Introducing a New ‘Dialogue’

David J. Leffell, MD, CEO, Yale Medical Group

We are pleased to introduce a new publication for faculty and staff involved in patient care. As you know, Yale Practice has been published since 1996, and continues to be an important monthly publication to keep all of us involved in clinical care and up to date on key developments in the medical center. However, based on feedback we have received, and because of the substantial growth of the practice, we believe there is a need for more thorough coverage of our practice, faculty and staff, and related issues and challenges. Ronald Vender, MD, chief medical officer of Yale Medical Group and associate dean for clinical affairs, along with his team, has developed Yale Medical Group Dialogue, a newsletter for clinical faculty and staff. The publication, distributed by e-mail, will cover a wide variety of topics in depth. I believe Dialogue is an important element in our strategy to improve communication with all employees involved in the clinical enterprise. We hope you enjoy it.

David J. Leffell, MD
CEO, Yale Medical Group
Deputy Dean for Clinical Affairs

Ronald J. Vender, MD, CMO, Yale Medical Group

We celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Yale School of Medicine during a period of great uncertainty, both for health care and the world. While many accept that change is inevitable, and also believe that such transitions bring great opportunity, the challenges we face are nevertheless unsettling. At a time like this it may be helpful to reflect on what will not change for the faculty and staff of Yale Medical Group, which are the core values that guide and motivate us daily. Our doctors are among the best in the world. More than skilled technicians, we are compassionate healers providing hope to thousands of patients, dedicated educators who train the future generations, and brilliant investigators advancing medical knowledge through research and innovation.

Our staff is also a remarkable group of motivated and engaged colleagues who bring energy, skill, and enthusiasm to their daily work. When I speak with staff members from areas as diverse as medical billing compliance, CME, and credentialing, I am impressed not just by their expertise and commitment, but also by the connection they feel with the medical staff and our patients. They recognize that their smiles, voices, actions, and effort all have a direct impact on our patients, and they see their work as an opportunity to contribute to the health and well-being of our community.

Finally, those of us in Yale Medical Group share pride. We are proud of the care we provide. We respect our colleagues and are grateful to work by their side, and we take pride in the accomplishments of the Yale School of Medicine and Yale-New Haven Hospital. Yale Medical Group Dialogue will introduce you to colleagues, staff, and programs that you may not be familiar with, and hopefully will further justify the pride we share. As the name suggests, we hope you will feel free to exchange ideas and recommendations that can be used in future editions of Dialogue, and please share suggestions for how this newsletter can provide the greatest benefit to you.

I hope you enjoy reading about your colleagues and are inspired by their stories.

Ronald J. Vender, MD
CMO, Yale Medical Group
Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs