Successful leaders in healthcare need to navigate these complexities and uphold the principles of justice. We take a public oath that sets healthcare apart from other professions, emphasizing the commitment to providing care for all patients, regardless of their background. It does help if you have a true north, a guiding sense of principles around it. Mine is that health is a human right because I believe that.

The healthcare profession requires specific characteristics that promote the idea of justice in healthcare, as our country lacks a universally agreed-upon right to healthcare. The layered finance system and disparities based on race and income have created inherent inequities.

As a leader, you have to put a vision that inspires people. Imagine having zero inequities as the next step on the journey we’ve been on. We’re going to eliminate the death gap, the life expectancy gap. Putting a vision starts with having a personal value system tied to the moral pillar of healthcare: social justice.

As a leader, fairness and equity are recurring issues that need to be addressed. It helps to have a guiding principle, and mine is the belief that health is a human right. To overcome systematic drivers of inequity, we need to shine a light on them. Regardless of the position I hold, I've always been motivated by the idea that everyone should have access to the quality of care I witnessed at RUSH University Medical Center. Leading from an ethical standpoint is crucial, as we strive to ensure fairness and equity in healthcare decision-making. 

Effective leadership involves aligning operations and equity leaders, fostering communication, and engaging with department chairs and other stakeholders to ensure a holistic approach. Personally, I also stepped aside as the Chief Medical Officer, but I had Omar [Lateef, CEO of RUSH] behind me.

We changed our mission to focus on improving health, recognizing that addressing underlying issues is essential. Our strategy involved conducting equity assessments when making decisions and striving for fair access to healthcare for all populations.

We’re building a multispecialty clinic in Chicago, and there were two locations to choose from—River Forest or Northern Harlem. Our equity assessment found that Northern Harlem had better walkability, better access, and would better serve a diverse population.

When faced with the challenge of systemic inequities, it's important to remember a few key sayings that guide me. First, never ask permission to do the right thing, even if "no" is a possible answer. "No" should be seen as a stepping stone on the path to "yes." It's essential to listen to other leaders and conduct cause analyses to identify the root causes of harm and prevent its recurrence. By applying the principles of quality and equity, we can reduce intractable gaps and bring about meaningful change. Optimism and pragmatic hope are vital in overcoming obstacles and creating a more equitable healthcare system. 

Leadership alignment is crucial to the success of equity-focused initiatives. It requires charismatic leaders who can articulate a vision and garner support from others, including the board and community members. By connecting the heart and mind to the belief that equity is the right thing to pursue, leaders can inspire action and create a shared sense of purpose. It's important to ensure that equity goals are integrated into departmental objectives and engage all stakeholders through town halls and open communication channels. Ultimately, leadership alignment and unwavering commitment drive progress toward achieving equity in healthcare. 

There is a huge need for investment and at RUSH, there is great enthusiasm for this work. we have a huge amount of national positive notoriety, to be the first system to do this. It’s not irrational hope, it’s not blind faith, but it’s faith and hope that if we apply ourselves in the same way we did with quality and safety we can reduce intractable gaps. It’s optimistic hopeful but pragmatic hope. We didn’t eliminate systemic racism, but we apply the principles of quality and equity to improve. That gives us optimism to solve what seems to be an intractable problem, but its actuality solvable.

Optimism is really important, Omar [Lateef, CEO of RUSH] has it. That is why I became a doctor, it’s tremendous to work with a leader like Omar who articulates this so well, saying we got to take action. Having leadership alignment around it is tremendous. It’s got to be because you believe in your heart and mind that it’s the right thing to do. That’s what characterizes RUSH and our board.