David Thompson, who will become CFO of Denver-based UCHealth's northern Colorado region July 22, discusses exciting developments at UCHealth, what he plans to focus on as he begins his new role and why healthcare organizations must remain flexible.
Question: What are your key responsibilities as CFO of UCHealth's Northern Colorado region?
David Thompson: As CFO, it is my responsibility to the UCHealth board of directors, the regional hospital boards and UCHealth North Region CEO Kevin Unger to ensure a sound financial performance and accounting structure for UCHealth's Northern Colorado region, including our hospitals Poudre Valley Hospital, Medical Center of the Rockies, Longs Peak Hospital, Greeley Hospital and Yampa Valley Medical Center. I will work to uphold our record of efficiency, maintaining strong finances in order to reinvest in the care we provide patients, offer an excellent workplace for our employees and drive down the overall cost of care.
Q: What excites you most about your new role?
DT: Colorado is fast-growing. So is UCHealth. UCHealth has a top-ranked academic medical center at its core. That gives us firsthand access to the newest technologies and treatments. But that means little if we can't provide access. UCHealth is opening two hospitals this summer, including one in the Northern Colorado region, which brings us to a total of 12 full-service, acute care hospitals. It's exciting to be part of an organization that is not only expanding, but wants to do things differently, focusing on innovation and both the health of the individual and community. I'm proud to join an organization that consistently is recognized as being in the top 10 percent in the nation and is known for its top patient satisfaction scores, safety and shorter hospital stays.
Q: What are some key initiatives you plan to roll out as Northern Colorado region CFO?
DT: It is important for me to spend time listening to the people who surround me, people who I know share my passion for helping people live extraordinary lives. It is important that I listen completely with curiosity and with the intent to understand the organization I am privileged to join and [listen to] the ideas people have about the future. Innovation, value and patient experience are all driving the future of healthcare, and I will work closely with our teams to develop products and tools to help lead this transformation.
Q: What is your advice for healthcare organizations to create a more effective financial strategy?
DT: Flexibility. The world is changing; so must healthcare. We must embrace new technologies and new models, particularly when it comes to delivering high-quality services to rural areas. Healthcare must also improve its customer service, exceeding the expectations of patients who come to us seeking both compassion and expertise with life's challenges. The patient is the hero in healthcare. The provider is the partner in that effort.