A Great Place to Work, Thanks to You

Good morning. 

You may have seen in this week’s Medical Center Matters that UMMC again placed high in the Forbes list of best in-state employers. We’ve shared this accolade several times in recent years – and would love it to be an annual tradition. It’s great to be recognized, especially for promoting a positive working environment. That we can be in the top 10 in Mississippi (second-highest ranked employer that is headquartered in state) and top-ranked health care institution is amazing, considering what I often say about working here – “It’s not easy.” 

The services we provide to Mississippians are vital but certainly not easy to deliver. I am confident you are the most dedicated group of employees in this state. If you’re wearing a UMMC badge, it’s because you are mission driven. As a state, we have some of the toughest health challenges in the country. And as Mississippi’s only academic medical center, many of those tough challenges come through our doors. While it isn’t easy to work here – the work is important, it is consequential, it matters. For all of you who believe in our mission, you have my never-ending appreciation. 

Our 10-year journey and focus on quality as a top priority is the underpinning of this success. If we get that part right, everything else follows. Every patient, every interaction, every time.  

Raising the bar so that our values – integrity, compassion, professionalism, respect and excellence – are the behaviors we expect to be modeled NOT only in interactions with our patients and their families, but also in engagements with each other. Every “customer,” every interaction, every time. Expect this and model this.  

So, on this Labor Day week, I want to take the recognition that your survey responses bestowed upon us and pass it right back to you. YOU – our workforce – deserve the credit for everything we achieve. We are growing, achieving, surpassing expectations in all three mission areas – research, education, clinical care. Thanks to you. 

From our senior leaders to employees in their first career-level position, you are all doing what is needed and showing a level of dedication unsurpassed in our state. The goal is lofty, and the road is far from smooth, but through you A Healthier Mississippi is on the horizon.