“Just a Talk” Series Helps Humanize Caregivers
Since the solitary and challenging days of the pandemic, many on-site and remote caregivers have been feeling a disconnect with those they work with, whether because they don’t know them on a personal level or because they work from home and have no in-person interaction. Dr. F. Scott Ross, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital, wanted a way to make caregivers feel recognized and valued as part of the Cleveland Clinic family. So, in March 2024, he introduced an innovative idea to showcase them and get to know them as individuals.
“The ‘Just a Talk’ series was created to allow our caregivers to get to know one another’s interests outside of work. Coming out of the pandemic isolation, we felt it was important to rebuild the feel of community within our staff. With each interview, we are reminded that while we are a very diverse group, we remain unified in the heartfelt care of our patients the dedication to one another,” he shares.
In these short, three-to-four-minute video segments that are featured on Weston Hospital’s InnerPulse e-newsletter, Dr. Ross sits down with a variety of caregivers, including a Registered Nurse, Physician, Respiratory Therapist, Pharmacy Manager, Financial Analyst, Environmental Services and Protective Services professionals and more, to learn more about them and their interests and hobbies outside of work.
At the beginning of each interview, Dr. Ross surprises caregivers by saying, “We’re not going to talk about Cleveland Clinic. We’re going to talk about you outside of Cleveland Clinic.” He wants people to know that there is, indeed, life outside of Cleveland Clinic.
Follow the links below to view two of these “Just a Talk” videos:
According to Irma Chang, Director, Human Resource Services at Weston Hospital, “Dr. Ross has been at Weston for a long time and has built a lot of really strong relationships with his caregivers. He wanted to have a platform to showcase the person behind the role.”
A few details gleaned from the caregivers who were interviewed include: one has a passion for old cars (especially the Chevrolet Chevelle SS ‘63 or ‘64), one is a DJ in his spare time and has a collection of over 45,000 songs; one used to perform professionally when she was 9 or 10 and has an acting degree; and another can sing every word of a popular 90s hip-hop song.
The opportunity to have a meaningful conversation with the Chief Medical Officer of a hospital isn’t something that happens every day. While these “Just a Talk” interviews may have come as a surprise to the interviewees, Dr. Ross quickly puts them at ease with his friendly personality and genuine interest. His wish is that sharing personal information like this will help humanize our caregivers and remind us that each of us is more than just a name on our badge.
Since the solitary and challenging days of the pandemic, many on-site and remote caregivers have been feeling a disconnect with those they work with, whether because they don’t know them on a personal level or because they work from home and have no in-person interaction. Dr. F. Scott Ross, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital, wanted a way to make caregivers feel recognized and valued as part of the Cleveland Clinic family. So, in March 2024, he introduced an innovative idea to showcase them and get to know them as individuals.
“The ‘Just a Talk’ series was created to allow our caregivers to get to know one another’s interests outside of work. Coming out of the pandemic isolation, we felt it was important to rebuild the feel of community within our staff. With each interview, we are reminded that while we are a very diverse group, we remain unified in the heartfelt care of our patients the dedication to one another,” he shares.
In these short, three-to-four-minute video segments that are featured on Weston Hospital’s InnerPulse e-newsletter, Dr. Ross sits down with a variety of caregivers, including a Registered Nurse, Physician, Respiratory Therapist, Pharmacy Manager, Financial Analyst, Environmental Services and Protective Services professionals and more, to learn more about them and their interests and hobbies outside of work.
At the beginning of each interview, Dr. Ross surprises caregivers by saying, “We’re not going to talk about Cleveland Clinic. We’re going to talk about you outside of Cleveland Clinic.” He wants people to know that there is, indeed, life outside of Cleveland Clinic.
Follow the links below to view two of these “Just a Talk” videos:
According to Irma Chang, Director, Human Resource Services at Weston Hospital, “Dr. Ross has been at Weston for a long time and has built a lot of really strong relationships with his caregivers. He wanted to have a platform to showcase the person behind the role.”
A few details gleaned from the caregivers who were interviewed include: one has a passion for old cars (especially the Chevrolet Chevelle SS ‘63 or ‘64), one is a DJ in his spare time and has a collection of over 45,000 songs; one used to perform professionally when she was 9 or 10 and has an acting degree; and another can sing every word of a popular 90s hip-hop song.
The opportunity to have a meaningful conversation with the Chief Medical Officer of a hospital isn’t something that happens every day. While these “Just a Talk” interviews may have come as a surprise to the interviewees, Dr. Ross quickly puts them at ease with his friendly personality and genuine interest. His wish is that sharing personal information like this will help humanize our caregivers and remind us that each of us is more than just a name on our badge.
