By Jennifer Mitchell
Editor, Action for Better Healthcare
There is a powerful story unfolding at the University of Rochester Medical Center. The center's CEO was involved in a terrible accident last year when his bicycle collided with an oncoming car. He fractured the fourth cervical vertebrae, similar to the injury suffered by Christopher Reeve. He was airlifted to his own medical facility within minutes of the accident and would spend the next 12 days in intensive care. He became completely dependent on his family and medical staff for his every need. This was quite a change for a man who was accustomed to making tough decisions and running a large medical center.
What has happened since then is quite remarkable. Dr. Brad Berk has turned tragedy into triumph. He is back at work leading a system-wide change to make patients and their families an integral part of their own healthcare team. He is establishing a culture where providers talk openly about even the most difficult topics. His story can be viewed below.
Friday, November 19th, 2010
By Jennifer Mitchell
Editor, Action for Better Healthcare
There is a powerful story unfolding at the University of Rochester Medical Center. The center's CEO was involved in a terrible accident last year when his bicycle collided with an oncoming car. He fractured the fourth cervical vertebrae, similar to the injury suffered by Christopher Reeve. He was airlifted to his own medical facility within minutes of the accident and would spend the next 12 days in intensive care. He became completely dependent on his family and medical staff for his every need. This was quite a change for a man who was accustomed to making tough decisions and running a large medical center.
What has happened since then is quite remarkable. Dr. Brad Berk has turned tragedy into triumph. He is back at work leading a system-wide change to make patients and their families an integral part of their own healthcare team. He is establishing a culture where providers talk openly about even the most difficult topics. His story can be viewed below.