MARCH 2025
The Top HEALTHCARE LEADERS to Watch in
2025
Everything You Need to Know about Being an Ultrasound Technician Pg.26
Prescriptions for Excellence: Unveiling the 9 Best Hospitals in the USA for Optimal Healthcare Pg.34
CHRIS CHRISTIANSSON
Engineering Sustainable Energy for a Burnout- Proof Workforce
A Life With PURPOSE is a LIFE FULFILLED.
Skilled Nursing
Rehabilitation Services
Assisted Living
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EDITOR’S LETTER
Compassion Drives Healthcare’s Next Chapter
DearReaders,
Thefutureofhealthcareisbeingshapedbyinnovativeleaderswhoaretransformingworkplacewell-beingwith cutting-edgesolutionsandapeople-firstapproach.Thisevolutiongoesbeyondclinicaladvancements—it's aboutfosteringhealthierworkenvironments,promotingmentalwellness,anddrivingsustainablehealthcare outcomes.Today'shealthcarepioneersareredefiningindustrystandardsbychampioningemployeewell-being, boostingorganizationalresilience,andenhancingpatientcarethroughholisticstrategies.
Despitethechallengesofanevolvinghealthcarelandscape,thesetrailblazerscontinuetobreaknewground withvisionaryleadershipandtransformativepractices.Theirdedicationisnotonlyimprovinghealthcare operationsbutalsocreatingmeaningful,long-termimpactsonemployeesatisfactionandoverallwellness.
InthiseditionofGlobalHealthcareMagazine,“InnovatorsinWorkplaceWell-Being:TheTopHealthcare LeaderstoWatchin2025,”wespotlightforward-thinkingprofessionalswhoarerevolutionizinghealthcare practices.LeadingthisinfluentiallistisChrisChristiansson,thevisionaryCEOofAra.Health Witha missiontoredefineworkplacewellness,ChrisisdrivinginnovationbyintegratingAI-poweredhealthsolutions withpersonalizedcare.ThroughAra.Health'splatform,heisempoweringorganizationstoproactivelymanage employeehealth,enhanceproductivity,andreduceburnout.Hisdata-drivenapproachismakingwell-being initiativesmoreaccessible,efficient,andimpactful.
AlongsideChris,wecelebrateotherhealthcareinnovators,includingSarahGreenwayofMDTOnline, recognizedforherpioneeringtelehealthsolutions;MariaLevisofImpactivoConsulting,renownedforher strategichealthcareconsultingthatdrivessystemicchange;RitaMarieJohnsonofRasurFoundation International,whoseempathy-drivenprogramspromoteemotionalwell-being;andErinAsprecofMemorial HermannHealthSystem,knownforhertransformationalleadershipinadvancingpatientcareandemployee wellness.
Joinusasweexploretheirremarkablejourneysanddiscoverhowthesehealthcareleadersareshapinga healthier,moreresilientfuture.
HappyReading!
Tejas Tahmankar Project Editor
MANAGING
PROJECT
PROJECT
AMRUTA
VISUALIZER
GRAPHIC
HEAD
RESEARCH
( Cover Story )
ChrisChristiansson
Chris Christiansson
Engineering Sustainable Energy for a Burnout- Proof Workforce
Isolation from loved ones is an irreplaceable loss. True fulfillment comes from interaction, shared experiences, and deep connections with those who matter most.
In
today’sdemandingbusinessenvironment, burnoutposeswithnotimeforactiverecovery,a significantthreattosuccess.Professionalsare workingharder,faster,andlonger,whichleads toexhaustionanddecreasedperformance.While thishasbecomethenorm,itshouldn’tbe acceptedassuch.Fortunately,oneleaderis takingactiontochangethisconcerningtrend:
Chris
Christiansson,theFounderand ProgramDirectorofARA.Health
ChrisisaHarvard-trainedexpertinhuman health,specializinginhowourbodiesfunction andbreathingtherapy.Hewasalsoeducatedat theProfessionalSchoolofBehavioralHealth Sciences.Throughhiswork,heisleadinga science-basedmovementaimedatfostering sustainablehealthyperformance.Thisisthe storyofChris,apioneerinperformance enhancement,whoisworkingonengineeringa futurewheretheworkforcecanthrivewithout burningout.
FromAthletetoArchitectofWellbeing
ChrisChristiansson’spathtobecomingaleading voiceinsustainableperformancestartedinthe excitingworldofsports.Asaformerskiing athletewholovedpushinghislimits,Chris, originallyfromStockholm,learnedfirsthandthe vitalconnectionbetweenhardworkand adequaterest.Inthe1970s,hepromotedsports andmotivatedbusinessesforwell-knownbrands suchasMarlboroLeisureWearandSalomonski bindings,experiencesthatwerevitalin managinghigh-pressureevents.
AsChrispointsout,“Managingbigevents taughtmetobeprecise,flexible,andtolead underpressure.Ihadtoperfectlyintegrate differentteamsandgoals–skillsthatproved incrediblyusefullaterinmybusinesscareer.”
Movingintothecorporateworldinthelate 1980s,ChrisChristianssonobservedatroubling trend:thebalancebetweenworkandlifewas
disappearing.Thefirstsolutiontothat problem,leveraginghissportsbackground andbusinesssense,wasthedevelopmentof BodyEquilibriumTraining(BET)
Thisinnovativeprogramwasdesignedto improvehealthandperformancein demandingworkenvironments.Chris explainsthathisapproach,usingthe“human functioncurvemodel”,waswell-received byleaders,asitillustratedtheprogression fromhealthyperformanceto“over-use–fatigueandunhealthyperformance.”
Driventounderstandmoreanddeepenhis program’simpact,Chrisconductedparallel studieswithtopprofessorsmostlyinthe USA.Heexploredhowourbodiesbehave understress,thescienceofbreathing,the connectionbetweenmindandbody,andhow heartratevariabilitychangeswithstress.This intensecontinuouseducationprovidedhim with“advancedscientificmethodsfor managingenergyandtime,usingmindbodytechniquesfortopperformance.”
Foryears,Christravelledtheworldwitha mobiletrainingcenterandateamof3or4 experts.“Travelingwithamobilecampus, ourteamofexpertsconductedtests, workshops,andcoachingforleadersinbig companies.Overtheyears,wetrained over5,000executivesandleaders.Our clientswereveryhappywiththeresults,” Chrisrecalls.Hisapproachwashands-on, focusedonresults,andmadeareal difference,earninghimpraiseandchanging companyculturesworldwide.
Evenwiththeriseofdigitaltools,starting around2004withonlineplatformsand acceleratingwithsmartphonesinthe2010s, Chrisremainedinnovative.Helaunchedthe firstonlinelearningcampusin2006to broadenhisimpact,alwaysadaptingtothe changingneedsoftoday’sprofessionalsinan eraof“constantconnectivity.”Hismethods, basedonunderstandingbody,mind,emotion, behaviorandpracticaluse,resonatedwith leadersfacingincreasingworkplace pressures.
TheModernEpidemic:Why“Over-effort”is theNewEarlyBurnout
ChrisChristiansson’sextensiveworkoverthepast 30yearshasgivenhimaclearviewoftoday’s workplace.Inaworldobsessedwith“performance, pressure,andspeed,”peoplearetrappedinacycle of“doingmorewithless,alwaysracingtoan endlessfinishline.”Asaresult,theirbodies,minds, andemotionsbecomeoverstimulated,leavinglittle timeforrest.Manypeoplecometoacceptthis constantstateofoverdriveasnormal.
Heclarifies,“Burnout,whetherearlyorfull,isa commonproblemtodaybecauseoftheconstant performancedemands,pressure,andspeedin ourworkinglives.Thispushespeopletodo morewithlessandracetowardsafinishline thatneverappears.Eventually,theyrisk reachingabreakingpoint,showingearly burnoutsignslikeabehaviourof“rushingfor morewithoutrecovery”resultinginaracing heart,lowenergy,poorsleep,increasedeffort, blamingothers,panicattacks,anddifficulty makingdecisions.”
“ Many rush through life, forgetting that family is our foundation. One way to maintain this is through the 3P's— Personal (purpose to flourish), Private (keep family & friends harmony and traditions alive), and Professional (engagement, achievements and growth)—a framework that fosters regular connection and keeps family traditions alive.
Cover Story
Tofightthisgrowingexhaustion,Chris recentlydevelopedanewconcept: Over-effortsyndrome(OES).OESis awaytounderstandanddealwithearly burnout.Hedefinesitas“atypeof learnedunhealthybehaviouralphysiologypattern.”
Chrisdrawsastrongcomparison betweenOESandOver-training syndrome(OTS)inathletes.OESis similartoOver-trainingsyndrome (OTS),whichhappenswhenathletes failtorecoveradequatelyafterintense training.
ChrisemphasizesthatbothOESand OTS,ifignored,becomedeeplyset.
“Whenrepeatedandnottreated, bothOESandOTSbecomelearned unhealthyresponses—abehavioral physiologyhealthproblemthat affectswork,homelife,relationships, morale,performance,andoveralllife quality,”hewarns.
ARA.Health:BuildingaNewEraof WorkplaceWellbeing
Drivenbyhisdeepunderstandingof theburnoutproblemandtheurgent needforsolutions,ChrisChristiansson foundedARA.Health(ActiveRecovery Academy)duringthechallengingtimes oftheCOVID-19pandemic.He recognizedthatthisglobaleventhad intensifiedpressuresonprofessionals, forcingthemtodealwithphysicaland mentaltiredness,isolation,andthe difficultiesofvirtualwork,allwhile managingteamandcompany expectations.
Teamingupwithagroupofpartners, Chrisestablishedin2023ARA.Health inRougemont,Switzerland.Theirgoal isclear:“tocreatearesidential educationcentreandclinicoffering masterclassesinSustainableHealthy Performanceforexecutivesand leaders.”
ARA.Health’sprogramsaregroundedinscientificresearch andpersonalizedinsights.Backedbyevidenceandrealworldexperiencefromformerathletes,medicineand performanceexperts,thecompanyprovidesaproven programstructuredesignedtoempowerleadersandteams. Thisprogramhelpsthemdevelopessentialin-demand robustnessskillsandresiliencetechniquesbypromoting coherencebreathingandmindfulawarenessandproactive energymanagementthroughactiverecovery.
ARAHealth’sofferingsareinspiringbecausetheygo beyondtypicalwell-beingsolutions.Theyprovide individuals,particularlyleaders,withpersonalized, science-backedmethodstoenhancetheircognitive robustnessandresilience,mentalclarity,andsustainable performance.Moreover,ARA’sprogramcombines assessments,expertsupport,andpracticalstrategiestohelp leadersperformattheirbest.
TheARAEdge:HarnessingBiofeedback,E-Zone, andthe“BusinessAthlete”Within
Chrishighlightstheimportantroleofbiofeedback technology.Byusingscience-basedbiofeedback devicesandappstomeasureandmonitorCO2 breathing,HeartRateVariability,AutonomicNervous Systemactivities,andneurofeedback,clientscansee theirbody’sreal-timeresponsesandlearntoselfregulate.Thishelpsthemdevelopnaturalhealthy responsesinsteadofautomaticunhealthystress reactions.
Chrisnotesthisbiofeedbackintegrationisvital, “Thisisaveryvitalskillathleteshavelearnedto fosterwhenitfeelsrightinperformingattheir best.”
HisE-zonemethodoffersapracticalframeworkfor usingtheseinsights.Itfocusesonthe“interrelated behaviorprocess”where“howyoufeel,think, behave,andperform”arealllinked.This comprehensiveapproachleadstolasting,sustainable
improvement,reflectingtheunderstandingthat “howyoufeel,think,behave,andperformis aninterrelatedbehaviouralphysiology process.”
Furthermore,Chrisaimstodevelopa “businessathlete”mindsetinleaders.Justas athletestrainhardtooptimizeperformance, handlepressure,andrecovereffectively ARA.Healthprovidesbusinessleaderswith similarscience-backedtoolsandtechniquesto achieveoptimalhealthyperformanceand lastingwell-beingintheirdemandingcareers.
Moreover,ARA.Health’smethodologyusesa profound“inside-outapproach”toidentify stressors,analyzeresponses,andfosterlasting change,creating“strongerpurposeand efficiency…tothriveandfindsatisfaction.” Progressismeasuredwith“beforeandafter measurements,”ensuringimpactful, consistentresultsgloballythroughaffiliated partners.
PersonalExperience&UniversalApplication
ChrisChristiansson’sdeepknowledgeofin-demand robustnessskills,resiliencetrainingandoptimal healthyperformanceisn’tjustacademic;itcomes fromhisownlifeexperiences.“Basedonmysports, mountaineering,sailingandleadership experiences,Ilearnedto‘takechargeintough moments,’stayfocused,anduseproactive thinkingtoanticipateandovercomerisks,”he shares.
Chrishastranslatedthesepersonalinsightsintoa powerful,science-backedmethod.“This fundamentalknowledgeIhaveusedinresearchto understandbodysignalsbeforetheybecome obvioussymptomsandadaptedthisintotraining programsandcoachingmethods,”heexplains.
Heemphasizesthecrucialroleoftheheartinmental well-being.“Weknowtheheartiskeytoour mentalstate.Tomanagebadmemories,fearof failure,andperformanceanxiety,usingself-talkto bringheart,breath,andmindintosyncisvery effective,”Chrisadvises.Heunderstandsthe connectionbetweenbody,mind,emotionsand behaviour,andARA.Health’smethodisdesignedto harmonizethese,promotingin-demandrobustness skills,resiliencetechnicsandmentalclarity
Chrisemphasizestheimportanceofpreparation, focus,andrecoverybydrawinglessonsfrom competitivesports.Thekeytakeawayisthatone shouldpreparethoroughlyenoughtovisualizethe raceasclearlyasifitwererightinfrontofyou.It’s essentialtodeveloprobustskillstohandlethe momenteffectivelyandtoincorporateactive recoverytoensurereadinessforthenextchallenge.
“Thinkofatoptennisplayerquicklyregaining energyaftereachballtomaintainpeak performance—it’satrainedpatternthatbecomes natural.Intoday’sbusinessworld,thisiswhatwe atARAteachbusinessathletes—it’sessentialand nottaughtinbusinessschools.”
7-MinuteDailySelf-Assessment&Biofeedback
Chrischampionspractical,dailyroutineslike“a7-10 -minutemorningritualwithresonantfrequency breathing,”usingtoolslikebiofeedbackappslike
HeartRate+orHeartRate4Biofeedbackto trackreal-timebodyresponses.Heexplains thespecificsofthismind-bodycoherence ritual:
“The4:6inhale-exhaleratiois particularlyeffective...Usingappslike HeartRate+orHeartRate4Biofeedback allowsyoutotrackreal-time physiologicalresponses.Engaginginthis morningroutinefor7-10–20minutesina neutralmoodhelpssetacomposedand proactivemindsetfortheday.”
Hestresses,“Consistencyiskey—doingit dailyenhancesthebiofeedbackeffect overtime.”
Furthermore,Chrisaddstohismorning routine:“Enhancemyearlymorning(6 Am),drinkingwater,thenthemindbody coherencepractice,makingafresh pressedlemonjuice,eatingakiwianda banana,enjoyamomentwithagreentea isagoodcontinuumofanearlymorning start.Thisgivesagoodvitaminboost, energy,andasmoothstartbeforea trainingsessionorworkassignment. Breakfastcomeslater.”
OvercomingBarriers&Buildinga Legacy
Chrisisrealisticaboutthechallengesof implementingeffectivewellbeingprograms incompanies.Heunderstandsthecommon obstaclesthatcanundermineeventhemost well-intentionedefforts.Whenthe program’smessagingisn’taddressed properly,manyemployeesmaychoosenot toparticipateduetoalackoftime,unclear benefits,oradislikeforexercise.Others mayviewtheirhealthasapersonalmatter ormistrustmanagement’sintentions.
Heemphasizesthat“Onekeychallengeis rethinkinghowtheprogramis presented—creatingtherightawareness andengagementaboutpersonalbenefits. Thiswillimproveenrollmentandlongtermculturalimpact.”
Chrisisalsoawareofthelimitationswhen corporatewellbeingistreatedassecondary. “Companiesmustbewillingtocommittothe learningprocess,ensuringtheorganizational changesaswelltothebetterratherthan treatingasanicetohaveandbudget-cutting afterthoughtorcorporatelipservice,”he states.
AddressingHybridWorkChallenges
Chrisaddressestheuniquechallengesoftoday's hybridworkenvironment.
“Hybridworkbringsnewchallenges.Clear expectationsandthoroughexplanationsare essentialtoensuretasksareunderstoodby everyone.Thelackofin-personinteractionadds complexity,asbodylanguageishardertoread, requiringnewskillsandself-management policies.Successinahybridsetupdependson cleargoals,regularcheck-ins,andshared control—likemanagingamountainclimboran aircraftcockpit,wherecontinuouscheckingand adjustingarekey,”assertsChris.
“However,thisprocessisoftenseenas micromanagementorsimplyignoreddueto timepressure.Overall,thechallengeis managingtheoverwhelmingflowof information,whichoftenexceedsour capacity,makingithardtodelivereffectively andontime.Maintaininghealthyenergyflow canbechallengingwhenpersonalandprivate issuesinterferewithworkplans,”headds.
Chrisalsounderstandsthathybridwork demandsnewskills—clearunderstandingof expectations,prioritiesandcommunication, self-managementwithenergyawareness—skills thatARA.Healthisuniquelypositionedto developleadersandteams.
VisionfortheFuture:MSHP
optimal“EETFlowManagement”(Energy, Expectations,Time).Thisapproachaimstoprevent risksthatcanleadtoteaminefficiencyand organizationalturbulence.
HebelievesthatanMSHPwillbecomeasessential forfutureleadersasanMBAistoday,recognizing thatsustainablehealthyperformance,in-demand robustnessskillstomanageinflowofdemands, resiliencetechnics,andenergymanagementarenot optionalbutarecoreleadershipskillsforthe21st century
Additionally,Chrisisenthusiasticabout advancementsinhealthtechnology These technologiesnowenableindividualstomonitorkey healthindicators,andorganizationsareoffering employeestoolsfordailyself-checksandquarterly in-companyhealthassessments.
ChrisChristiansson’sLegacy
Chris’slegacythroughARA.Healthisbothambitious anddeeplyimpactful.ARAiscommittedto revolutionizingenergyflowmanagement,ensuring thatindividualscankeeppacewiththedemandsof modernlifewhilepreventingearlyburnoutamong employers,leaders,andemployees.
“Ourmissionistohelptheglobalworkforce combatenergydepletionandsustainhealthy performance,”Chrisemphasizes.Byintegratingan innovativeAIhealthadvisorwithahybridapproach, ARA.Healthempowersindividualstomaintainlongtermproductivity,well-being,andbalanceacross theirprofessional,privateandpersonallives.
WithavisiontofosteracultureofSustainable HealthyPerformance,ARAispavingthewayfora healthier,morerobustandresilientglobalworkforce. “Wedon’tjustaddressburnout—wehelpprevent itbeforeitbegins,”Chrisaffirms.
Chrisenvisionsafuturewhereobtaininga Master’sinSustainableHealthyPerformance (MSHP)willequipindividualswiththeskillsto apply“businessathlete”principles,performat optimalhealthylevelsunderpressure,and effectivelymanageenergyandtimethrough www.arahealth.ch
Providing ABA 1-to-1 therapy in your home
Offering social skills training and groups
Supplying community-based training
Supplying prevocational training at an early age
Providing parents and family members with training, too
Chanie Gluck
Chanie Gluck
Erin Asprec www.memorialhermann.org
Joseph Hogan www.aligntech.com
Chris Christiansson www.arahealth.ch
Frank Corcoran www.svhnm.org
Lawrence Tabak www.nih.gov
Maria Levis www.impactivo.com
Sarah Greenway www.mdtonline.co.uk
Rita Marie Johnson www.connectionpractice.org
Swati Matta www.koblecares.com
Executive Vice President and COO
ERIN ASPREC
Guiding Memorial Hermann into a New Era of Healthcare Transformation
ErinAsprec’sjourneytobecoming
ExecutiveVicePresidentandChief OperatingOfficer(COO)atMemorial HermannHealthSystemrepresentsmorethana careermilestone—itmarksthebeginningofanew eraforoneofTexas’slargesthealthsystems. Asprechascarvedoutherroleasatransformative leaderwhothrivesonturningchallengesinto opportunities.Herappointmenttooversee17 hospitalsand300outpatientclinicsisn’tjustabout steppingintoahigherrole;it’saboutexecutinga visionthatreshapesthefutureofhealthcare delivery.
Asprecdoesn’tsettleforthestatusquo.Shesees thelandscapeofhealthcarenotasitisbutasit couldbe.Hercareerpath—fromherearlydaysin businessdevelopmenttoherpivotalrolein clinicaltransformation—revealsaleaderwho driveschangewithprecisionandafocuson measurableoutcomes.
ShapingaStrategicVisionfromtheGroundUp
Asprec’sleadershipjourneybeganwhenshe joinedMemorialHermannin2002.Fromthestart, shebroughtastrategicmindset,servingas DirectorofBusinessDevelopmentandlaterasthe ExecutiveLiaisontotheCEO.Itwasn'tlong beforeshemovedintooperations,leadingthe MemorialHermannHeart&VascularInstitute, wheresheoversawits265,000-square-footfacility and147beds.
Asprecdirectedtheconstructionofthisstate-ofthe-artinstitute,ensuringeverydetailalignedwith thehigheststandardsofpatientcare.Herrole wasn’tlimitedtologistics;sheshapedtheclinical
andoperationalframeworkthatwouldturnthe facilityintoacenterofexcellence.Thisearly leadershipexperiencegaveherthetoolstothinknot onlyasanoperatorbutalsoasastrategist.
ElevatingHospitalOperationstoUnmatched Standards
WhenAsprectookoverasCEOofMemorial HermannSoutheastHospitalin2010,shefaceda complexsetofchallenges.Ratherthanbeing daunted,sheseizedtheopportunitytoexpand criticalservicelines—oncology,orthopedics,heart andvascularcare,andneurosciences.Herfocuson theseareaswasn’trandom;sheidentifiedthemas thecorepillarsthatwoulddrivepatientoutcomes andpositionthehospitalasaleadingproviderof specializedcare.
Asprecdidn’tjustgrowtheseservicelines;shebuilt partnershipswiththeUniversityofTexasMedical Schooltorecruittopphysicians.Sheconstructed newmodelsofcollaborationthatbroughtacademic medicineandcommunity-basedcaretogether, ensuringthatpatientsreceivedcutting-edge treatmentfromhighlyskilledprofessionals.Her abilitytofosterthesepartnershipssetthestagefor MemorialHermann'scontinuousgrowthand innovation.
TakingonSystem-WideLeadershipwith Precision
In2015,Asprec’sleadershipscopeexpanded dramaticallywhenshewasnamedSeniorVice PresidentandRegionalPresidentofMemorial Hermann’sSouthRegion.Shetookchargeofa networkthatincludedmultiplehospitalsand44
ambulatorycaresites,steeringtheirintegrationintoa cohesiveregionalsystem.Asprecimplemented strategiesthatharmonizedoperationsacrossallsites, creatingaunifiedapproachtopatientcarethat optimizedresourcesandimprovedefficiencies.
Asprec’smovetoaservicelineoperatingmodelwasn’t justanadministrativeshift;itwasafundamentalchange inhowMemorialHermanndelivershealthcare.She focusedonbreakingdownsiloswithinthesystemto createaseamlesspatientexperienceacrosstheentire carecontinuum.Thisapproachhasnotonlyenhanced patientoutcomesbuthasalsomadecaredeliverymore cost-effectiveandcoordinated.
PioneeringWomen’sLeadershipinHealthcare
Asprec’sinfluencegoesbeyondheroperational achievements;shehasbeenavocaladvocateforwomen inleadership.ShefoundedWomenLeadersofMemorial Hermann(WLMH),aprogramdesignedtoempower andsupportwomeninhealthcare.ThroughWLMH, Asprechasbuiltaculturethatencourageswomento stepintoleadershiprolesandmakeanimpactboth withinMemorialHermannandthebroadercommunity.
Herdedicationtofosteringleadershipdiversityisn’tjust asideinitiative;it’sacorepartofhervisionfora modern,inclusivehealthcareenvironment.Bycreating thisplatformforwomenleaders,Asprecensuresthat MemorialHermanncultivatestalentthatreflectsthe diversityofthecommunitiesitserves.
GuidingPolicyandIndustryStandards
Asprec’scommitmenttohealthcareextendsbeyondher roleatMemorialHermann.Shehasplayedacrucialpart inshapinghealthpolicythroughherworkwiththe TexasHospitalAssociation(THA)andtheAmerican HospitalAssociation(AHA).ServingontheTHA’s BoardofTrusteesandtheAHARegionalPolicyBoard, Asprechasinfluencedpoliciesthataimtomake healthcaremoreaccessible,affordable,andhigh-quality acrossTexas.
Hereffortsintheserolesaren’tjustaboutadvocacy; theytranslateintoreal-worldimpactsthatbenefit patientsandprovidersalike.Asprecuseshervoiceto pushforindustry-widestandardsthatprioritizepatient safety,streamlinecaredelivery,andensurethatevery individualhasaccesstothecaretheyneed.
SettingtheStageforaNewHealthcareEra
AsshestepsintoherroleasCOO,Asprec’sfocusremainslasersharpontransformingMemorialHermannintoaleaderinvaluebasedcare.Herapproachcentersonaligningtheorganization’s serviceswiththeneedsofitspatients,creatingahealthcare systemthatnotonlytreatsillnessbutactivelypromotes wellness.SheaimstomakeMemorialHermannthemodelfor howhealthcareorganizationscandeliverhigh-qualitycareina rapidlyevolvingindustry.
DavidCallender,MD,PresidentandCEOofMemorial Hermann,underscoresAsprec’simportanceinthis transformation,highlightingheruniqueabilitytointegrate consumer-focusedstrategieswithclinicalexcellence.Hetrusts thatherleadershipwilldrivetheorganization’smissionto deliverexceptional,coordinated,andinnovativecareforthe communitiesitserves.
AVisionforCommunityHealthBeyondBorders
Asprec’svisiongoesfarbeyondMemorialHermann’swalls. Sheseestheorganizationnotjustasahealthcareproviderbutas acatalystforhealthiercommunitiesacrossHoustonandbeyond. Asprec’scommitmenttovalue-basedcaredriveshertoensure thatMemorialHermanndoesn’tjustreacttoindustry changes—itleadsthem.
“MemorialHermannhasalwaysbeenattheforefrontofindustry changes,”Asprecstates.“Ilookforwardtohelpingthe organizationfulfillitsvisionforthefutureandsetnewstandards forhealthcarehereandbeyond.”
LeadingwithPurpose,ShapingtheFuture
ErinAsprec’sappointmentasCOOofMemorialHermann HealthSystemsignalsapowerfulshifttowardstrategicgrowth andinnovation.Herjourney—fromdrivinghospitaloperations tospearheadingsystem-widetransformation—demonstratesher commitmenttopushingboundariesandredefininghealthcare delivery.Asprec’sleadershipgoesbeyondmanaging;she envisionsahealthcaresystemthatleadsthewayinvalue-based care,communityimpact,andleadershipdiversity
AssheguidesMemorialHermannintothisnewera,Asprec standsastheepitomeofaleaderwhonotonlymeetsthe demandsoftoday’shealthcarechallengesbutalsoanticipates andshapesthesolutionsoftomorrow.Herfocusondelivering exceptionalcareanddrivingsystemicchangepositions MemorialHermanntosetnewbenchmarksinhealthcare, impactinglivesnotjustinHoustonbutacrossthenation.
Everything You Need to Know about Being an
Didyouknowthat “around 63,317 ultrasound technicians are currently employed in the United States?” As
thehealthcareindustry,continuestogrow,thedemandforaskilledultrasoundtechnicianisalsorising.
Interestingly,theroleofanultrasoundtechnicianisdynamicandessentialinthemedicalfield.Fromdiagnosing conditionstoprovidingimportantinformationtodoctors,ultrasoundtechnicians,playacrucialpartinpatientcare.In thisblog,youwilllearneverythingyouneedtoknowaboutthisextraordinaryprofession.So,let’sgetstarted!
Whatisultrasoundtechnology?
Ultrasoundtechnologyisalsoknownassonography.Indeed,itisaremarkablediagnosticmedicalimagingtechnique. Moreover,itallowsustovisualizetheinternalstructures,ofthebodywithoutinvasiveprocedures.
Importantly,theultrasoundtechsuseaspecialdevicecalledatransducer And,whenthistransducerisplacedonthe body,itemitshigh-frequencysoundwaves.Additionally,thesesoundwavesbounceofforgans,muscles,blood vessels,andotherstructuresinsidethebody.Also,theechoesarecapturedandtransformedintodetailedimages displayedonacomputerscreen.
Whoisanultrasoundtechnician?
Anultrasoundtechnicianisalsoknownasadiagnostic medicalsonographer Thisisahealthcareprofessionalwho operatesspecializedimagingequipmentandtools.Therefore, theirprimaryassignmentis,tocreateimagesofvariousbody parts,usingsoundwaves.Theseimageshelpdoctorsandother healthcareproviderstodiagnosethemedicalcondition.
Typeofdiagnosticmedicalsonographers
●AbdominalSonographers
Theseexpertsspecializeincapturingimagesoftheabdominal cavityandnearbyorgansliketheliver,kidneys,pancreas, gallbladder,andspleen.
●BreastSonographers
Thesetypesofsonographersfocusonimagingbreasttissue, helpingconfirmthepresenceofcystsortumors.
●NeuroSonographer
Neurosonographerscreateimagesofthebrainandnervous system,helpingtodiagnoseneurologicalconditions.
●CardiacSonographers(Echocardiographers)
Theseskilledprofessionalsspecializeinimagingtheheart. Theyassessheartfunction,valves,andbloodflow.
●MusculoskeletalSonographers
Theycreateimagesofmuscles,ligaments,tendons,andjoints, helpingdiagnosemusculoskeletalissues.
●PediatricSonographers
Pediatricspecialistsworkwithchildren,capturingimagesof variousbodypartscustomizedforyoungpatients.
●ObstetricandGynecologicSonographers
Theseexpertsfocusonimagingthefemalereproductive systemduringpregnancyandgynecologicalexams.
●VascularTechnologists(VascularSonographers)
Vascularsonographersspecializeinimagingbloodvessels, assessingbloodflow,anddetectingblockages.
Importanceofultrasoundtechnicians
●Theyarelikediagnosticdetectives!Importantly,they managesoundwavesverywell.Theycreateimagesof ourinsides,helpingdoctorssolvemedicalmysteries withoutsurgery.Moreover,theyarelikeSherlock Holmeswithatransducer!
●Whenyourheartfluttersorskipsabeat,cardiac sonographerslisten!Undoubtedly,theycaptureitin2D and3Dformstohelpyoustayalive.
●However,theyaretheoneswhohelpdoctorsassess anddiagnosepatientsaccurately,guidingmedical treatmentswiththeimages.
●Ultrasoundtechnicianscontributetohealthcareby providinginformation,notjustaboutthebodiesof adultsbutalsothebabies.Forinstance,pediatric sonographersscaledown,totoddlersizetoexplorethe problemsintheorgans.
●Briefly,anultrasoundtechnicianislikeaherotoour organswhisperingwiththeirsupport,“Fearnot,dear organs,we'vegotthis!”
Whatdoesanultrasoundtechniciando?
●Anultrasoundtechnicianoperatesspecialized technicalequipmenttocaptureimagesofhuman anatomy.
●Theyapplygeltotheskinandglideasmalldevice, calleda‘transducer’overthearea,ofexamination. Thetransduceremitssoundwaves,whichbounceoff internalstructuresandcreatedetailedimages.
●However,theultrasoundtechnicianmostlyworks withphysicians.
●Aftercapturingimages,theysharethemwith doctorsforassessmentanddiagnosis.Theseimages helpidentifyissueswithinorgans,tissues,andother structures.
●Importantly,theseultrasoundtechniciansalso ensure,thatultrasoundequipmentisarranged correctlywithappropriatesettings.
●Also,theyadjustsettingsliketuningaradio station,togetclearimagesforthebestoutputduring theprocess.
●Oncethey’vecollectedimages,ultrasound technicians,examinethem,carefully.
●Theypreparereportssummarizingtheirfindings. And,thesereportsguidedoctorsinmakinginformed decisionsaboutpatientcare.
Howtobecomeanultrasoundtechnician?
●Firstly,startbyearning,yourhighschooldiploma oraGeneralEducationDevelopment(GED) certificate.Well,thiswillqualifyyouforadmission toanaccreditedsonographyprogram.
●Nowapplytoaccreditedsonographyprograms.And, heretheadmissionrequirementsmayincludeofficial transcripts,entranceexams,andtestingphysicalabilities withactivitieslikelifting50pounds.
●Accreditationmattersalot!So,checktheprogram’s statuswiththeCommissiononAccreditationofAllied HealthEducationPrograms(CAAHEP).
●Therearemany,collegesandhospitals,wherethe CAAHEPhasaccredited150sonographytraining programs.
●Nowtoqualifyforacertificateandemployment,earna degreeinmedicalsonography
●Onceyoucompleteyoursonographyprogram,certify yourselfwiththeAmericanRegistryforDiagnostic MedicalSonography(ARDMS®).
●Youcanchoosefrom:
●One-yearcertificate
●Two-yearassociatedegree
●Four-yearbachelor’sdegree
●Additionally,learntooperateultrasoundequipment, communicatewithpatients,andanalyzeultrasoundimages.
●Nowfinally,gainproperexperience.Alwaysremember thatinternshipsorentry-leveljobsunderexperienced techniciansprovidevaluablehands-onexperience.
Asof2024,whatistheaveragesalaryofanultrasound technician?
Theaveragesalaryofaskilledultrasoundtechnicianinthe USAis$92,269perannumor$44.36perhour
Interestingly,freshersforthispositioncanmakeupto $72,408p.a.Besides,themostexperiencedworkerscan makeanamountof$133,558peryear.
EndNote
Asweconcludeourjourneythroughtheworldofan ultrasoundtechnician,werealizethattheirroleisboth fulfillingandimpactful.Iamsure,thisblogwas informativeenoughforyoutoknoweverythingabout ultrasoundtechnicians.So,ifyouareinspired,bythis valuableinformation,shareitwithyournetworktospread thewordtoday!
TheU.S.healthcaresystem,despiteitsvast financialresources,facessignificant challenges.Thecountryranks69thinlife expectancyworldwide,eventhoughitfaroutspendsany countryinpercapitahealthexpenditureleadingtoaloss oftrustamongthoseitaimstoserve.Providersexpress frustration,patientsfeeloverwhelmed,andthesystem’s effectivenessisunderscrutiny.However,amidstthese challenges,therearesignsofhope.Innovativecare models,technology,andcommunity-driveninitiatives suggestthattransformationiswithinreach.
LeadingtheseeffortsisMariaLevis,Founderand CEOofImpactivoConsulting.Shebelievesthatthe keytoahealthierfutureliesinhumaninteractions,not justinpolicyortechnology.Forthepastdecades,she hasworkedwithmedicallyunderservedcommunitiesto improvetheirhealthwithextraordinaryresults.
“Weareaverylongwayfromachievingourgoalsfor improvingthehealthofourNation,however,pocketsof transformationareundeniable.Wehaveseenhowhealth centerscanimprovealltheirqualitymetricsby optimizinghumaninteractionswiththehelpof technology.Wehaveseenhowfacilitatingenhanced team-basedcarecansustainimprovementsintype-2 diabetescontrol.Andwehaveseenhowcommunity healthworkershavebroughtpeoplebackfromthebrink ofdespair.”
Allthishasledtohavingadeepconvictionthathealth systemtransformationneedstobeginbyinvestinginthe wellbeingofourworkforce.
Maria’sjourneyintohealthpolicyandmanagement beganwithlessonsofempathyfromhergrandmothers, whoseresilienceanddedicationtohelpingothersdeeply influencedher Whileworkingwithpeopleexperiencing homelessness,Mariaquicklyidentifiedthesystemic gapscontributingtopovertyandpoorhealth.These experiencesledhertopursueadvancedstudiesat HarvardUniversityinhealthpolicyandmanagement, whereshefoundasystemmorefocusedontreating illnessthanpromotinghealth.
Apersonalhealthcrisislatershiftedherperspective. Mariarealizedthattruetransformationcouldn’tbe achievedthroughpolicy,finance,andstructuresalone. Instead,itneedsaculturalshift—onethatsupports individualsatalllevelsofthesystemandencourages themtoprioritizehealthyliving.
ThisledhertoestablishImpactivo,aimingtoreshape healthpoliciesanddriveabroaderculturalshifttoward healthandwell-being.Asaminority-andwomen-owned businesswithoveradecadeofexperience,Impactivo addresseschallengesinhealthcarewithahands-on approach.Thefirm’sexpertiseinresearch,patientcenteredinnovation,implementation,interprofessional collaboration,planning,policy,paymentreform, leadershipdevelopment,andworkforcewell-being makesitatrustedpartnerfororganizationsseekingto improvebothpatientandprovideroutcomes.
ImpactwithPurpose:JourneytowardsANew HealthCare
Mariadidn’twaitfortheperfectopportunitytoengage intransformativework;shecreatedit.Whennojob allowedhertofullyreshapehealthsystems,she convincedorganizationstolethersupportthemin carryingouttheirinnovationprojects.Thisinitiativeled hertofoundImpactivo,aconsultingfirmfocusedon transformingsystemstopromotehealthforall.
Thename“Impactivo”blendstheSpanishwords “impacto”and“positivo,”reflectingthefirm’spurpose tomakeapositiveimpact.UnderMaria’sleadership, ImpactivopartnerswithinstitutionslikeHarvard University,StanfordMedicalSchool,Columbia University,CentralCaribbeanUniversity,andTexas A&Mtodevelopmodelsandconductresearchwith communities,focusingonhealthequityandfinancial sustainability.Mariastates, “We are a team that cares, with a data-driven approach that puts people first.”
EmpoweringHealthcareTransformation
Impactivofocusesonfivekeyareas:Workforce Empowerment,CommunityHealthandCareRedesign, ResearchandInnovation,StrategicAdvantageand Consulting,andFundingforInnovation.Thesefocus areashelphealthorganizationsimprovepatient outcomesandenhanceworkforcewell-beingand effectiveness.
AtthecoreofImpactivo’sworkliestheir I*AM Healthy Living Implementation Map. Thisprogram,basedon currentresearch,aimstostrengthenteameffectiveness andretentionbyimprovingrelationshipsandwell-being withinhealthorganizations.Moreover,itoffersa frameworkwithtools,technology,trainingsessions,and groupcoachingtailoredtotheneedsofhealthcareteams.
SteeringImpactivo’sStrategicVision
MarialeadsImpactivowithastrongfocusonhelping people.Assheputsit, “All else follows.” Sheoftendrives herjeeptovisitcommunities,whereshetalkswithpatients andfront-linestaff.Thisdirectengagementinspiresherand helpsherassesswhethertheirinitiativesareeffective. “It is where I learn if what we are doing works or doesn’t,” she explains.
Shealsoobservesthatmanyexecutivesbecomebogged downbypaymentpolicies,regulations,andproceduresthat dominatehealthcareinsteadoffocusingonenablinghealth. Mariabelievesthatcreatingvalueforpatientsultimately leadstochangesinpaymentpolicy “When the path is clear, people walk it.” Throughherapproach,Mariaguides Impactivotowardinfluencingpositivechangeinhealthcare bystayingconnectedtotheneedsofpatientsandfront-line workers.
MariaalsodescribesImpactivoasahighlycollaborative endeavor “We couldn’t do the work we do without the support of everyone in our health system, including patients. We see our clients as partners, and our industry as an ecosystem to nurture and support.”
TurningAdversityintoOpportunity
AsaHispanicwomaninamaledominatedindustry,the roadhasnotbeeneasyforMaria,however,herapproachto dealingwithwhatothersmayconsiderlimitationsisworth noting. AsMariaexplains, “I’ve come to understand that biases often stem from the other person’s limited understanding, not from my own capabilities, so I don’t take it personally.” Whenfacingjudgmentbasedonsuperficial impressions,Mariarespondswithcuriosity.Sheasks herselfabouttheotherperson’sbackgroundandvalues. Thisapproachusuallyhelpsherfindcommongroundand buildrelationshipsbasedonmutualrespectandhuman dignity.
InnovativeVirtualCareSolutions
OneofthestandoutprojectsledbyMariaLevisandher teamistheOptimizingVirtualCareProgram(OVC), developedincollaborationwiththeHospitalGeneralde CastañerinPuertoRico.FundedbytheHealthResources andServicesAdministration,thisinitiativedemonstrates howstrategicpartnerships,andinnovativeapproachescan achievesignificantresultsinunderservedcommunities. Specifically,theOVCprogrambridgesthegapbetween
patientsandhealthcareprovidersbyintegratingCommunity HealthWorkers(CHWs)intocareteamsalongsidenurses andprimarycaredoctors.
Theprogram’ssuccessisevidentfromitsresults.CHWs, usingtelemedicinekitsandvirtualcommunicationtools, deliverconsistent,well-coordinatedcaretopatientsin remoteareas.Thekeytothisapproachthatnotonly improvespatienthealthoutcomesbutalsoreduceshealthcare costsliesintheintegrationofcareforpatients.Preliminary datafromtheOVCprogramshowsa72%reductionincosts forhigh-costhighneedspatientscomparedtosimilar patientsatthesamehealthcenter Thisreduction,primarily duetoadecreaseinpatientanxiety,fewerhospitalizations, andlessemergencyroomvisits,followsfrommoretimely andorganizedcare.
“I get concerned when organizations develop standalone community health workers or telehealth solutions that are not integrated into patient’s care. The real waste in our health system lies in the silos that limit patients from being seen comprehensively.”
Furthermore,Mariahasspearheadedsimilarprojects, supportedbyorganizationssuchastheNationalScience Foundation,theCentersforMedicaidandMedicareServices, andtheNationalInstitutesofHealth.Thesecollaborations havethusenabledherteamtodevelopandscalecaremodels thatmakeatangibledifferenceinthelivesofpatientsand communities. Oneofthesemodels,firstpilotedinSalud IntegraldelaMontaña,iscurrentlybeingstudiedaspartofa studyfundedbytheNationalInstitutesofMinorityHealth.
PrioritizingWell-Being:Maria’sApproachtoWork-Life Balance
Mariamaintainsawork-lifebalancethatsupportsherwellbeing.Sheunderstandsthelifestylehabitsthatkeepher groundedandenergized.Eachday,shepracticesyogaand meditation,followstheprinciplesoflifestylemedicine,and prioritizesactivitiesthatbenefitherphysicalandmental health.Theseactivitiesincluderegularexercise,ahealthy diet,stressmanagement,strongrelationships,adequatesleep, andavoidingharmfulsubstances.
Mariabelievesthatavoidingburnoutinvolvescontinuingto dowhatmattersmostratherthansimplyworkingless. “What truly burns us out is when we stop doing what's important to us,” sheexplains.ForMaria,thisapproachmeansmaking timeforlovedonesandmaintainingherhealthyroutines, evenamidademandingcareer.
The
PeoplePrescription:ARoadmapforHealthSystem Transformation
Maria’snewbook,“ThePeoplePrescription,”isacompellingcall toactionforthoseinvestedintransformingtheU.S.healthcare system.Drawingondecadesofexperienceworkingwith underservedcommunitiesandcollaboratingwithtopinstitutions likeHarvard,Stanford,andColumbia,Mariaoffersapractical explorationofthesystemicissuesinhealthcare.Furthermore,the bookprovidesaroadmapforchange,focusedonputtingpeople first.
“ThePeoplePrescription”challengesreaderstoviewafocuson helpingpeoplelivehealthylivesasapowerfulactofdefianceina worldwherethehealthcaresystemoftenfailstosupportit.Maria’s uniqueperspective,gainedfromherexperiencesasbothapatient andaleader,revealsthetroublingdisconnectbetweenwhatpeople needtoprioritizeforhealthandthesystem’soveralleffectiveness. Thus,shearguesthattruetransformationbeginswithleaderswho prioritizetheirwell-being,enablingthemtodrivemeaningful change.
Advancing
HealthcarethroughWorkforce Well-beingandVirtualCareExpansion
Lookingahead,Mariahasambitiousplansfor hercompany,startingwiththenationalrolloutof the I*AM Healthy Living Implementation Map in 2025.Thisinitiativeiscentraltohervisionofa healthcaresystemthatprioritizesthewell-being ofitsworkforce. “Our healthcare professionals deserve to be healthy, and we are committed to supporting them in this effort,” Maria emphasizes.
Moreover,Mariaisexcitedaboutexpandingthe OptimizingVirtualCareProgramtounderserved communitiesacrossthecountry.Giventhe loomingworkforceshortages,shebelievesthis programcanrevolutionizecaredelivery.Through theseinitiatives,Mariaispositioningher companytoleadthechargeincreatingamore sustainableandequitablehealthcarefuture.
Change is indeed possible, and it is happening thanks to the relentless will of leaders who believe our people deserve better healthcare
Prescriptions for Excellence
Unveiling the 9 Best Hospitals in the USA for Optimal Healthcare
AreyouintheUnitedStatesandtryingtodecidewhich hospitaltochooseforyourhealthcareneeds?Ifthat’sthe case,yoursearchisover Whenitcomestohealthcare,it’s essentialtofindthebesthospitalsintheUSA.These institutionsareknownfortheirexcellence,providinghighqualitymedicalcareandservicestopeopleacrossthecountry. Inthisblog,ourgoalistohelpyoumakeaninformed decisionbypresentingalistofthetopninebesthospitalsin theUSAthatofferoutstandingtreatment.
1.MayoClinic
● WilliamWorrallMayo Founder:
● 1999 FoundationYear:
● RochesterUSA Headquarters:
● 2,059Beds BedCapacity:
TheMayoClinicconsistentlyranksasoneofthetophospitals intheU.S.News&WorldReporthospitalrankings.Itisalso renownedasoneofthebesthospitalsintheUSA,withover 70branchesacrossthecountry.Theclinicisknownfor providinghigh-qualityhealthcareandexcelsinvarious medicalspecialties,includingcancertreatmentand cardiology,includingheartsurgery.
OnenotableachievementoftheMayoClinicoccurredin2001 duringamajorhealthcrisiscausedbyanthrax-ladenlettersin theU.S.mail,whichresultedinfivedeathsand22illnesses. IncollaborationwithRocheDiagnostics,theMayoClinic developedarapidDNAtestcapableofdiagnosinganthrax exposurewithinanhour.
Currently,theMayoClinicisactivelytestingMicrosoft’s generativeAItoolswiththeaimofsimplifyingcomplex healthcareprocessesforhealthcareworkers.
2.ClevelandClinic
● GeorgeWashingtonCrile,Frank Founder: EmoryBunts,WilliamEdgarLower,and JohnPhillips
● 1921 FoundationYear:
● Cleveland,Ohio,USA Headquarters:
● 1,294Beds BedCapacity:
TheClevelandClinicconsistentlyranks secondonthelistofthebesthospitalsinthe USA.Italsoenjoysadistinguishedreputation forexcellenceincardiology,oncology,and orthopedics.Additionally,thehospitaliswellknownforitsgroundbreakingresearchand high-qualitypatientcare.Withaglobal presence,operating23branchesworldwide,it hasfirmlyestablisheditselfasaleaderinthe field.
Someofitsnotableachievementsincludethe following:In2019,itwitnessedthefirstNorth Americanbirthresultingfromadeceased donoruterinetransplant.Subsequently,in 2021,researchersattheclinicdevelopeda vaccinetopreventthedeadlytriple-negative breastcancer
Mostrecently,theClevelandClinicmade historybyperformingtheworld’sfirst-inhumangenetherapyforHypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
3.JohnsHopkinsHospital
● WilliamHenryWelch,William Founder: Stewart Halsted,WilliamOsler,and HowardKelly
● 1889 FoundationYear:
● Baltimore,Maryland,USA Headquarters:
● 1,091Beds BedCapacity:
JohnsHopkinsHospital,locatedinBaltimore, Maryland,isoneofthecountry’smosthighly regardedhealthcareinstitutions.Itservesasa teachingfacilityfortheJohnsHopkinsSchool ofMedicineandiswidelyknownforits innovativemedicalresearchandapproaches, particularlyinthefieldsofcancer,cardiology, andneurology.Itconsistentlyranksamongthe world'stopmedicalfacilities.
Thehospitaloperatesasasingleinstitution withmultiplefacilitiesonitsmaincampus andinthesurroundingarea.Inasignificant developmentin2016,thehospitalplayeda crucialroleinagroundbreakingstudythat confirmedalikelybiologicallinkbetweenthe Zikavirusandmicrocephaly,abirthdefect characterizedbyinfantshavingundersized headsandimpairedbraindevelopment.
Furthermore,inarecentannouncement,U.S. News&WorldReport’s2023–24Best HospitalslistrecognizedJohnsHopkins HospitalasanHonorRollhospital, reaffirmingitsprestigiouspositioninthe healthcarefield.
4.MassachusettsGeneralHospital
● FritzB.Talbot Founder:
● 1811 FoundationYear:
● Boston,Massachusetts, Headquarters: USA
● 1,059Beds BedCapacity:
MassachusettsGeneralHospital(MGH),one ofthelargesthospitalsintheUnitedStates,is ateachinginstitutionaffiliatedwithHarvard MedicalSchool.MGHconsistentlyranks amongthebesthospitalsintheUSAandis widelyacclaimedforitsexcellenceinvarious medicalspecialties,establishingitselfasa premierhealthcarefacilityworldwide.Itwas thefirsthospitalinthenationtoforman affiliationwithamedicalschool,settinga precedentinthefield.
MGHisparticularlyrenownedforits expertiseincardiovascularcare,heart-related treatments,andvascularsurgery.In2013,it achievedasignificantmilestoneby successfullyperformingthefirstface transplantintheUnitedStates.In2017,MGH madehistoryonceagainbyconductingthe firstsuccessfuluterustransplantintheUnited States.
Notably,theMassachusettsGeneralCancer Centerrecentlyreceivedasubstantial donation,markingahistoricmomentinits ongoingeffortstoadvancecancerresearch.
5,DukeUniversityHospital
● JamesBDuke Founder:
● 1925 FoundationYear:
● Durham,NorthCarolina,USA Headquarters:
● 1,048Beds BedCapacity:
DukeUniversityHospitalservesastheprimaryteaching hospitalwithintheDukeUniversityHealthSystem,a networkofhealthcareproviderscoveringDurhamCounty, WakeCounty,NorthCarolina,andthesurroundingregions. Thehospitalisrenownedforitsexpertiseincancer treatment,cardiology,heartsurgery,diabetesandendocrine disorders,ear,nose,andthroatcare,gastroenterologyand GIsurgery,gynecology,neurologyandneurosurgery, ophthalmology,orthopedics,pulmonology,rheumatology, urology,andpsychiatry.TheDukeUniversityHealth Systemextendsitsservicesthroughmorethan400clinics andcarelocations,providingessentialhealthcareservices tocommunitiesacrossNorthCarolina.
Oneofthehospital’srecentachievementsisthe developmentofaninnovativebloodtestcapableof detectingcancerinitsearlystages.Thisgroundbreaking technologyhasthepotentialtorevolutionizecancercareby enablingearlierdiagnosisandtreatment,ultimatelyleading toimprovedpatientoutcomes.
It’sworthnotingthatDukeUniversityHospitalhasearned nationalrecognition,consistentlyrankingamongthetop tierintenadultspecialtiesandtenchildren'sspecialties.
6.MountSinaiHospital
● SampsonSimson Founder:
● 1852 FoundationYear:
● NewYorkCity,USA Headquarters:
● 1,134Beds BedCapacity:
MountSinaiHospital,oneofthecountry’slargestand oldestteachinghospitals,iswell-knownforitsinternational patientcare,educationalcontributions,andstate-of-the-art medicalfacilities.Itholdsthe6thrankamongthebest hospitalsintheUSA,withparticularexpertisein orthopedics,cardiology,neurology,andcancertreatment. Moreover,MountSinaiHospitaloperateseighthospitals acrosstheUSA.
Recently,itreceivedrenewednationalrecognitionfor nursingexcellencethroughtheAmericanNurses CredentialingCente’sMagnetRecognitionProgram.
Furthermore,thismonth,Dr.ValentinFuster,Presidentof MountSinaiHeartandPhysician-in-ChiefofMountSinai Hospital,willbeawardedtheGoldMedalforScientific MeritbytheBarcelonaCityCouncil.Thisrecognitionisa resultofhisgroundbreakingresearchincardiovascular disease.
7.NorthwesternMemorialHospital
● WilliamA.Passavant Founder:
● 1972 FoundationYear:
● Chicago,Illinois,USA Headquarters:
● 943Beds BedCapacity:
NorthwesternMemorialHospital(NMH)isaleading academicmedicalcenterintheUnitedStates,knownforits excellenceinvariousmedicalspecialtiessuchascancer treatment,cardiology,neurology,andorthopedics.Italso servesasateachinghospitalfortheFeinbergSchoolof MedicineatNorthwesternUniversity.NMHoperatesacross 10locationsintheUSA.
Forseveralyearsinarow,U.S.News&WorldReporthas consistentlyrankedNMHasoneofthenation’stop hospitals.Moreover,NMHplaysacrucialroleineducation andresearch.In2023,itreceivedrecognitionasthe“Best PlaceforDisabilityInclusion”bythesameorganization.
Additionally,NorthwesternHospitalswerealso acknowledgedintheU.S.News&WorldReportrankings assomeofthebestinthenation.
8.HoustonMethodistHospital
● MarcLBoom Founder:
● 1919 FoundationYear:
● Texas,USA Headquarters:
● 948Beds BedCapacity:
HoustonMethodistHospitaliscommittedtoproviding high-qualitycaretoitspatients.Thehospitaloffersawide rangeofservicesandamenities,includingastate-of-the-art emergencyroom,acomprehensivecancercenter,anda pediatrichospital.Itcomprisessevencommunityhospitals locatedthroughouttheUnitedStates,withaprominent academicmedicalcentersituatedintheTexasMedical Center,alongwithanadditionalsixcommunityhospitals servingtheGreaterHoustonarea.
Onenoteworthymedicalachievementoccurredin2006 whenapatientunderwentchemotherapywhilereceiving treatmentwithaventricularassistdeviceatoneoftheir hospitals.
InAugust2023,HoustonMethodistHospitalgained recognitionasthetop-rankedhospitalinTexas.
9 UCLAMedicalCenter
● JohneseSpisso Founder:
● 1955 FoundationYear:
● California,LAUSA Headquarters:
● 520Beds BedCapacity:
TheUCLAMedicalCenter,knownforitsexpertisein variousmedicalfields,servesastheprimaryteaching hospitalfortheDavidGeffenSchoolofMedicine.Itisalso recognizedasCalifornia’sandLosAngeles’leading medicalfacility,particularlyexcellinginCancer, Cardiology,Neurosurgery,Orthopedics,andPediatrics. Moreover,UCLAMedicalCenteroperatesatfivedifferent locationsacrosstheUSA.
RecentaccomplishmentsincluderecognitionbyNewsweek onits2023listoftheWorld'sBestHospitals.Additionally, boththeUCLAMedicalCenterofSantaMonicaandthe UniversityofCaliforniaRonaldReaganUCLAMedical Centerreceivedan“A”ratinginspring2023.
In2023,UCLAHealthinauguratedatheranosticscenter dedicatedtopersonalizedcancercare.
Inconclusion,theseninebesthospitalsintheUSA epitomizemedicalexcellenceinthecountry Theyhave earnedtheiresteemedreputationsthroughdedicatedpatient care,advancedmedicalresearch,andinnovationinvarious specialties.Whetheryouseektop-tiertreatmentor pioneeringresearch,thesehospitalsupholdthehighest healthcarestandards,makingthemtopchoicesformedical careintheUSA.
Inatimewhenitoftenfeelslikewe’remore dividedthanever,RitaMarieJohnson,Founder andCEOofRasurFoundationInternational (RFI),hasmadeithermissiontobringpeopletogether Shedoesthis,notthroughgrandspeechesorsweeping policies,butbyteachingastraightforwardpracticethat turnsconfusionintoclarityandconflictintoconnection. Herlife’swork,TheConnectionPractice,developed throughherleadershipatRFI,combinesempathyand insight,givingpeopletheskilltonavigatechallenges withconfidence.
RitaMariedidn’tbecomeanexpertinemotional intelligenceovernight;ittookyearsofstudyinghowwe interact,communicate,andconnectonadeeperlevel. Now,asanaward-winningeducatorandinnovator,sheis changinghowindividualsandorganizationsmeet conflict,buildresilience,andcreatestronger,healthier relationships.
TheBirthoftheConnectionPractice
The Connection Practice ismorethanamethod—it’san innovativeapproachthathashelpedpeoplearoundthe worldturntheirstrugglesintointelligentaction.Itdraws
onRitaMarie’sstudiesinnonviolentcommunication andheart-braincoherence,whichledtohersynergistic blendofempathyandinsight.Whenthesetwo attributescometogether,theyopendoorstobetter connection,creativity,andconflictresolution.
RitaMariecreatedthiswellnesspracticeduringher timeinCostaRica.WiththebackingofNobelPeace Prizelaureate,PresidentOscarArias,andhealth advocate,DeepakChopra,sheintroducedthe ConnectionPracticeinCostaRicanschools.This didn’tjusthelpkidsgetalongtogether;asupportive spaceemergedwherestudentscouldtrulythrive.They becamemoreself-aware,wereempoweredtoresolve theirownissues,andperformedbetteronacademic tests.Teachersbenefitedaswellandenthusiastically integratedtheConnectionPracticeintheirclassrooms.
In2005,RitaMarie’sworkreceivedwidespread recognitionwhenshewonthe Ashoka Changemakers Innovation Award,chosenfrom79projectsacross32 countries.Thisawardhighlightedhercontributionto fosteringamorecompassionateandethicalsocietyand markedthebeginningoftheConnectionPractice’s globalreach.
GlobalImpact:ExpandingtheConnectionPractice
WhatbeganinCostaRicahasnowreachedover 100,000peoplein19countries.RitaMarietaughtthe ConnectionPracticecourseforcreditattheUnited NationsUniversityforPeace,agraduateschoolfor internationalleaders. Shehascertifiedmorethan250 ConnectionPracticeCoachesandTrainers,including therapists,wellnesspractitioners,andeducatorsat Stanford,Harvard,andMinervauniversities.Thisglobal growthhasbroughtthePracticeintoschools,businesses, andcommunityorganizations,whereittransforms turmoilintofruitfuloutcomes.
Inthebusinessworld,theConnectionPracticehasreal, measurablebenefits—generatingtrustandimproving teamdynamicsandeffectiveness.Google’sProject Aristotlereportedthatpsychologicalsafety,where peoplefeelsafetotakerisksandbethemselves,iskeyto high-performingteams.TheConnectionPractice establishesthatkindofemotionalsafety,whichleadsto higheremployeeretentionandgreaterproductivity
ATurningPointinSouthKorea
OneofthestandoutsuccessesoftheConnectionPractice tookplaceinSouthKorea.In2022,Dr.ChristinaChoi, anemotionalwell-beingexpertandco-founderofthe HDInstituteofResilienceandPositivity,reachedoutto RitaMarie.SouthKoreawasfacingasharprisein emotionaldistress,worsenedbytheCOVID-19 pandemic,andDr.Choineededaneffectivewaytohelp hercountrycope.
RitaMarietraveledtoSouthKoreatosharethe ConnectionPractice.Shedeliveredakeynoteaddressto anaudienceof300andledahands-onworkshopfor74 participants.Butthiswasn’taone-timeevent.Dr.Choi wascertifiedasaConnectionPracticeTrainer.She brought14colleaguestoCostaRicain2023fortraining. ThenwhenRitaMariereturnedtoSouthKoreain2024, themomentumexpandedexponentially.
TheresultsinSouthKoreahavebeenimpressive. Surveysfromparticipantsindicatedthereweremajor improvementsinempathy,creativeproblem-solving, conflictresolution,andoverallwell-being.Dr.Choi’s effortstospreadthePracticehavepositivelyimpacted thousandsofparents,therapists,educators,and businesspeople,reducingemotionaldistressin meaningfulways.
EmpoweringWomenandLeaders
RitaMarie’sfocusincludesleadership.Asastrongadvocatefor women’sempowerment,shespokeatthe Women’s Leadership Summit atStanfordandisaninstructorinthe Women in Leadership Certificate Program attheUniversityofCalifornia,SantaBarbara.Sheguides womenleaderstoembodyconnection,whichbringsoutthebestin thosetheyserve.Hermessageisessentialintoday’sfast-pacedand frequentlydisconnectedworld.
RecognitionandInnovation
RitaMarie’scontributionstowellnesshaveearnedherinternational recognition.Shereceivedthe Walden Award for Wisdom,anhonorshe sharedwithOprahWinfrey,forherroleinchanginglivesandmaking ourplanetabetterplacetolive.Herbook, Completely Connected: Uniting Our Empathy and Insight for Extraordinary Results,wona nationalNautilusAwardinthePsychologycategoryof Better Books for a Better World.ThebookrevealstheConnectionPracticeas“the profoundmadepractical;”anactionableguideinanysituation.
RitaMariehasalsoembracedtechnologytomaketheConnection Practicemoreefficient.ShelaunchedaConnectionPracticeappthat helpsuserstracktheirprogress.ThenherteamdevelopedConnection PracticeBoards,availableinbothtactileanddigitalformatswith differentversionsforadultsandpreliteratechildren.Thesetoolsmake itsimpleandeasyforpeopleofallagestolearntheConnection Practice.ThistechnologicaladvancementensuresthatthePracticecan reachanyone,anywhere,inanylanguage—makingthiswellnessskill accessibletomillionsofpeopleworldwide.
BuildingaLegacyofConnection
RitaMarie’slifeexemplifiesthepowerofemotionalintelligence, connection,andservicetoothers.Fromhergroundbreakingworkin CostaRicanschoolstoherinfluenceinthecorporateworld,shehas shownthatempathyandinsightarekeystosolvingpressingpersonal andprofessionalchallenges.
Herworkhastransformedcountlesslives.AstheConnectionPractice continuestoexpand,RitaMarie’slegacywillendureasabeaconof humanpossibilityandprogress.She’snotjustteachingpeoplehowto connectwithothers—she’steachingthemhowtoconnectwith themselves,creatingarippleeffectthatwillshapetheworldfor generationstocome.
Sarah Greenway CEO | MDT Online
Redefining Resilience in Health and Social Care
Imagineanursefinishingademanding12-hourshift, feelingphysicallyexhaustedandemotionally drained—expectedtocareforotherswhile neglectingherownwell-being.SarahGreenway,CEOof MDTOnline,understandsthisrealityalltoowell.With over30yearsofdiverseoperationalexperienceacross multiplesectors,includinghospitals,shehaswitnessed firsthandtherelentlesspressurehealthcareprofessionals face.Insteadofacceptingthisasaninevitabletruth,she chosetotakeaction.
situations,andhigh-stakesdecision-making.These factorscanquicklydepleteresiliencewithoutproper support.
AkeyissueInoticedwasthelackofconsistent,highqualityprofessionalcoachingandsupervisionto supporttheemotionalwell-beingofnurses,social workers,andotherfrontlinestaff.Often,thesecrucial supportsystemsweretreatedasa“tickboxexercise”to meetcompliancetargets,ratherthanameaningful opportunityforprofessionalstorecharge,reflect,and developtheirpractice.
“If we want healthcare workers to give their best, we must first help them refill their emotional and professional cups,” assertsSarah.ThroughMDTOnline,Sarahhascreated morethanjustaplatform;it’salifelineforhealthandsocial careprofessionals,offeringtailoredcoaching,supervision, andtrainingthatcombinehumanconnectionwithcuttingedgesolutions.
WhatsetsSarahapartisn’tjustherclinicalexpertise;it’s heruniqueleadershipstyle.Infusedwithlaughter,joy,and empathy,shechampionsaculturewherewell-beingisnot anafterthoughtbutafoundation.Herbeliefinleadingwith compassionandatouchofhumorhasnotonlytransformed herteambutalsoinspiredanentireindustrytorethinkhow itsupportsitsmostvaluableresource:itspeople.
Inthisstory,weexploreSarah’sinnovativeapproachto professionaldevelopment,hervisionforasustainable healthandsocialcaresector,andhowsheisturningthe rippleofwell-beingintoawaveoftransformation.
“At the heart of the legacy, I hope to leave is a deep, unwavering commitment to redefining how we approach the mental health and well-being of healthcare professionals.”
GHM:Givenyourextensiveexperienceinhealthcare, whatspecificneedsofhealthcareprofessionalsinspired youtocreateMDTOnline?
Sarah:Havingworkedasaregisterednurseforover30 yearsacrossvarioushealthcaresettings,I’veseenfirsthand thedailypressureshealthcareprofessionalsface.These includedemandingworkloads,emotionallydraining
Thisproblembecameevenmoreapparentduringthe COVID-19pandemicwhenIreturnedtotheNHS frontline.Iwitnessedtheimmensetollthecrisistook onmycolleagues.Thisexperience,combinedwithmy post-graduatetrainingininternationalsafeguardingand certificationasaMasterNLPCoach,motivatedmeto findarealsolution.
Consequently,IcreatedMDTOnline,leveraginga white-labeledplatformintegratedwithourappto deliveraccessible,affordable,andimpactful supervisionandcoachingservicesspecificallydesigned forhealthandsocialcareprofessionals.Thisismy thirdstart-up,andIalsoleadTheHealingHubs Charity.
MypassionforMDTOnlinecomesfromadeepbelief thatsupportingtheemotionalandprofessional developmentofhealthcareworkersempowersthemto providethebestpossiblecare.IhopeMDTOnlinewill becomeavitalresource,helpingprofessionals“refill theiremotionalcup”andcontinuetheirimportantwork.
GHM:WhatspecificservicesdoesMDTOnline offertosupportthewell-beingandprofessional developmentofhealthcareworkers?
Sarah:MDTOnlinespecializesinprofessionaland personaldevelopmentserviceswithinthehealthand socialcaresectors.Ourmissionistotransformthe well-beingandprofessionaldevelopmentofhealthcare workersthroughaccessible,impactful,andtailored supervisionandcoaching.
Webelievethatbyempoweringfrontlineprofessionals toprioritizetheirownemotionalandpsychological needs,weenablethemtoprovidethehighestquality care.
Ourofferingsinclude:
●LeadershipandManagementTraining:AsanILM ApprovedCentre,weprovidetailoredtrainingprogramsfor leadersatvariouscareerstages:Level2(Team Supervisors),Level3(JuniorManagers),Levels4/5 (MiddleManagers),andLevels6/7(SeniorManagersand SeniorStrategicManagers—comingsoon).
●HealthandSocialCareConsultancyServices:Weoffer comprehensiveconsultancyservices,bothremoteandinperson,focusingonsolution-focusedauditing, troubleshooting,andchangemanagement.Ourapproach usesappreciativeinquiry,coaching,andmentoring techniquestodeliverhigh-quality,tailoredsolutions.
●OccupationalServicesforHealthcareProviders: Recognizingtheimportanceofstaffsupervisionfor enhancinghealthcareservicequalityandmeetingCare QualityCommission(CQC)requirements,weprovide confidential,medical-gradeonlineplatformsforsupervision services.Theseservicespromoteaccountability, professionalism,andcontinuousimprovement.
●OnlineLearningSubscriptions:Weofferonline learningsubscriptions,primarilyforhealthandsocialcare organizations,providinghigh-qualitytrainingresourcesfor ongoingprofessionaldevelopment.
GHM:HowdoesMDTOnlineensureasafeand effectiveenvironmentforsupervisionandcoaching?
Sarah:Werecognizethesensitiveandoftendeeply personalnatureofsupervisionsessions.Therefore,we’ve investedinavirtualclinicspacewithauser-friendlymobile app.Thisallowsclientstosafelyaccesssupportfromany device,whetheratworkorremotely
Throughthisplatform,wefosteracultureoftransparency, trust,andopencommunicationbetweenmanagementand operationalteams.Weoffercustomizedsupervisionand coachingprogramsthataddresstheuniquechallenges healthcareworkersfaceinvarioussettings.Thisprovidesa safe,judgment-freespaceforprofessionalstoreflecton theirpractice,developtheirskills,andbuildpersonal resilience.
Ultimately,weaimtobridgethegapbetweencompliancedrivensupportandmeaningful,transformationalpersonal andprofessionaldevelopment,contributingtothelong-term sustainabilityandexcellenceofhealthcare.
GHM:Whatmakesyourteameffectiveindriving MDTOnline’smission?
Sarah:Ihaveagreatteamofpassionate,caring, committed,andfocusedpeople.Leadingorganizations positionedtoimpactothers'livesgeneratesmomentum withinateam.Theybecomepassionateaboutbeingpartof somethingbiggerthanthemselves.Ourchallengesbecome achievablegoals,and we walk the walk as well as talk the talk.
Moreover,Ifirmlybelievethatlaughter,joy,andhuman connectionareessentialforeffective,empathetic leadership.Drawingonmytrainingasalaughteryoga teacher,Ideeplyappreciatethetransformativepowerof thissimpleyetprofoundformofself-careandteam building.
GHM:Wouldyouliketoshareanyupcoming developmentsatMDTOnline?
Sarah:Weareexcitedtoannounceanewservicepending registrationwiththeCareQualityCommission(CQC). Thisnurse-ledremoteadvisoryandhealthpromotion servicewillsupportfamilycarersandclientsliving independentlyathome.
Similartoourprofessionalsupervisionservice,itwilloffer emotionalsupport,advice,encouragement,and signpostingtootherprofessionalservices.Thisinitiative aimstopromoteearlyinterventionandpreventthe escalationofphysicalormentalhealthissues.
GHM:Whatadvicedoyouhaveforhealthcare professionalstoprioritizetheirmentalwell-being,and howdoesMDTOnlinesupporttheminthisarea?
Sarah:Ideeplyempathizewiththeuniquechallengesand pressuresthatcanaffectmentalhealthinthisdemanding field.Ifirmlybelieveprioritizingyourownmentalwellbeingisnotjustpersonal,butprofessionallynecessary.
Mykeyadviceistoembraceself-awareness,establish boundaries,cultivateasupportnetwork,prioritizeselfcare,andadvocateforsystemicchangebyworkingwith yourorganizationtoimprovetheworkenvironmentand culture.MDTOnlineiscommittedtobeingasteadfast partnerinthisjourney,providingaccessible,impactful supervisionservicesthatempowerhealthandsocialcare professionalstoprioritizewell-being,buildresilience,and continuedeliveringexceptionalcare.
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