22 S G M A G A Z I N E | FA L L 2 0 1 8 HEALTHCARE Healthcare Close to Home Q & A SGaMag: During your first few months as CEO what have you identified as the hospital’s greatest strengths and challenges? Dorman: Tift Regional Health System has a reputation as an innovative healthcare provider, and I discovered the reason why—it’s people. Tift Regional has talented employees, both clinical and non- clinical, as well as a topnotch medical staff. We also have a forward-thinking and progressive board of trustees who help steer the direction of the organization. With our superb staff, physicians, strategic board, and supportive community, Tift Regional is fortunate to be a financially-solid medical institution, which allows us to invest into the future and keep pace with changing healthcare needs. A big challenge for Tift Regional is serving a population which has incidences of diseases that are higher than state and national averages in many areas. This includes obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory illness, cancer and more. This is due to many reasons including socioeconomic factors and is compounded by changes in reimbursements and regulations. The U.S. healthcare system is regulated by dozens of agencies, and the 2010 Affordable Care Act added more to the list, including insurance exchanges and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation. Keeping in compliance with the regulatory complexities is a challenge for hospitals and healthcare systems around the country. SGaMag: In looking at these strengths and challenges, what goals and projects have been established to help TRHS move forward? Dorman: In addition to two hospitals, Tift Regional has a nursing home, an ambulatory care center, two freestanding surgery centers and various outpatient facilities. We have 24 physician practices with clinic locations in eight counties. We recently opened a new musculoskeletal center, which centralizes outpatient orthopedics, rheumatology, pain Recruiting and retaining physicians, advanced practice providers, and allied health professionals is a top priority for Tift Regional. Offering competitive compensation, incentives and benefits are important, but we also want to foster a work environment in which these professionals can thrive and find career fulfillment. - CHRIS DORMAN Chris Dorman President & CEO Tift Regional Health System (TRHS)