Newswise — Chicago (Mar. 16, 2015)— Richard D. Cordova, FACHE, president and CEO of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, addressed a national congress of his peers this morning at the annual meeting and 58th Congress of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) in Chicago. His speech, marking the beginning of his service as chair of the ACHE, encouraged attendees to capitalize on industry change and align with professional associations ready to support their leadership.
Cordova characterized the ache as forward thinking in its efforts to integrate diversity in its membership and adjust its strategic efforts to support its members in new ways. As part of the group’s strategic plan, the ACHE will launch outreach initiatives to physician, clinician and health plan leader and clinician leaders, as well as those serving as administrators in health plans.
“There is no doubt in my mind that we can deliver on the challenges that the Affordable Care Act brings to the industry.” Cordova said. “We have done it before, we have seen change over the decades and we've adapted to the requirements of diagnostic related group reimbursement, managed care requirements, taking on institutional risk, working on resident and intern hour limitations and adjusting to mandated nursing ratios.
Over the past few years, Cordova observed, it seems society has been focused on what is wrong with the system of care in our nation. “We have to improve, but I’m convinced we know what we have to do,” he says. “Let’s celebrate the progress that we have made. Society sees our missteps, but they also see the miracles we perform day in and day out.”
At Children’s Hospital, Cordova cited examples from his tenure as president and CEO that embody this challenge. “Our outcomes have never been better; our research continues to make contributions to improve care and solve the origins of disease; and we are teaching the next generation of practitioners,” he says.
Cordova compared today’s health care delivery systems to a time earlier in his career when hospital clinics created block appointments. For example, all morning patients would be required to show up at 9 a.m. The doctor would then pick and choose who was to be seen first. “In today’s health care environment, the patient experience is a priority, not because of competitive advantage, but because it’s the right thing to do,” Cordova said.
In addition, health care leaders will be looking for organizations that can broaden their outlook, expand their knowledge set, expose them to new operational models and look for “the bright spots” in health care so that the entire industry can adapt and flourish. Cordova says. As a result, professional associations like ACHE can play a role in helping health care leaders and their organizations adapt. “This includes promoting diversity in health care leadership, and particularly in industry association membership,” he concluded. “Helping leaders across all areas of healthcare can create professional success for themselves, for their institutions and ultimately the industry.”
About Children’s Hospital Los AngelesChildren's Hospital Los Angeles has been named the best children’s hospital in California and among the top five in the nation for clinical excellence with its selection to the prestigious U.S. News & World Report Honor Roll of best children’s hospitals. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is home to The Saban Research Institute, one of the largest and most productive pediatric research facilities in the United States. The hospital is also ranked among the country’s premier teaching hospitals, and has been affiliated with the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California since 1932.
For more information, visit CHLA.org. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn, or visit our blog: www.WeTreatKidsBetter.org.
About the American College of Healthcare ExecutivesThe American College of Healthcare Executives is an international professional society of more than 40,000 healthcare executives who lead hospitals, healthcare systems and other healthcare organizations. ACHE offers its prestigious FACHE® credential, signifying board certification in healthcare management. ACHE's established network of 80 chapters provides access to networking, education and career development at the local level. In addition, ACHE is known for its magazine, Healthcare Executive, and its career development and public policy programs. Through such efforts, ACHE works toward its goal of being the premier professional society for healthcare executives dedicated to improving healthcare delivery. The Foundation of the American College of Healthcare Executives was established to further advance healthcare management excellence through education and research. The Foundation of ACHE is known for its educational programs—including the annual Congress on Healthcare Leadership, which draws more than 4,000 participants—and groundbreaking research. Its publishing division, Health Administration Press, is one of the largest publishers of books and journals on health services management including textbooks for college and university courses. For more information, visit www.ache.org.
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