MHA class with Mr. Wolterman; Ms. Patel is pictured far left first row.
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There is a famous song that says, never settle for the path of least resistance. The New Orleans health care system has done everything but that. As part of the MHA curriculum we are required to complete an administrative residency. This semester we have made site visits to local health care providers, public health organizations, and physician practices. After talking with many leaders we have come to one conclusion: there are more challenges now than ever before. Nationally, there are several concerns that continue to demand attention from health care leaders. We repeatedly hear the same three words: cost, quality, and access. What does this mean in New Orleans? The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report which stated five New Orleans area hospitals had a combined operating loss of over $135 million in 2007 alone. This is astonishing in itself. It eventually leads us to think, how can we possibly continue like this? It is strength of the people and the compassion of providers that allow us to continue. It is here in New Orleans that one can see the fragility of life and the endurance of humanity. In a recent visit to Ochsner-Baptist Hospital we met Mr. Rob Wolterman, CEO. He exemplified this strength and compassion. As a relatively new CEO his determination to improve health care was inspiring. As we walked the halls of the hospital, Mr. Wolterman shared stories of the past. He also discussed the complexities of restructuring the organization in a post-Katrina New Orleans. Part of the tour included a climb to the top of a helipad which was located above an eight story parking garage. This helipad was used to evacuate critically-ill patients during Katrina and has not been used since then. Here, overlooking the city, we realize that no matter where you stand in New Orleans, as health care providers we face similar challenges. At the end of the day our purpose is same: to help people. As students and future health care leaders, we are proud to become a part of this very purpose. | 
