Becker's caught up with Eric Eskioglu, MD, executive vice president and CMO of Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Novant Health, to discuss his take on innovation in healthcare and the last meaningful interaction he had with a patient.
Dr. Eskioglu, a practicing vascular neurosurgeon, was named CMO in October, after serving as senior vice president of neurosciences for Novant Health.
He also has worked at Physicians Regional Healthcare System in Naples, Fla., and at Lee Health in Fort Myers, Fla.
Question: What do innovators/entrepreneurs from outside healthcare need to better understand about hospital and health system leaders?
Dr. Eric Eskioglu: Medicine is a very complex field both clinically and operationally. There are multiple, different disciplines and healthcare is the most heavily regulated industry
Q: What one strategic initiative will demand the most of your time and energy in 2019?
EE: Artificial Intelligence and its application to clinical safety and quality
Q: Healthcare takes a lot of heat for not innovating quickly. What's your take on this?
EE: I agree. We are at least 15 years behind in tech innovation compared to other industries.
Q: Tell us about the last meaningful interaction you had with a patient.
EE: Recently I saw in the clinic a brain aneurysm patient. I had treated her with open brain surgery one year ago. She was very appreciative and cleared for regular activity. Like all my other patients, she has my cell if any question/concerns arise.
Q: Can you share some praise with us about people you work with? What does greatness look like to you when it comes to your team?
EE: Although we occupy different roles in the healthcare setting, we all wear the same jerseys and hats for the betterment of patients. I am blessed to work with people as smart or smarter than me who think outside the box.