Leadership Update: A Message of Gratitude During This Holiday Season

The holiday season is upon us. It’s the time of year that we often gather together and reflect on the grace and gratitude that we experience personally and professionally. The senior leadership team at Methodist Health System acknowledges that the past 20 months have been like nothing we’ve ever seen in health care. Despite the many challenges we’ve faced, the organization still has much to be thankful for.

Please enjoy these messages of gratitude from the presidents of the organization:

Steve Goeser

President and CEO, Methodist Health System

Last year we were in the middle of a COVID-19 surge and reporting record numbers of patients and deaths on a daily basis. We didn’t have a vaccine or a vision for when it would end.

Unfortunately, we’re still experiencing waves of high patient volume and even death. But thanks to COVID-19 vaccines and new oral antiviral agents, we’re in a better position. We’re hopeful that we’re finally turning the page on this pandemic.

The one thing that I’m so thankful for is all of you. You continue to work incredibly hard to deliver The Meaning of Care every day, every shift and in every location across our health system.

THANK YOU! And have a happy, thankful Thanksgiving.

Josie Abboud

President and CEO, Methodist Hospital and Methodist Women’s Hospital

It’s been 20 months of unprecedented times at work and home. I THANK YOU for your unwavering dedication, courage and spirit in caring for our community as we continue moving forward and adapting to this ever-changing and challenging pandemic. 

I remain inspired by the way you live out our mission and admire your ongoing commitment, collaboration and compassion throughout it all. I am certain we’ll get through this together and grow stronger along the way.

Brett Richmond

President and CEO, Methodist Fremont Health

During a recent home health pre-visit call with a 90-year-old gentleman, one of our therapists asked him how he was doing. He responded, “I’m not great, but I’m grateful.” He then told her that he was really looking forward to her visit.  

I hear a similar theme in visiting with many of you. You’re tired and weary – but grateful. Grateful for your family, fellow team members, job, patients, residents, etc.  

I, too, have a lot to be grateful for personally and professionally. Professionally, I’m grateful that you’ve chosen health care. I am grateful that you’ve chosen to make a difference at Methodist. And I am grateful to work with, learn from and serve all of you.  

David Burd

President and CEO, Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital

As the holiday season approaches, I find myself reflecting on the many blessings in my life – including being part of the Methodist Health System and Jennie Edmundson family. While 2021 has brought several challenges, it’s also been full of achievements and successes.

Great teams step up during challenging times, and your response during the pandemic has been no different. Your commitment, passion and dedication are demonstrated on a daily basis as you make a difference in people’s lives.  I know that there have been some difficult days, but you’ve battled through and have persevered. Please know that all of your efforts are appreciated. 

As we move forward, I truly believe that the sky is the limit for what we can achieve. We are blessed to have providers and staff that are second to none. I wish you all a happy holiday season and hope that you are able to spend some time relaxing with family and friends!

Tracy Madden-McMahon

President and CEO, Methodist Hospital Foundation

Thanksgiving is a special holiday because it’s all about gratitude. This year, more than ever, I’m grateful for our Methodist family. During the toughest times, you continue to show up for our patients and each other. You do so bravely, working through fear and fatigue to improve the lives of others. 

The work you do matters. Whether it’s the care you provide directly to patients or the support you provide behind the scenes, you’re making a difference. Here’s wishing you and your families a happy Thanksgiving that’s full of blessings.

Dr. Deb Carlson

President and CEO, Nebraska Methodist College

I joined Nebraska Methodist College (NMC) in 2004, and we’ve gone from 500 students then to more than 1,200 today. From teaching in trailers at the old campus to beautiful new facilities, the reason for our continued growth and success is our people. I’m grateful for their compassion, dedication and determination in not letting a pandemic get in the way of our purpose. It’s what they do and how they do it that makes NMC the best college for health care education. 

As one of our recent graduates wrote to his former faculty, “I appreciate all that you taught me and for always believing in me. I hope your new students realize how lucky they are to have you! Miss you! – Tony T, RN – the RN is here because of you.”  

At NMC, we’re proud to teach The Meaning of Care because the work we do matters – our people matter. We’ve worked together and we’ve succeeded together. And for that, I will always be grateful. 

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families!

Todd Grages

President and CEO, Methodist Physicians Clinic

To our physicians, our clinic staff and all health system employees – THANK YOU!

This pandemic has taught us many things – but perhaps the largest lesson we’ve learned is the impact of all of us coming together to make a difference for our patients and each other. From starting drive-through testing locations to respiratory locations and eventually COVID-19 vaccine clinics, everyone stepped up and did their part in so many ways.

We’ve all endured so much the past 20 months, and, unfortunately, we still have a way to go. I am so proud of the work we’ve done and continue to do. I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of the Methodist family.

Steve Rogers

President and CEO, Shared Service Systems

What a year it has been for the entire health system. We all hoped that the pandemic would end last year, but instead, here we are, still living in the reality of it. No matter where you work or what position you hold, you’ve all played a critical role. At Shared Service Systems, we’re seeing additional opportunities for change and improvement, as well as the ability to safely make do with less. 

None of this could have been accomplished without the passion and spirit of our workforce. No matter how tough it’s been, teams throughout the entire health system have prevailed. Without great folks like you and your endless dedication, we wouldn’t be where we’re at today. For that, I would like to thank everyone and convey that I’m truly grateful for what we’ve done together. One day this pandemic will end, and we will get back to normal. When that day comes, our health system can stand proud for what we’ve accomplished.