We have written often about the remarkable results of process improvements employed by members of our Hospitalist Program. There is the Early Discharge on the Carvers. More recently has been the launch of the Virtual Hospitalist program, which contains the seeds of a variety of new initiatives for years to come. The success of these and many other reinventions of the way we deliver health care are due to a variety of team members working together toward a common goal. But coordinating these efforts takes leadership and vision, and this week the Department had to say farewell to one of those visionary leaders.
Eric Linson, MBA, MHCDS, has been the Administrator for the Hospitalist and Palliative Care Programs since 2011. In that time, he has overseen the expansion of the Hospitalist Program from 28 full-time employees to 51 members. During a period of high-census, he has led the creation of an 18-bed short-stay unit on 3RCW, a 6-bed dedicated Palliative Care unit, and most recently a 13-bed short-stay unit on 5 South. Working with faculty and other hospital and college leadership, he has also helped combine efficient and effective patient care with education by founding a successful Resident-Hospitalist Assistance Program.
The goodwill and respect that Mr. Linson has generated in his years at Iowa brought many to offer their thanks, best wishes, and farewells. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Theresa Brennan spoke about the impact Mr. Linson has made and how much he would be missed. Hospitalist Program Director Dr. Kevin Glenn had thanks and fond memories to offer as well. “He has been my mentor, advisor, and colleague. . . He helped me stabilize, support, reorganize, and realign, creating a transformed, innovative program.” Dr. Glenn also presented Mr. Linson with a framed, photograph signed by many colleagues as well as a framed memento symbolizing the teamwork and leadership Mr. Linson consistently deployed.
The models for innovation at UIHC Mr. Linson helped establish will persist past his departure, but his absence will still be keenly felt. Best of luck to Mr. Linson and his family as he assumes a role as Internal Medicine Administrator at Southern Illinois University.