Votes are in!
The votes are in and the Medical Staff has spoken. I was elected to the Vice Chief of Staff position to begin in 2007 and then Chief of Staff for 2008.
This means that I will attend all Medical Executive Committee meetings as well as all Board meeting for the next two years.
Although this causes extreme discomfort for a handful of people, it is reassuring for the vast majority of physicians, staff and middle management and reinforces what I have been saying about the dissatisfaction among the Medical Staff. The messenger is not the problems.
The Board will once again get a more complete assessment and a much less filtered information stream. It will enable them to make more informed decisions on some very important issues.
So for the few critics who state I am not a team player; I continually work within the current system trying to make needed changes. I don’t use dirty politics and behind the scenes manipulation to try and prevent open dialogue and change. I am willing to deal with any issue, discuss it fully, debate it as needed and allow all the information to be on the table so that everyone can vote accordingly. This unfortunately instills fear in some.
The support from physicians last night was overwhelming and very reassuring that we are doing the right thing and voicing appropriate concerns.
Thanks to all for the vote of confidence!
posted by Anonymous at 5:50 AM
34 Comments:
bWe are so happy with the election results. It is nice to know that we once again have an advocate to speak for us.
We'll keep you in our prayers as we know you have a difficult job ahead of you
Mr. Team Player wrote: "The Board will once again get a more complete assessment and a much less filtered information stream." So, are you saying that the current chief and vice-chief of staff have not done their jobs properly?
You also wrote: "I don’t use dirty politics and behind the scenes manipulation." Some might characterize obtaining and using confidential board documents as doing just that.
Congratulations on your election. While I don't agree with everything you do, I wish you the best.
In your original post, you wrote:
"I am willing to deal with any issue, discuss it fully, debate it as needed and allow all the information to be on the table so that everyone can vote accordingly."
I wish I could say that has been my experience. Unfortunately, it has not been. And I know that I am not alone. I hope you do not needlessly turn the board meetings into a war zone as you have done in other situations outside of your medical profession.
Good luck in your new position in the coming years.
There is an editorial in the Louisville edition of the Courier-Journal today that describes a Jefferson County School Board member which, with only name changes, would seem to fit HB to a tee:
"Despite his good intentions and hard work, he has proved ill-suited -- too combative, head-strong and negative -- to a board member's role.
He has repeatedly waged one-man battle with Mr._____ and his staff over operational matters he found wanting.
The more significant problem, however, is that he has allowed his frustrations over these clashes to skew his judgment and his leadership.
He has become a chronic naysayer, habitually discounting progress as inadequate, even in a time of steadily rising scores and broad community support.
It's true, as he says, that he asks tough questions that need to be asked; but it's also true that he accepts only one answer: The system is failing, and it's all Mr. _______'s fault.
What he focuses on are the local manifestations of problems that all of American education is struggling to solve, and his sweeping generalizations and personalized fingerpointing are hardly productive approaches to solving them.
Congratulations, I hope you can keep your personal feeling under control. After reading your many
postings concerning the CEO and the way he is doing his job, I'm sure it will be hard for you to enter into any discussions without a bias mind. Before you assume your position, maybe you should seek help in venting your anger and resentment concerning this issue. There are many Psychologist
that would be able to help you overcome your obvious inner feelings. It might help you to deal with the issues that you deem to be so needed. Also it might help you not to feel so argumentive, as your posting on this subject has all ready shown. If you read what you have posted this morning it seems that you are ready for a fight. The statement about dirty politics and behind the scenes manipulation says it all. You can use the internet to put your message out and I guess that does not count. Good Luck!
I believe you are all ready assuming your importance by claiming that your appointment is going to cause "extreme" discomfort by some people. How did you come to these conclusions, by your own assessment or general gossip?
Speaking of naysayers, these comments are rediculous and misinformed.
HB put together a recent multidisciplinary meeting to actually solve and remedy the diversion issue that this administration has continually let worsen
He is a team player more than anyone else. He just addresses the problems. They aren't used to that.
Don't let them get to you. They are the one's with their head in the sand.
a freind of mine was at the meeting last night and the comment that followed the vote announcement was that they thought they would have to rescucitate the CEO.
He cannot handle accountability. Keep us the good work. You are an asset and these people are clueless
For the critics,
I have comments, emails, phone calls, and personal meetings with employees, management, county officials, and others intricately involved in the organization.
All of them verify what is being stated about the hospital, administration, and CEO. The overwhelming support of the Medical Staff also speaks loudly for the general feeling of the medical staff.
We do have some of our elected representatives who are unwilling to confront some of the basic problems. They avoid conflict.
There is rarely anyone ever wanting to take this job and it is rarely ever even contested. It should be a lot of work when it is done right but remains a thankless job. The less you do in this role, the easier it is and the better the CEO likes you. But nothing improves that way.
This also is our fault as physicians because we have allowed these types of things to go on for so long. Many physicians are too complacent and would just prefer to come in, do what they need to, jump through the hurdles and get out as quickly as possible.
Now that someone is actually aggressive and proactive, you see the results: Overwhelming support by the Medical Staff.
RE: "Overwhelming support by the Medical Staff"
Did anyone else run for the position? What was the vote? Did all of the medical staff vote and, if not, what percentage did?
The following comment, once again, demonstrates that if you disagree with HB it is not that you have a different perspective, it is that something is wrong with you:
"We do have some of our elected representatives who are unwilling to confront some of the basic problems."
I have news for you Dr. Dan...all the employees do NOT support you. I personally resent the negative perceptions you have created about the hospital and I hear the same thing from many other co-workers. I think you hear what you want to hear.
Meetings are not mandatory for physicians, but there was a better turnout than most I have seen.
Why is it so hard for these anonymous critics to accept the truth. Is it because they are part of the administration? I'll bet this anonymous commenter is the same as "DiogenesTrainee" who we have not seen in a few days. They are just trying to hide behind more and more veils.
Typical of our administration.
I've been affiliated with Floyd more than 25 years.
For every 1 person that may not like HB's style, there are 15 that would back him up in a minute.
He is very good to work with. Talk about personal vendetta's, I'd say there are some here who anonymously attack whereas HB states things openly.
I'd say the integrity lies with HB!
Regarding: "For every 1 person that may not like HB's style, there are 15 that would back him up in a minute."
Maybe in your circle. In mine, the overwhelming opinion is that he is a loose cannon.
"the comment that followed the vote announcement was that they thought they would have to rescucitate the CEO."
That's some funny stuff...
I am a physician with privileges at Floyd. I have been in practice more than 20 years and I attended the meeting last night. It was an above average turnout. At least two groups actively encouraged all of their members to attend and vote for Dan. I saw probably 8-10 from radiology alone in attendance which is very rare.
Dan is exactly right. Physicians are complacent and have allowed this to occur. We have been too preoccupied with other things and these issues really didn’t matter to us. Now that healthcare has changed so much, all of these things need to be addressed but very few are willing. When we see an eager young physician willing to take on the battles, we are more than willing to support him. We want change, but are just not willing to fight the battles.
Our representatives have not been our unified voice for many years. Again, it is partly our fault. We rarely have a choice on who to vote for. The position is usually unopposed. But this year is different and we all came out to show our overall solidarity for Dan.
Major changes are needed at Floyd. He has the integrity and the ambition to work towards this goal.
I agree with the anonymous commenter that some of the remarks you read here must be coming from administration or from someone with a personal grudge. It is not a common feeling from the majority but it is certainly common among 2 or three in administration.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
STAFFPHYSICIAN wrote: "I agree...that some of the remarks you read here must be coming from administration or from someone with a personal grudge."
I hope when diagnosing patients you don't jump to such unsupported conclusions. There are a number of us in the community who have serious concerns that our outstanding regional hospital is being unfairly maligned as a result of the "grudge" that Dan Eichenberger has against the CEO. He seems to have a single agenda--that of destroying the career of Bryant Hanson. Since by almost any measure, Floyd seems to be as successful (or more successful) than other hospitals in the region, just what "major changes" do you think need to be accomplished?
how many think it is a little ironic that since I challenged the identity and said that anonymous and "DiogenesTrainee" may be one in the same, we now here from him/her.
There they go again shooting the messenger when they don't like the truth. If you want to look after Floyd, tell us your identity or shut up.
Shame, shame, shame on you
I would like an answer to Anon 9:22's question:
"Mr. Team Player wrote: "The Board will once again get a more complete assessment and a much less filtered information stream." So, are you saying that the current chief and vice-chief of staff have not done their jobs properly?"
Nothing like one anonymous poster telling another to identify themselves or shut up.
Unbelievable!
Mark
iamhoosier,
ask the board members if they feel they get all the information.
You have heard from at least 2 physicians and it appears several employees and still do not accept what is being said.
What I say only causes more criticism. If you really are concerned about the answer, then go out and get the information yourself from the many available sources. All the Board members names and numbers are readily available, they are politically appointed and should be accountable to the public.
HB wrote: "You have heard from at least 2 physicians and it appears several employees and still do not accept what is being said."
And what is that supposed to prove. You have also heard from even more posters that you DON'T represent them nor do they agree with you. And, as for the board, you will recall that they did not follow your recommendations...which in your eyes doesn't just represent a difference of opinion, but rather participation in an evil conspiracy or pure incompetence. Yes, you are quite a "team player."
CONGRATULATIONS DR. DAN!!! This is an exciting time. Many staff are already reporting a change in the air around FMHHS. A change that is for the good. We feel like we now have some sort of voice forthcoming again. Someone that believes in the staff, their abilities, their dedication. Maybe soon we can be on top again.
who is the chief of staff now?? does he not voice his concern for the well being of fmhhs?? i'm just wondering...Hum!!
LET THE GAMES BEGIN, MAY THE BEST MAN WIN!!!!!!!!!!! HB hasn't even took office yet and he is already itching for the fight. Maybe the general public should sit in on some of those meetings. LOL
8-10 radiologist showed up? Whopee! Next to Dr. Dan they are the second biggest group of whiners and trouble makers. There only purpose is to line their pockets and create problems for those of us hourly associates at Floyd Memorial.
HB,
I never commented at all on what I accept or don't accept. Why do you continually answer and/or comment on questions that have not been asked?
Since you have not modified your statement, you are saying that the current Chief of Staff and Vice Chief have not done their jobs adequately. Correct?
I went to FMH's website in an attempt to find out who the current Chiefs are but could not find it. Would you please identify them for me and the rest of our blogging partners?
Dr. Steve Nale is the Chief of Staff currently and I do not know who the vice chief is at the present.
This alone tells you how active they are in the organization.
Dr. Nale often complains on the floor about problems, but from what we here, he never brings the issues up in meetings where they can be fixed.
NIGHTOWLNURSE wrote:
"Hopefully you can bring about some positive changes."
I would like to know just what all of HB's supporters expect to have changed. We know what HB wants--he wants the CEO out. But given that the hospital looks terrific, provides outstanding care (according to HB), has better financials than its peers in the region, has relatively low turnover for a hospital and has grown in both "bricks and mortar" and services over the past 10 years, just what overall changes do people think they are going to get? I am sure that every individual or department would like a larger slice of the pie, but that won't be possible no matter who is in charge. So what overall, do they think needs to be done?
As a consumer of Floyd's services as well as those at other hospitals in the region, I am at a loss to figure out what they think is wrong with the hospital. The appearance, level of care and obvious spirit of the staff is superior to anything else I have seen. Beyond minor carping issues that exist everywhere, just what is wrong???
I believe why issues have come to the attention of the medical community is that the changes that have come about in healthcare has hit your pocketbook and bank accounts.
"The overwhelming support of the Medical Staff..." Please. You won by 7 votes. With as many docs as there are at Floyd that hardly seems like "overwhelming support"
Congrats! I hope that you will advocate for some changes in directors, as some directors are making 70,000 a year, working significantly less than 40 hrs a week, leaving early (on Floyd's clock) going to another job and being paid for both at the same time, not to mention a very high turnover rate in many depts (Social Services for example). One position has had around 4 social workers in the last 3 yrs. This is just one example of the mentality of Floyd to promote the most inept people to the top and then they all stick up for each other. So keep fighting the good fight!
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