by Nick Jacobs

We are living in a health care system that embraces episodic care, that does not reward or reimburse prevention, and that is currently on the precipice. It was the Treaty of Descartes that originally insisted upon the separation of the mind and spirit from the body in our hospitals.

As we observe the near turmoil that currently represents our health care system, we find ourselves attempting to hold onto beliefs and values that are no longer valid. This lack of validation causes concern and anger among many. Instead of just being afraid of these changes, many of us have become desperate victims as we attempt to project our past into a new, unknown future.

Although culture absolutely hates to apologize, science continues to unintentionally eat away at our values, beliefs and civilizing touch stones. Scientific truth is only true until the next discovery. Medical interventions are only valid until a more sophisticated more accurate intervention is developed. The world is FLAT.

As leaders we must create a vision for a better future, and then be able to tell persuasive stories about that vision. As leaders we must produce ideas that fit reality for the future, and those ideas must emanate from deeply engrained beliefs. It is also imperative that we truly espouse those beliefs through our daily lives, to have the integrity of commitment to responsibility, compassion and guidance. Finally, we must develop the skills to sort between what is good and what is not and then value what needs to be respected.

As we plot a course through these unknown areas and move toward a better future, let these thoughts be our starting point: In health care we must embrace the fact that we are in a kindness industry and that we should be committed to connections and to love.