Advocating for Change and Access to Equitable Healthcare with Dr. Adam Myers
Health is everyone's right. Giving everyone equal access to this fundamental human right is this leader's primary responsibility. However, it takes a collective and proactive effort to bring about the change that has to take place to help inequities in the healthcare system. In this episode of Fifth Dimensional Leadership, I interview Dr. Adam Myers, Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical Transformation Officer (CCTO) for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), a national federation of 34 independent, community-based, and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies. In our conversation, Dr. Myers discusses how to pave the way for an accessible and equitable healthcare system. A longtime advocate for community health and health equity, Dr. Myers helps set the vision for the Blues’ efforts to create a more equitable healthcare system. Dr. Myers formerly served as the Cleveland Clinic’s chief of population health and the Cleveland Clinic Community Care program Director. A New York City native, Dr. Myers is board-certified in family medicine and has been in private practice in Oklahoma for over ten years. He served on the faculty of the University of Oklahoma obstetrics and gynecology department and has earned the status of Fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives, The American Institute of Healthcare Quality, and the American Association of Family Physicians. Dr. Myers is past chair of the American Hospital Association board-level Committee for Clinical Leadership and has held board positions with the Health Care Transformation Task Force and The Joint Commission. Dr. Myers received his undergraduate degree from Centenary College of Louisiana in Shreveport, graduated from Louisiana State University Medical Center, completed his residency with In His Image Family Practice Residency at Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa, Okla., and has completed fellowship work at the University of Oklahoma obstetrics and gynecology department. He also completed a master’s in healthcare management from Harvard University. Things you will also learn in this episode: Why we need to change our view of privilege, diversity, equity and inclusion. How healthcare companies are trying to improve healthcare - the business case The role that structural racism plays in healthcare inequalities. Why leading with heart is part of the solution to some of society’s ills Quotes: “We can’t change everything, we can only do our part.” - Adam Myers “Change is not automatic; it takes proactive effort to achieve a different result.” - Adam Myers “Change is uncomfortable; people tend to gravitate toward comfort rather than discomfort.” - Adam Myers “If we never get past the dichotomous approach to gaining privilege, we’ll never get to the point of expanding it rather than just shifting it.” - Adam Myers “Part of creating change is to be willing to dig deep and start with the heart.” - Adam Myers “It doesn’t take subject matter expertise in all aspects of what you lead to be a leader.” - Adam Myers “Asking permission is one true and reliable way to soften the impact of the difficult truth.” - Adam Myers “Find a way to offer grace.” - Adam Myers