As the discourse surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives has intensified and mandates to eliminate programs have taken effect, organizations grapple with the repercussions. In this episode, Arianne Dowdell, vice president and chief DEI officer at Houston Methodist, discusses how a commitment to DEI improves quality in health care — from fostering a respectful workplace to providing culturally competent care. Expert: Arianne Dowdell, vice president and chief diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) officer, Houston MethodistNotable topics covered: Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) Cultural competencyEmployee resource group (ERG)Health equityDEI toolkitLinks:What is DEI – Arianne DowdellHouston Methodist Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)Self-Awareness and Cultural Identity as an Effort to Reduce Bias in MedicineViewpoint: Physician, Know Thyself: The Professional Culture of Medicine as a Framework for Teaching Cultural Competence

Lean management focuses on continuous improvement through making incremental process changes to improve quality and efficiency.In this episode, Dr. Eric Dickson, president and CEO of UMass Memorial Health, shares how lean management principles transformed the largest not-for-profit health care system in central Massachusetts.Expert: Eric W. Dickson MD, MHCM, FACEP, President & CEO UMass Memorial HealthNotable topics covered:Lean management methodologyContinuous process improvementEmergency room efficiencyTrue north metricsLinks:UMass Memorial Medical CenterEric W. Dickson MD, MHCM, FACEP, Named as UMass Memorial Health Care President and Chief Executive OfficerExamining the Relationship Between the Lean Management System and Quality Improvement Care Management ProcessesLean Management—The Journey from Toyota to Healthcare

The world of vascular surgery comprises a wide range of specialties. How does a hospital system manage quality across fields to ensure the best patient outcomes possible during surgery and beyond?In this episode, Dr. Schaal discusses generational advancements in vascular surgery and the charge to manage quality across specialties in a large hospital system with Dr. Alan Lumsden, medical director of the world-renowned Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center.Guest: Dr. Alan Lumsden, Houston Methodist's Walter W. Fondren III Distinguished Endowed Chair, Medical Director of the Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, Professor & Chairman of the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery AssociatesNotable topics covered: Creation of the Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center Vascular surgery specialties Advancements in vascular surgery Quality standardization across large hospital systems Links: Dr. Alan Lumsden Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center Houston Methodist DeBakey CV Education About Dr. Schaal:Shlomit Schaal, MD, PhD, MHCM, is executive vice president, chief physician executive, Houston Methodist, and president and chief executive officer of the Houston Methodist physician organization in Houston, Texas. She passionately believes that quality is the heart of health care and a commitment to safety is essential for every health care system. Each month, Dr. Schaal discusses quality in health care with clinicians, researchers, physicians, industry experts and thought leaders.

What are health care accreditations and certifications? Why are they important? Who conducts them?Providing the highest quality care in the safest environments possible is both the goal and the responsibility of health care organizations. But how is quality defined and measured? And by whom? On this episode, Dr. Schaal discusses health care accreditation and certification with Mr. Kelly Proctor, president of DNV Healthcare.Expert: Mr. Kelly Proctor, President of DNV HealthcareNotable topics covered:Importance of accreditation and certificationReadiness reviews and accreditation visitsHigh reliability and just cultureLinks:https://www.dnv.com/healthcare/index.htmlAbout Dr. Schaal:Shlomit Schaal, MD, PhD, MHCM, is executive vice president, chief physician executive, Houston Methodist, and president and chief executive officer of the Houston Methodist physician organization in Houston, Texas. She passionately believes that quality is the heart of health care and a commitment to safety is essential for every health care system. Each month, Dr. Schaal discusses quality in health care with clinicians, researchers, physicians, industry experts and thought leaders.