top talent because of this prestigious award, continuing to provide high quality care and remaining one of the top 100 companies.
Four years ago, we were just looking at this as a vision. This shows that whatever we put our minds to, whatever we focus on, we can actually achieve it. Fortune’s prestigious listing really shows that we have the capacity and the zeal and will to really be a phenomenal healthcare system in the Mid-South. We are really blessed with the opportunities and the privilege to serve this community.
Q: How will the implementation of the new strategic plan shape Methodist’s work moving forward?
A: This strategic plan is a road map, but it is not a moon shot. It is a means of holding us accountable to the things that we do, but also forcing us to do it even better. If you look at the 10 priorities that came out of the strategic plan, they are not earth shattering ideas, but those strategic priorities we identified are very crucial in making us more efficient and in taking us to the next level in quality and patient satisfaction.
Q: What role do you see the Methodist Healthcare Foundation playing within the mission and vision of Methodist?
A: The Foundation is definitely a very important part of our system. In fact, I see the role much more enhanced and in-demand now than ever. We are in unchartered waters in terms of what is happening in the industry. My expectation is to see the Foundations in our system- Methodist, Le Bonheur, and West- attract additional philanthropy dollars to help us underwrite key programs that support our mission but for which we have no way of being reimbursed.
I see engagement with our Foundation Board members increasing as well. They serve as ambassadors of our system because they know what is going on and they have their unique circles of influence and are able to tell our story.
Q: What is your vision for the future of philanthropy at Methodist and in the greater Memphis community?
A: What we do through our Foundation is related directly to who we are and the services we provide. When you look at the Memphis community, there are a lot of needs and opportunities. I want to work to identify where we can truly leverage our efforts and resources with the efforts and resources of other philanthropic organizations that have similar missions in order to make greater impact in Memphis. We really need to explore synergies.
Q: Any closing remarks for partners of the Methodist Healthcare Foundation?
A: It is truly an opportunity and privilege to be in this role coming up behind someone like Gary Shorb in the Memphis community. My hope over time is that I will get the opportunity to get to know the Board, donors and other partners of the Foundation, and I look forward to working with all of them.