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Douglas Flora

Jan 27, 2025, 09:23

Douglas Flora: Turning Over the Rocks in Healthcare

Douglas Flora, Executive Medical Director of Young Family Cancer Center at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Turning Over the Rocks in Healthcare

What if the biggest opportunities in healthcare aren’t in technology, but in the simple moments of human connection?

It’s a cozy Saturday in, with Penny here to keep me company while I study. As I dive into Setting the Table by Danny Meyer, I’m reminded of something so simple yet profound: the power of human interaction. In his world of hospitality, small gestures – a warm smile, an extra moment of attention – can transform an ordinary experience into something unforgettable. And I can’t help but think: isn’t healthcare the same?

We’re surrounded by high-tech solutions, digital workflows, and endless data. These innovations are valuable, but they should never come at the expense of the human touch. Some of the most impactful moments in healthcare don’t happen through an app or a dashboard – they happen in the quiet moments of connection, when someone feels truly seen and cared for.

Maybe it’s time we take a step back and ask ourselves: Are we blending technology with empathy in the right way? Are we really seeing our patients – the look in their eyes when they feel heard and valued? Are we paying attention to our teams -whether they feel connected and supported, or overwhelmed and distant? These small but powerful cues tell us whether we’re building a culture of trust and belonging.

Each ‘rock’ we overturn – whether it’s a brief hallway conversation, a thoughtful follow-up call, or an impromptu team check-in – creates an opportunity to deepen relationships and build the kind of healthcare experience we all want to be a part of. These moments of care and connection aren’t just a nice-to-have; they’re at the heart of what truly drives change.

So, let’s keep turning over those rocks, one interaction at a time. The road ahead isn’t always easy, but the rewards of creating a more human-centered healthcare experience are more than worth it.

What’s one small way you’re bringing more human connection into your healthcare work? I’d love to hear your thoughts.”

douglas flora