Leading Medicine with Houston Methodist

On this episode of Quality Time, Dr. A. Osama Gaber shares how Houston Methodist’s Department of Surgery maintains its high standards and innovative drive by focusing on safety, quality management, and programmatic development. By pairing talented faculty with strong institutional quality frameworks, the department continuously improves patient safety and results.He also shares how out of the devastating loss of his daughter came Nora’s Gift Foundation and Nora’s Home—a hospitality home in the Texas Medical Center that provides affordable, supportive housing for transplant patients and their families. Built with support from Houston Methodist, Nora’s Home includes 32 rooms and community spaces and has served thousands of families over the past 13 years. Expert: Dr. A. Osama Gaber, John F. Jr. and Carolyn Bookout Presidential Distinguished Chair in Surgery, chair of the Department of Surgery at Houston Methodist, and the Founding Director of the J.C. Walter Jr. Transplant Center  Notable topics covered:The evolution of transplantation and robotic surgery Houston Methodist’s performance on national quality metricsProgrammatic growth and curriculum development Nora’s Home

In this episode of Quality Time, Dr. William Cooper, president of the Vanderbilt Health Center for Patient and Professional Advocacy discusses how professionalism, teamwork, and communication shape everything—from malpractice risk to patient outcomes, workplace culture, and long‑term career performance. Just 2% of physicians account for 50% of all malpractice claims.Peer‑delivered feedback—"Cup of Coffee” conversations—can reduce future malpractice risk by up to 80%.Ninety-seven percent of clinicians who receive early, informal feedback modify their behavior. These interventions decrease complaints, strengthen workplace culture, and ultimately save lives.Expert: Dr. William Cooper, president of the Vanderbilt Health Center for Patient and Professional AdvocacyNotable topics covered:Professionalism’s effect on quality careWho is responsible for the majority of malpractice claims Ways to reduce claims and increase professionalism

In this episode, Dr. Randy Steadman, chair of anesthesiology and critical care at Houston Methodist and associate director of Houston Methodist's MITIE at the Bookout Center, shares how creating realistic, immersive environments in simulation based education leads to better surgical and clinical outcomes.Dr. Steadman has developed simulation instructor training programs for:Clinical emergency response teamsCode blue teamsObstetrical critical event teams Expert: Dr. Randy Steadman, chair of anesthesiology and critical care at Houston Methodist and associate director of Houston Methodist's MITIE at the Bookout CenterNotable topics covered:Evolutions in simulation educationBenefits of using simulation education for critical incident trainingOverview of MITIE simulation training and debriefingLinks:Dr. Randy Steadman (Faculty Profile, LinkedIn)Houston Methodist Department of Anesthesiology and Critical CareHouston Methodist's MITIE at the Bookout Center

In this episode, Dr. Stephen Swensen discusses his work at Mayo Clinic to create thriving, ideal work environments. His most recent book, Mayo Clinic Strategies to Reduce Burnout - 12 Actions to Create the Ideal Workplace, outlines four evidence based elements of an ideal workplace: agency, belonging, collective effervescence and positivity. Dr. Swensen is a recognized expert, speaker and inter-disciplinary researcher in wellbeing, leadership and organizational development. For 35 years, he served patients at Mayo Clinic as a clinician, scientist, educator and leader. He serves as a senior fellow of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and a transformational fellow at The NARBHA Institute. Expert: Dr. Stephen Swensen, senior fellow, Institute for Healthcare Improvement; transformational fellow, NARBHA Institute; professor emeritus, Mayo ClinicNotable topics covered:The role leadership plays in creating healthy, thriving work environmentsThe elements of an ideal workplace: agency, belonging, collective effervescence and positivityHow People-Centered Kind Leaders cultivate work communities that allow people to optimize their positive life assessment and healthspanLinks:Steve Swensen (LinkedIn)Mayo ClinicMayo Clinic Strategies to Reduce Burnout - 12 Actions to Create the Ideal WorkplaceInstitute for Healthcare ImprovementThe NARBHA InstituteLeading with Kindness

In this episode, Chris Siebenaler shares how his nearly 25-year Houston Methodist career has shaped his perspective on how to drive continuous improvement. As executive vice president of network hospitals, Siebenaler shares how incorporating lean management principals and daily management systems have empowered physicians and staff to identify issues, track performance and implement solutions.Expert: Chris Siebenaler, executive vice president of network hospitals, Houston MethodistNotable topics covered:Fostering continuous improvement and frontline engagement through lean managementCreating a culture of excellence through transparency and staff empowermentQuality is not just metrics — it’s about meaningful experiences for patients and caregiversLinks:                                                                       Chris Siebenaler LinkedInDr. Eric Dickson: How Lean Management Transformed a Health Care System | Quality Time PodcastExamining the Relationship Between the Lean Management System and Quality Improvement Care Management ProcessesLean Management — The Journey from Toyota to Healthcare

In this episode, Dr. Bryan Sexton, discusses how emotional exhaustion and burnout impact clinical outcomes—and how measuring and improving well-being through bite-sized interventions can lead to better teamwork, leadership and patient care.Expert: J. Bryan Sexton, Ph.D., chief wellness officer of Duke Health Integrated Practice and director of the Duke Center for the Advancement of Well-being Science. Notable Topics Covered:Measuring clinician well-being to predict and improve quality outcomesAddressing well-being through bite-sized InterventionsLinks:Bryan Sexton (LinkedIn)Dr. J. Bryan Sexton (Duke Profile)Duke Center for the Advancement of Well-being Science Bite-Sized Resources

In this episode, Dr. Brian R. Spisak — organizational psychologist, author and senior partner at Csuite Growth Advisors — discusses the intersection of behavioral science, leadership and emerging technology in health care. Dr. Spisak shares his personal journey from burnout in behavioral mental health to a career dedicated to understanding and improving organizational well-being.Expert: Dr. Brian R. Spisak, chief people and communication officer and senior partner at Csuite Growth Advisors, Program Director of AI and Leadership at the National Preparedness Leadership Initiative at Harvard University and author of Computational Leadership: Connecting Behavioral Science and Technology to Optimize Decision-Making and Increase Profits.Notable topics covered:Self-determination theoryOrganizational well-beingCAR-driven needs: Competency, Autonomy, RelatednessLinks:Brian Spisak, PhD (LinkedIn)Csuite Growth AdvisorsBEST IDEAS WIN PodcastComputational Leadership: Connecting Behavioral Science and Technology to Optimize Decision-Making and Increase ProfitsNational Preparedness Leadership InitiativeAmerican College of Healthcare ExecutivesAvoiding the Pitfalls of AI Hype with a Strategic Innovation Agenda

In this episode, Dr. Shawn Tittle discusses his transition from a working as a highly specialized cardiothoracic surgeon to serving as the senior vice president and system chief quality officer of system safety, quality and service at Houston Methodist.Expert: Shawn Tittle, MD, senior vice president and system chief quality officer for the Houston Methodist Department of System Safety, Quality and ServiceNotable topics covered:Culture of safetyPrinciples of high reliabilityVizient Inc. scorecard and national benchmarkingHouston Methodist Quality, Safety and Well-being InstituteLinks:Shawn Tittle, MD (LinkedIn)Houston Methodist Quality & Patient SafetyHouston Methodist The Patient ExperiencePODCAST: Advancing the Science of Quality Improvement | Quality Time with Dr. SchaalVizient Inc.The Framework for High Reliability HealthcareCrossing the Quality ChasmTo Err is Human

In this episode, nursing leaders Gail M. Vozzella and Caroline Mascarenhas discuss how Houston Methodist's implementation of virtual nursing and innovative technologies has transformed health care delivery, enhanced care coordination and improved patient safety.Experts:Gail M. Vozzella DNP, RN, NEA-BC, senior vice president and chief nurse executive at Houston MethodistCaroline Mascarenhas, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, vice president and chief nursing officer at Houston Methodist Cypress HospitalNotable topics covered:How virtual nursing and innovative technology have improved patient safetyCooperative efforts of virtual and bedside nursingRole of nursing in care coordination and patient outcomesLinks:Gail M. Vozzella DNP, RN, NEA-BC (LinkedIn)Caroline Mascarenhas, DNP, RN, NEA-BC (LinkedIn)Houston Methodist Department of NursingHouston Methodist Cypress HospitalFlorence Nightingale (1820-1910): The Founder of Modern Nursing

In this episode, Dr. Don M. Berwick, a foundational figure in health care quality improvement, shares his perspective on how far we've come in our pursuit to improve patient safety through the design of a safer health system — and how far we have left to go.Expert: Dr. Don M. Berwick, president emeritus and senior fellow at the Institute for Health Care Improvement (IHI), which he co-founded in 1991 and led as its first CEO, former administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and former faculty member at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.Notable topics covered:The development and adoption of the science of health care improvementThe goal to close the quality gap through research and educationThe impact of a psychologically safe work environment on health outcomesLinks:Dr. Don M. Berwick (LinkedIn)Institute for Healthcare ImprovementCenters for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)To Err is HumanCrossing the Quality ChasmImprovement Advisor Professional Development Program

Ms. Mary A. Daffin discusses her impact on Houston Methodist's quality and patient safety initiatives as a member of the board of directors and how her deep Methodist faith underscores her commitment to her role.Expert: Mary A. Daffin, JD Of Counsel, Barrett Daffin Frappier Turner & Engel, LLP, Vice Chair Board of Directors, Houston Methodist Hospital System and chair of multiple committees including the executive committee of the Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center, quality and patient safety and system quality integrationNotable topics covered:Understanding the role and reach of a board of directorsCentering quality as strategic goal of health care institutionsBettering patient outcomes with innovative technologyLinks:Mary DaffinHouston Methodist Board of DirectorsWhy Choose Houston Methodist

In this episode, Dr. Terence Flotte discusses his efforts to train the next generation of physician leaders as dean of the UMass Chan Medical School, the ever-changing preferences of medical residency selection and the evolving field of health systems science.Expert: Terence Flotte, M.D., the Celia and Isaac Haidak Professor, is provost and executive deputy chancellor and dean of UMass Chan Medical School. He has faculty appointments as Professor in the Department of Genetic and Cellular Medicine and Pediatrics.Notable topics covered:The advancement of medical education and trainingThe importance of educating the next generation of physician leaders in academic medicineThe current landscape of medical residencyThe evolving field of health systems scienceLinks:Terence R. Flotte, MD | Senior Leadership | Office of the Chancellor | UMass Chan Medical SchoolTerry Flotte, MD LinkedInAbout UMass Chan Medical SchoolTomorrow's Doctors, Tomorrow's Cures | AAMCLCME | Liaison Committee on Medical EducationTeaching health systems science | American Medical Association

In this panel episode, Rev. Dr. Charles Millikan and Rev. Stacy Auld discuss an In this panel episode, Rev. Dr. Charles Millikan and Rev. Stacy Auld discuss an aspect of care foundational to Houston Methodist: spiritual care and values integration. They share how the care that board-certified chaplains provide to patients and caregivers helps them navigate the most trying of circumstances.Experts:Rev. Dr. Charles Millikan, vice president for spiritual care and values integration at Houston Methodist, Dr. Ronny W. and Ruth Ann Barner Centennial Chair in Spiritual CareRev. Stacy Auld, system director of spiritual care and values integration atHouston MethodistNotable topics covered:Houston Methodist spiritual care and values integrationHouston Methodist's I CARE values: integrity, compassion, accountability, respect and excellenceSpiritual care, patient satisfaction and employee engagementSpiritual care and biomedical ethicsBoard certification process for chaplainsLinks:Houston Methodist Spiritual Care and Values IntegrationReverend Dr. Charles MillikanReverend Stacy AuldAssociation of Professional ChaplainsThe Role of Spirituality in Health CareSpirituality Linked with Better Health Outcomes, Patient Care

In this episode, Roberta Schwartz, PhD, shares how Houston Methodist's focused approach to using data and willingness to embrace forward-thinking technology have resulted in world-class patient care and outcomes.Expert: Roberta Schwartz, PhD, executive vice president of Houston Methodist Hospital and chief innovation officer of Houston MethodistNotable topics covered:The decision to focus on key metrics to improve qualityThe progression of Houston Methodist's rankings from Vizient and U.S. News and World ReportThe collaborative nature between health care institutions to achieve high quality outcomesThe adoption of telemedicine and artificial intelligence to improve careLinks:Roberta (Levy) Schwartz | LinkedInWhy Choose Houston MethodistHouston Methodist Center for InnovationHealthcare Insights from Digital Innovation Obsessed People (DIOP)

In this episode, Dr. Tait Shanafelt discusses his pioneering research and progress made in the last 20 years to advance physician well-being and resilience for the benefit of both caregivers and patients. Expert: Tait Shanafelt, M.D., chief wellness officer, associate dean, and Jeanie and Stewart Richie Professor of Medicine at Stanford University. Notable Topics Covered:Physician and clinician well-being and fulfillment Standford Model of Physician Well-beingThe connection between physician well-being and quality outcomesThree elements of occupational syndrome   Links:Tait Shanafelt | Stanford Health CareThe Stanford Model of Professional Fulfillment™ Wellness-Centered Leadership: Equipping Health Care Leaders to Cultivate Physician Well-Being and Professional FulfillmentThe Healthcare Professional Well-being Academic Consortium (PWAC)Advancing Physician Well-Being: A Population Health FrameworkPhysician Well-being 2.0: Where Are We and Where Are We Going?Physician Burnout and Well-Being: A Systematic Review and Framework for Action

In this episode, Dr. Robert Grossman, the visionary chief executive officer of NYU Langone Health and dean of NYU Grossman School of Medicine, discusses the pioneering business model that transformed NYU Langone into one of the best integrated academic health systems in the United States.Expert: Dr. Robert Grossman, chief executive officer of NYU Langone Health and dean of NYU Grossman School of MedicineNotable Topics Covered: Ambulatory health care model Integrated medical school and hospital system structure Quality metrics and performance Vizient benchmarking  Links:Robert I. Grossman, MD | NYU Langone HealthNYU Grossman School of MedicineVizient Inc.Vizient Top Performers 2024

In this episode, Dr. Marc Boom, president and CEO of Houston Methodist, shares how every employee contributes to our vision for the second century that is summed up in six simple words: unparalleled safety, quality, service and innovation.Expert: Dr. Marc Boom, president and chief executive officer at Houston Methodist, an independent academic medical center with over 2,600 beds and over 32,000 employees. The system also includes a world-renowned research institute, eight community hospitals, a large physician organization and more than 50 graduate medical education programs.Notable topics covered:Vision for the second century based on "six simple words:" Unparalleled safety, quality, service and innovationThe sacred "and"I CARE values: integrity, compassion, accountability, responsibility, excellenceU.S. News & World Report rankingsLinks:Houston MethodistWhy Choose Houston MethodistWhat We BelieveU.S. News and World Report RankingsMarc L. Boom, MD: Clinical Profile, Faculty Profile, LinkedIn ProfileLeading Medicine: A Town Hall Conversation with Dr. Marc Boom (YouTube series)Want to build better healthcare? Wipe 'or' from your vocabulary, says Houston Methodist CEO Dr. Marc Boom

In this panel episode, we discuss how thoughtfully designed electronic health record technology results in better patient outcomes and clinician satisfaction.Guests:Dr. Jacqueline Gerhart, vice president of clinical Informatics at Epic, family medicine physician and a faculty member at the University of Wisconsin-MadisonDr. Jordan Dale, chief medical information officer at Houston Methodist, practicing hospital medicine physician at Houston Methodist HospitalNotable topics covered:Clinical informaticsElectronic health record interoperabilityEpic solutionsRelated Links:Dr. Jacqueline (Jackie) Gerhart - LinkedInEpicEpic MyChartDr. Jordan Dale - LinkedInHouston Methodist Center for InnovationHouston Methodist Future Bet: Ambient IntelligenceHouston Methodist Future Bet: Care Redesign

In this episode, Dr. Faisal Masud shares how Houston Methodist uses innovative technology and a broad-based compassionate care team to provide world-class ICU care.Expert: Dr. Faisal Masud, professor of clinical anesthesiology and critical care of the Academic Institute, medical director of the Center for Critical Care, Mary A. and M. Samuel Daffin, Sr. Centennial Chair in Anesthesia and Critical Care, Houston Methodist Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNotable topics covered:Lowering mortality rates for critical care patientsPracticing compassionate care in the ICUBuilding a non-traditional team of compassionate care providersImproving the patient experience through virtual ICU careLinks:Faisal Masud, MD - LinkedInFaisal N. Masud, MD, FCCP, FCCMCenter for Critical CareHouston Methodist Critical Care Recovery ClinicPast, Present, and Future of Sustainable Intensive Care: Narrative Review and a Large Hospital System ExperienceNew Virtual Intensive Care Unit Simultaneously Improves Patient Care and Bed CapacityA Virtual Intensive Care Unit at Houston Methodist (VIDEO)Shifting the Sepsis Paradigm 

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Dudley explains how Press Ganey uses their substantial collection of workplace and patient survey data to help health care organizations improve physician engagement and wellbeing — which leads to better patient outcomes.Expert: Dr. Jessica Dudley, chief clinical officer at Press GaneyNotable topics covered:Using survey data to improve the workforce and patient experienceCreating a sense of organizational belonging and engagementCorrelating engagement to patient experience and outcomesActing on generational and gender shifts in medicineLinks:Press GaneyPress Ganey Employee Experience eBookWhy So Many Women Physicians Are QuittingHow Successful Health Care Organizations Keep Worker Morale UpPhysician Experience Trends

Preventing infection and enhancing recovery are metrics for surgical quality of care. In this episode, Dr. Pedro Ramirez discusses efforts to standardize patient care, including implementing surgical site infection bundles and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) initiatives before, during and after surgery to improve and improve patient outcomes. Expert: Dr. Pedro Ramirez, chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Houston Methodist Hospital and the Alan L. Kaplan Chair in Obstetrics and Gynecology Notable topics covered: The use of surgical site bundles to standardize care and decrease surgical-site infectionThe use of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) guidelines preoperatively, intraoperatively and postoperatively to improve outcomes The findings of the Prospective Randomized Study Evaluating the Surgical Approach to Patients with Early Cervical Cancer that changed National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines Links: ERAS® Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (Book)  The ERAS® Society Handbook for Obstetrics & Gynecology International Journal of Gynecological Cancer (IJGC)  International Journal of Gynecological Cancer Podcast Principles of Gynecologic Oncology Surgery Pivotal Cervical Cancer Study Finds Open Surgery Superior to Minimally  Invasive Techniques

Houston Methodist is one of the nation’s leading health systems and academic medical centers. In this wide-ranging episode, Dr. H. Dirk Sostman, Houston Methodist executive vice president and chief academic officer and president and CEO of the Houston Methodist Academic Institute (HMAI), discusses his remarkable 20-year career at Houston Methodist advancing quality of care through academic research and scientific innovation — including leading Houston Methodist through one of the fastest-evolving scientific scenarios in the last 100 years: the COVID-19 pandemic.Expert: H. Dirk Sostman, executive vice president and chief academic officer at Houston Methodist, Ernest Cockrell Jr. Presidential Distinguished Chair and president and CEO of the Houston Methodist Academic Institute (HMAI). Notable topics covered:Academic medicineQuality researchGenomic dataArtificial intelligence and diagnostic accuracy COVID-19 and scientific evolutionLinks:Henry Dirk Sostman, MD, FACR (Faculty Profile)About the Houston Methodist Academic InstituteResearch at Houston Methodist2023 HMAI Annual Report – Science in Service of Medicine

Health care safety is a public health issue. Despite progress, preventable harm remains unacceptably frequent. In order to reduce harm in all its forms, we need to know what causes it and why. In this episode, Dr. Tejal Gandhi, chief safety and transformation officer at Press Ganey, delves deep into the latest industry insights and offers recommendations for creating safer environments for patients and providers.Expert: Dr. Tejal Gandhi, chief safety and transformation officer, Press Ganey Notable topics covered: The data vs. the perception of workforce and patient safety The “zero-harm” movement and the broadening definition of harm The principles of “just culture” and “culture of safety” The difference in safety in out-patient vs. in-patient settings Links: Press GaneyTo Err is HumanSix Domains of Healthcare QualityAn Equity Agenda for the Field of Health Care Quality Improvement 

Lean management focuses on continuous improvement through making incremental process changes to improve quality and efficiency.In this episode, Dr. Eric Dickson, president and CEO of UMass Memorial Health, shares how lean management principles transformed the largest not-for-profit health care system in central Massachusetts.Expert: Eric W. Dickson MD, MHCM, FACEP, President & CEO UMass Memorial HealthNotable topics covered:Lean management methodologyContinuous process improvementEmergency room efficiencyTrue north metricsLinks:UMass Memorial Medical CenterEric W. Dickson MD, MHCM, FACEP, Named as UMass Memorial Health Care President and Chief Executive OfficerExamining the Relationship Between the Lean Management System and Quality Improvement Care Management ProcessesLean Management—The Journey from Toyota to Healthcare

The world of vascular surgery comprises a wide range of specialties. How does a hospital system manage quality across fields to ensure the best patient outcomes possible during surgery and beyond?In this episode, Dr. Schaal discusses generational advancements in vascular surgery and the charge to manage quality across specialties in a large hospital system with Dr. Alan Lumsden, medical director of the world-renowned Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center.Guest: Dr. Alan Lumsden, Houston Methodist's Walter W. Fondren III Distinguished Endowed Chair, Medical Director of the Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, Professor & Chairman of the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery AssociatesNotable topics covered: Creation of the Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center Vascular surgery specialties Advancements in vascular surgery Quality standardization across large hospital systems Links: Dr. Alan Lumsden Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center Houston Methodist DeBakey CV Education About Dr. Schaal:Shlomit Schaal, MD, PhD, MHCM, is executive vice president, chief physician executive, Houston Methodist, and president and chief executive officer of the Houston Methodist physician organization in Houston, Texas. She passionately believes that quality is the heart of health care and a commitment to safety is essential for every health care system. Each month, Dr. Schaal discusses quality in health care with clinicians, researchers, physicians, industry experts and thought leaders.

What are health care accreditations and certifications? Why are they important? Who conducts them?Providing the highest quality care in the safest environments possible is both the goal and the responsibility of health care organizations. But how is quality defined and measured? And by whom? On this episode, Dr. Schaal discusses health care accreditation and certification with Mr. Kelly Proctor, president of DNV Healthcare.Expert: Mr. Kelly Proctor, President of DNV HealthcareNotable topics covered:Importance of accreditation and certificationReadiness reviews and accreditation visitsHigh reliability and just cultureLinks:https://www.dnv.com/healthcare/index.htmlAbout Dr. Schaal:Shlomit Schaal, MD, PhD, MHCM, is executive vice president, chief physician executive, Houston Methodist, and president and chief executive officer of the Houston Methodist physician organization in Houston, Texas. She passionately believes that quality is the heart of health care and a commitment to safety is essential for every health care system. Each month, Dr. Schaal discusses quality in health care with clinicians, researchers, physicians, industry experts and thought leaders.