Hometown Clinton - Fall 2015

Steve Dobbs has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
of Merit Health to oversee efforts of enhancing quality, improving
access to quality care, and expanding services for patients across
the central Mississippi region.
Dobbs has nearly three decades of executive healthcare management
experience, serving in leadership roles at hospitals and
healthcare organizations in Oklahoma, Florida and Kansas. Most
recently, he served as CEO of Urologic Specialists of Oklahoma, a
20-member physician practice in Tulsa. He has worked with
countless boards of directors, institutional officials, government
regulators, the media, and community leaders. His accomplishments
have graced the front page of USA Today and he has even been a
healthcare contributor on The Fox News show, Fox & Friends.
Dobbs holds a master’s degree in health services administration
from the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois, and a bachelor’s
degree in accounting from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.
Hometown spoke with Steve in more detail about his role with Merit Health:
Q. What is your vision for Merit Health?
A. Ultimately, I look forward to utilizing our vast group of physicians and professionals
to expand access to quality care. Merit Health is developing innovative ways to
care for the central Mississippi community, and I am excited about the opportunities
in our future. We hope to become the first choice of patients in the region.
Our company culture is also evolving. New programs empower employees to
optimize the overall patient experience through a more mindful approach. We are
also providing new tools that enhance safety, communication, and quality
measures.
Q. What are the latest trends helping patients
lead healthier lives?
A. Emphasizing the importance of prevention and patient education has become
paramount. This trend started some time ago, but it has taken a while for everyone
to figure out the best way to address this paradigm shift. Clinical data supports the
value of prevention and we want to encourage our patients to be their own
advocates.
To support this endeavor, we have accelerated and improved the volume,
content, and reach of our educational materials. In addition, prevention has become
a more integral part of the provider and patient conversation, especially as new
research uncovers ways for patients to prevent and/or live “well” with common,
but debilitating illnesses, such as heart disease or diabetes.
Q. Lately, I have seen the Merit Health name
more frequently. What have been some of your
growth initiatives?
A. Recently, we added over 30 Merit Health Medical Group clinics to our six
hospitals (Merit Health Central, Merit Health Madison, Merit Health Rankin, Merit
Health River Oaks, Merit Health River Region, and Merit Health Woman’s Hospital)
in the Jackson/Vicksburg metropolitan area. Overall, we employ more than 3,300
people, have 1,200 licensed beds, and 1,800 physicians on active medical staff.
As these entities join together in various ways, we are making a concerted
effort to inform our patients that first and foremost, their health and experience in
our facilities is our top priority.
For example, you may have seen our 30 minute ER service pledge campaign.
We’ve incorporated a tool within our emergency departments that allows us to see
patients within 30 minutes of their arrival. Providing this level of service is one way
we are communicating the benefits of utilizing our facilities to the community.
Q. Now that Merit has expanded in the market,
how do you plan to get involved in each of the
facility’s surrounding communities?
A. We are currently involved in several community programs and there are others
we are further researching and engaging with over the next several months. For
example, we work with a local school district to supply school nurses and health
education information to families and students. We are also participating in
community programs supporting cancer care, heart disease, maternal and fetal
health, and many more. Personally, I am excited about getting to know community
leaders and figuring out ways we can work together to improve health and vitality
in all of the communities we serve.
Q. I know you’ve been busy, but what do you like
to do in your spare time?
A. My favorite past time is going on cruises with my family. It allows us to enjoy
and explore new places and unplug from our busy lives. My kids are grown, so
when we have time alone together on vacation, I definitely treasure it.
Q. What are you impressions of Mississippi?
A. It has been a great experience thus far. Throughout my career, I have had the
opportunity to live in a lot of different places and uncover the unique nuances of each.
It’s been a hot summer, but one full of friendly faces and exceptional possibilities.
Hometown Clinton • 37