April 21, 2023

Honoring educators and kicking off a week of celebration

Many weeks are a whirlwind of meetings, but every now and then, you get one like this week: packed with celebration.

I was glad to begin by recognizing the life-changing work done in education at the Celebrate SPS event, hosted by the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools. Monday night, SPS named CoxHealth its Corporate Partner of the Year in recognition of our volunteer work and ongoing support of the Back-to-School Grant program.

It was an honor to stand in that room, and as I talked with the educators, I was reminded of the mission-driven similarities between those who work in education and those who work in health care.

The professionals who dedicate their lives to either field are people who pour everything they have into serving others. That service makes a difference in people’s lives.

I clearly remember the teacher who changed my life when I was a high school sophomore. I didn’t take school seriously, and I was far from a star pupil. When I earned an “A” on a paper in Mr. Detten’s English class, it was a rare event.

I remember him telling me: “You can do this – you can make something of your life.” His encouragement for a kid who was in the back of the pack in class gave me confidence in my abilities. It completely changed my perspective about what I could accomplish, not just academically, but with anything I put my mind to. I look back now and realize how much it revolutionized who I was as an individual and how much I owe to him.

As I listened to the stories of the teachers who were honored on Monday, I was reminded of the impact we make on those around us through our work. In both education and health care, professionals are able to go above and beyond at critical junctures in someone’s life. And the best of the best in both fields take the time to treat their students and patients as whole people as they work to meet their needs.

It would be hard to find better place to invest than in educating students for the future, and I was grateful to receive the award on behalf of CoxHealth. As someone whose life was changed by an outstanding educator, I am honored that CoxHealth is an organization that supports the great work of Springfield Public Schools.

Celebrating CoxHealth’s culture at our employee banquet

For all the fun of Monday evening, it was just a preview of the energy that the CoxHealth family brought to the same room three nights later with the return of our employee banquet.

I still remember my first time at the banquet, when I reached my five-year anniversary. I was shocked at how many people were in the room.

It is a monumental feat to serve in an organization for 20 or 25 years. And yet, at CoxHealth, we have such longevity that you don’t even get to be recognized on stage until the 25-year mark!

Earlier in my career when I was helping recruit physicians for our clinics, I would take the programs from the employee banquet and share them with prospective doctors.

If you want to know what our culture is like, all you have to do is look at how many people have worked here for 30 or 40 years or more. It says so much about who we are that we have so many people who have dedicated the majority of their adult lives to CoxHealth.

I am not from a huge family, but walking into a room with 1,000+ family members is a special moment. It is a warm feeling that brings an immense amount of pride. I know they have my back, and I am committed to having each of theirs as we work to move our organization forward.

It was such an honor to speak to those colleagues gathered Thursday night and to give them the recognition they deserve.

CoxHealth launches non-allied health internship program for college students

I am excited to share that, this summer, we are launching our first formal internship program for non-allied health departments across the organization. This will be such an important step in our recruitment efforts for all positions throughout the system.

“For some students in majors such as business or computer science, health care may not be top of mind for a career option,” says Katelyn Lenhart, administrative director of workforce development, recruitment and retention. “In reality, it’s a great option because you can pursue a career you are passionate about while still giving back to the community. We feel it’s important to expose those students to these opportunities and show them the difference they can make.”

Students seeking careers in a range of fields from information technology, to human resources, to finance will have the opportunity to gain experience in fields that are crucial to a health care system. We plan to expand the program in the future years, and I cannot wait to see where it goes. Click here to read more about the new internship program.

New “Minutes With Max” video: our new Advantage Care clinic

Our latest installment in our video series takes place in the lobby our new Advantage Care clinic and urgent care at Sunshine and National, located within the Hamra Center. I got the wonderful opportunity to be joined by Dr. Melissa Gaines to share what the new clinic means for CoxHealth.

Our strategic plan’s ambition statement sets a vision of CoxHealth offering accessible health care and delivering high-quality outcomes every time, everywhere. The new services at the Hamra Center help us deliver on that vision. I am so proud of our teams for making this happen, and I am excited to see it flourish.

Watch the conversation at this link.

Barton County’s Healthcare Provider of the Year

Last week, Hannah Born, a nurse practitioner at the Medical One Clinic in Barton County, was named the Barton County Chamber of Commerce’s Healthcare Provider of the Year.

Hannah has been with CoxHealth for four years and consistently exhibits compassion and brilliance in all that she does. Her patients’ health results are positively impacted by her knowledge and exemplary care.

I am proud that CoxHealth also had two Cox Barton County Hospital colleagues nominated within the category, including general surgeon Dr. Michael Steele.

It’s so moving to see our team members honored for their amazing work in our communities. A big congratulations to Hannah and Dr. Steele!

Voice of the Patient

Adapted from inpatient feedback at Cox Branson: “I was so comfortable with all staff on each shift. They made me feel so welcomed and that I was important to them. Best stay I have had in a hospital.”

Thank you for all you do,

Max

Direct Line from Max Buetow for 4/21/2023