Methodist Medical Center Foundation Holds Inaugural “HealthTalk” Luncheon

Healthcare Consultant Addresses Local Leaders with Industry Update

Methodist Medical Center Foundation held an inaugural luncheon event on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, with approximately 180 leaders in attendance at the Double Tree by Hilton in Oak Ridge.

The purpose of the event was to offer an insider view of the global healthcare industry and a status report of healthcare in East Tennessee from keynote speaker Marty Brown, president and CEO of PYA (formerly known as Pershing, Yoakley and Associates). The invocation was given by Shawn Smith, Chairman of the Methodist Medical Center Foundation.

Proceeds from this fundraising event benefitted Methodist Medical Center Foundation, an organization created to support the patients and families served by Methodist Medical Center. The foundation extends the gift of life to all those in need, regardless of their ability to pay. The event also served as an opportunity for business and community leaders to learn about how current and future issues facing the healthcare industry may affect them, their employees and their families.

As president, CEO and owner of PYA, Mr. Brown serves as a lead advisor for several of the nation’s most well-known academic medical centers; as the lead client service executive for several multi-hospital systems across the country; and as an advisor to healthcare systems and large physician groups on strategy, transactions, compliance, compensation design, succession planning and executive leadership. PYA is ranked by Modern Healthcare as a Top 20 healthcare consulting firm.

Brown’s remarks addressed healthcare industry trends and he offered his perspective on the hospital model. Brown pointed out that one key factor that continues to change is how consumers seek healthcare; with a plethora of options for making healthcare decisions, consumers now have immediate access to internet research, alternative treatments and more outpatient centers offering what used to require a hospital stay. Despite more access, Brown pointed out that hospitals became the engine that people heavily relied on for all aspects of care during the COVID-19 pandemic, because hospitals continue to serve as cornerstones of their communities.

However, he noted that health systems must reconsider the traditional hospital model and the costs associated with it to reinvent how we deliver care to patients where they are. Brown reminded leaders in attendance that as healthcare companies and providers, their consumers want the best technology, quick access and a free market.

Fortunately for both providers and patients, hospitals are evolving to be more equated to healthcare delivery services. He reminded healthcare leaders to continue considering issues facing the industry and serving as change agents. These issues include, but are not limited to, value-based healthcare, insurance payor mix, Medicare and Medicaid, and population health.

This was the inaugural HealthTalk luncheon held in support of the Methodist Medical Foundation. Event hosts would like to thank the sponsors who made this event possible:

• Gold Sponsors: Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC., Covenant Health, Epstein Becker Green and Methodist Medical Center volunteers
• Silver Sponsors: Arnett Draper Hagood, Brock Shipe Klenk, The Christman Group, Moxley Carmichael, GEOS, Nazzy Hashemian, PYA, Tennessee Orthopedic Clinic and UCOR
• Bronze Sponsors: ORAU and TransSolutions & Logistics
• Friend Sponsors: Bass, Berry & Sims, PLC. and William “Bear” Stephenson

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About Methodist Medical Center Foundation
The Methodist Medical Center Foundation was established in 1990 to acquire and accept charitable gifts for Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge to perpetuate and advance the highest quality of health care services at Methodist Medical Center. The foundation’s mission is to assist Methodist Medical Center with extending the gift of life to all those in need, regardless of their ability to pay.

The foundation is a separate, non-profit corporation which is governed by a volunteer board of directors, each of whom is a recognized leader in the communities Methodist Medical Center serves. The members donate their time, talents, expertise, insights, and financial support. Board members are responsible for ensuring the Foundation is an efficient, cost-effective organization that is fully accountable for the philanthropic funds entrusted to it.

Other fundraising events include: the Acorn Classic, a golf tournament benefiting the healthcare programs and services of Methodist Medical Center, held in October at the Oak Ridge Country Club; the annual Holiday Lights campaign raises money for the Hospitality Houses of Methodist Medical Center, which provide temporary lodging for patients and families who travel to Oak Ridge for extended medical treatment.

About Covenant Health
Covenant Health is a Tennessee-based healthcare enterprise committed to providing the right care at the right time and place. As a nonprofit health system, we are dedicated to being the region’s premier healthcare network through service, community and innovation. We provide patient-centered care that inspires clinical and service excellence and strive to be the first and best choice for our patients, employees, physicians, employers, volunteers and communities. Covenant Health is the area’s largest employer and has more than 11,000 compassionate caregivers, expert clinicians, and dedicated employees and volunteers. Learn more at CovenantHealth.com.