December 14, 2015

When I started this regular series of communication updates last month, my promise was to provide you with timely highlights of major system news and events. John Prout’s announcement last week of his planned retirement certainly qualifies as such – and I’m honored to celebrate his legacy.

An Exceptional Leader, an Inspiring Human Being

While I only had the privilege of working with John for the last several months, it didn’t take long to understand why he was such a beloved and respected leader at TriHealth. Professionally, his accomplishments are remarkable. His nearly two decades of dedicated leadership service to TriHealth, its staff, patients and the community has enabled this organization to grow from two hospitals to five, with 140 sites of care, 520 employed partner physicians and more than 12,000 team members – all enthusiastically dedicated to improving the health of those we serve with great skill, genuine compassion and respect for all. 

John has guided TriHealth’s growth with a keen understanding of the evolving care needs of our community and the changing landscape of the health care industry. As a result, TriHealth has grown, not simply in size, but also in quality and capacity. Today, we are a nationally recognized system that can offer the right care, at the right time, in the right setting to enable our patients and customers to live better at every stage of their lives – and in every state of health.

What John has accomplished here is truly exceptional, but most impressive and inspiring to me is how he’s done it and who he is as a person. John cares deeply and personally – about TriHealth, about the people he serves and about his leadership responsibilities. He is extremely humble and has demonstrated TriHealth’s values in action every day of his career. I am extremely grateful for having had the opportunity to work with him and to learn from him. He has been a gracious colleague and mentor, providing me with generous and candid counsel and advice that have been invaluable.

A Great Privilege to Continue John’s Work

To say I have big shoes to fill is an understatement. I can’t think of a better position to be in than to follow greatness. You have my promise that I will work extremely hard to honor John’s legacy – both personally and professionally – as I continue the work he so capably led here for the past two decades.  I am thrilled to have him here in town to further benefit from his advice and perspective.

As we look ahead, our work together remains firmly rooted in our faith-based service identity. Our Mission, Vision and Core Values remain unchanged and will continue to guide our healing ministry. Thanks to John, our leadership team and each of you, we have a solid foundation from which to build an exciting future.

Thank you for the faith you’ve placed in me and the kind reception you’ve given me. I look forward to earning your confidence, trust, respect and friendship in the months and years ahead as we continue on our journey to make TriHealth a great place to work, to practice and to receive care.