Direct Line From Max Buetow For 3/31/2023

March 31, 2023

A week of community connection

There is something to be said for being out of your comfort zone, and this week has offered plenty of chances for me to do that with speaking engagements at a few community events. As most of you know, public speaking is not my favorite activity, and I am never sure I give the audience their money’s worth at these things!

I participated in a panel discussion at College of the Ozarks, and was a guest speaker at two Rotary chapters in Springfield. All three were simply incredible experiences.

At College of the Ozarks, I joined leaders from a variety of businesses as part of a symposium on workforce trends.

What better place to talk about workforce than the college known as “Hard Work U.” I was so impressed with the students in the audience – they were engaged, taking notes, and, to be entirely honest, they were dressed so sharply I was wondering if I should’ve brought back the tie for one day!

One of my fellow panelists pointed out that these students are the ones who are “up next” in our communities. I couldn’t agree more. These are future leaders, and I can’t wait to see the impact they will make.

Back in Springfield, I joined two Rotaries for a breakfast and a lunch. I had never been to a Rotary meeting before, but I loved the atmosphere. The energy in the room was electric, even at 6:45 a.m.

I was able to do Q&A discussions at both, which are my favorite kind of public speaking engagements. It is so much more dynamic than a presentation, and, when you hear from the audience, you get a better sense of what’s important to people.

I was glad to get out and introduce myself to our community. Each interaction is a chance to exchange stories with people and see their perspectives. I have mentioned before that the one-on-one breakfast or lunch is my favorite way to learn. These events are another way to do that on a larger scale and in an interactive way. I appreciate the chance to listen and see the world through someone else’s lens.

At the breakfast Rotary, I was asked: What is an “ah ha moment” from my first year as CEO?

I remember how Steve Edwards had told me that so much of this job would be public facing, representing health care as much outside of the hospital as in it. As an introvert, that wasn’t something I was initially eager to do.

But the “ah ha” for me now is how warmly the community has embraced me for who I am. I appreciate the interest people have shown in me, both professionally and personally, and I am grateful that people let me be myself.

I know I’ll never be the most dynamic presenter – and I certainly won’t be mistaken for a powerhouse like Jack Stack or David Cameron – but I get tremendous value and satisfaction from speaking on CoxHealth’s behalf.

I will take every opportunity to connect with engaged community members and shine a light on the outstanding progress our teams are making.

It is an honor to be asked to speak, and when those engagements offer a chance to connect with people and share our perspectives, it is always worth the investment of stepping on stage.

Best Places to Work in Healthcare survey is underway

Once again, CoxHealth is participating in Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work in Healthcare rankings.

The Best Places to Work awards program was created to recognize companies that continuously strive to improve their work environment and increase employee engagement, satisfaction and retention through innovative changes in the workplace. It identifies and recognizes outstanding employers in the health care industry nationwide.

The program includes an extensive employee survey, which is currently underway. I am so excited to see the survey results again this year. Our employees give us great insight, and the program gives CoxHealth a chance to let our colleagues’ talent and dedication shine. Our teams make us who we are; they are the ones who have made us a Best Place to Work five times.

I feel good about our chances in 2023! To see a look back at our Best Places to Work in Healthcare coverage for 2022, click here.

2023 EMT Apprenticeship cohort

We are always looking for ways to support the growth of our teams, and I appreciate all the ways we are bringing more people into the medical field. One of the latest opportunities is our Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Apprenticeship Program, which is currently accepting applications for their summer cohort! The program is a partnership between the CoxHealth Pre-Hospital Services Department and Ozarks Technical Community College to support emerging careers in Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

Applications for the summer apprenticeship are due by April 21. Know someone who might be interested? They can apply at this link!

Doctors’ Day 2023

Yesterday, across the nation, health care systems celebrated Doctors’ Day. It’s a great time to appreciate those who sacrifice so much to provide care for others. On Facebook, each of our campuses shared a post asking for readers to share their stories of doctors who have impacted their lives. I loved getting to read these comments, it attests to the valiant work our colleagues do each and every day.

Personally, getting to work with doctors is one of the big reasons I came to health care, and I can’t express how grateful I am for the incredible investments our physicians have made in me over my career. You can visit any of our Facebook pages to hear from our patients.

CoxHealth

Cox Medical Center Branson

Cox Monett Hospital

Cox Barton County Hospital

For all of the doctors who serve our communities, thank you.

Annual diaper drive

It is almost spring, and that means rain (lately, a lot of rain) and greenery beginning to flourish around our campuses. At CoxHealth, this season also means it’s time for our annual diaper drive. This will be our tenth year hosting the drive that helps charities throughout the region who will distribute the donated diapers to local families in need.

For a full list of CoxHealth and community donation drop locations visit this website.

Voice of the patient

Adapted from inpatient feedback at Cox Springfield: “Every staff member from registration to the doctor has been wonderful to me and my husband. Thank you all for your awesome care.”

Thank you for all you do,

Max