It's been about two weeks since Gene Woods settled into his corner office at Charlotte, N.C.-based Carolinas HealthCare System's headquarters. But he hasn't been getting cozy at his desk.
Instead, he has been spending the majority of his time getting to know those on the frontlines.
"This is an organization that has seen so many successes over the years, and I appreciate the leadership Michael Tarwater has brought together with the rest of the team and board," Mr. Woods told Becker's Hospital Review upon his appointment in February. "With 60,000 health system associates and lots of physician partners, I will be spending time listening to them about their aspirations for the future […] My main goals will be to listen and learn and chart a course for the future together with our more than 60,000 associates."
Mr. Woods spent his first two days in office touring hospitals and clinics and meeting with physicians, nurses, other employees and patients, according to the Charlotte Observer.
The new CEO of the $8 billion health system is not shy on social media, either. On Monday Mr. Woods posted a Facebook photo of himself with his arms around several hospital employees, writing he was "excited to not only be part of a great organization, but also a new resident of Charlotte and the Carolinas," according to the report.
Mr. Woods said his plan is to visit as many of the system's 40 hospitals and 900 care locations "so I can learn what makes the people of our community special, as well as [give] people an opportunity to get to know me."