Issues Near and Far
Jan. 30, 2025
At Gifford, we’re committed to supporting people at every stage of life, including during retirement. Last week, I shared exciting news: Gifford is partnering with Distinctive Living to manage the 49 apartments at Strode. This partnership marks a significant step forward—and this week, the process continued as the Distinctive Living team flew into Vermont to meet with our Strode residents and staff.
The overall feedback from both the residents and our hardworking team was positive. The meetings were candid and transparent, with a clear focus on open communication. I joined the Distinctive Living team for a panel discussion with residents, spending over 90 minutes discussing their concerns and answering questions. It was an invaluable opportunity to clear the air and ensure everyone was on the same page as we prepare for the changes taking effect Feb. 1.
Before leaving Strode, I took a moment to admire the breathtaking view of the Green Mountains in the distance (see picture above). It served as a powerful reminder of the incredible beauty of this place and why so many of us choose to live and work here.
On a different note, I want to address the recent developments regarding federal grant funds, including the freeze and subsequent unfreeze of grants. Every time the government takes action like this, our Senior Leadership Team is quick to respond, sorting through the details and making sure we are prepared. The freeze started and ended so fast that I did not communicate about it. Rest assured, we are hyper-aware of the federal situation right now. While we are not a political organization, we pay very close attention. We will continue to keep you updated as the federal situation evolves, particularly if federal policy choices attempt to interfere with our relationship with patients.
Stay tuned—we’ll be in touch with more details as things progress.
Michael
When It Rains, It Pours
Jan. 23, 2025
An exciting day in Gifford’s beloved Birthing Center today. We had a pipe burst, raining all over the nurses’ station and eventually much of the floor. Huge kudos to our awesome Birthing Center team, Facilities team members, and Environmental Services group for helping clean up. One thing I love about Gifford is that everyone, including Senior Leadership, helped to clean up the water as fast as possible. Check out the video here.
We are currently on diversion, but our goal is to have the Birthing Center up and running in the next few hours. Thanks to everyone for helping us weather this unusual midday rain shower.
Michael
What’s Up with AHEAD?
Jan. 20, 2025
Last week, the State of Vermont continued its health care reform journey. The governor signed the agreement for Vermont to enter the federal AHEAD Model in Cohort 2, starting January 1, 2027. Friday, the Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) voted to sign the agreement under very strict conditions, meaning the GMCB will automatically withdraw if its requirements are not met. This whole exercise is meant to bring about a decade long transformation project based on hospital global budgets, purported access to about $130 million a year in funds to invest in the state’s health system overall, and to continue and expand funding for primary care. There is also a commendable focus on health equity.
Overall, the AHEAD model, its parameters and timing as we transition from one federal administration to another, raises many question that currently lack answers. The model’s specific details, including the financial components for each hospital, remain unknown. The details will emerge over time. I’ll be in this conversation with others trying to figure out what it all means.
My advice to the Gifford team? Ignore this noise. The current debate in Montpelier changes nothing right now for Gifford. Our job is to improve our business and finances as rapidly as possible so Gifford can remain independent and return to being financially strong. Let’s keep our eye on the ball—a fitting saying as spring training and baseball season rapidly approaches!
Michael
Who Knows?
Jan. 16, 2025
People often ask what a CEO does each day. Much of the daily decision-making is handled by talented leaders within the organization. I focus on big picture leadership: this includes aligning teams, reviewing data, setting strategy, and engaging with partners. I focus on ethics and accountability as well. But what I really love about each day is (1) our amazing people and (2) the variety of tasks that come with the role.
Here’s a snapshot of my day yesterday, which gives you a sense of how much variety there can be.
- 8 a.m.: Medical Executive Team Meeting, which aligns clinical leaders with administration.
- 9 a.m.: Meet with HR Team and Interim HR Director, Ross Gibson, to discuss HR needs going forward.
- 10 a.m.: Quarterly FQHC team meeting to review grants and regulatory requirements.
- 11 a.m.: Interview with a Nurse Practitioner candidate.
- 11:30 a.m.: Strategy session with attorneys regarding ongoing lawsuits. The lesson here: let’s do the little things right now so we don’t have large legal problems later.
- 12:20 p.m.: Lunch in the cafeteria–enjoyed a 5-star wrap today.
- 1 p.m.: Discuss health care reform on WDEV radio with Copley Hospital CEO Joe Woodin.
- 2 p.m.: Meeting with bankers to review Gifford’s bonds and loans.
- 3:30 p.m.: Weekly Senior Management Team meeting to discuss current and future projects.
- 4:30 p.m.: Readiness meeting for the Maple Mountain Consortium, which is a new rural family medicine residency seeking accreditation.
Between these meetings, I can count on the unexpected—a drop-by or call informing me of an issue that needs my attention—and, like you, have the usual emails and voicemails to return.
And that’s a day.
What do you think? Would love your feedback on this blog post or anything else on your mind. My door is open.
Michael
I think you are doing a great job especially with communication.
Turkey and cheese on a spinach wrap with lettuce, onion, and light mayo. Made to perfection in the cafeteria!
So what kind of wrap was it!?
Thanks for sharing, Michael.
Leave a Reply