Dayton VA Medical Center, Ohio

Photo of Medical Center Director Glenn A. Costie

Greetings,

Upon my arrival here at the Dayton VA Medical Center, I wanted to communicate with the employees, Veterans Service Officers, elected officials and other stakeholders. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the previous Acting Medical Center Director and my goals for the organization.  I know it has been a long time between permanent leaders and how stressful that can be.  When I was a Service Chief up at the Cleveland, VA Medical Center, we had stretches of rotating bosses and acting bosses.  One of the best was Mr. Alan Harper.  Even though these folks provided great leadership, it never is the same as when the permanent boss shows up.

My goals for this organization are the same ones I have used throughout my career in the VA system.  I want to create an environment that is patient centric, strives for perfection, and is innovative.  Patient centric to me means in addition to delighting our patients, creating a culture of psychological safety for our staff.  The cornerstone of the highest quality patient care we can deliver is founded on staff trusting it is ok to "stop the line" if they see unsafe practices or a procedure that might hurt a patient.  We will create an environment where staff is rewarded for contributing their ideas for creating an outstanding patient safety culture.

As we all know perfection is not possible to achieve, I am aware of only One example. That does not mean we should not try.  It is our duty as VA employees to strive for perfection in all that we do for our Veterans.  It is the least we can do for paying them back for the sacrifices that have made on our behalf and for the continued freedom of the Nation and the world.  An environment that strives for perfection is one of high energy, action, and accountability.

Innovation will be the future of our organization.  It is what sets us apart from the rest of the medical community and will be especially true in 2014 (Effective Date of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, January 1, 2014).  My goal here at the Dayton VAMC will be to reward innovation and that includes appreciating our failures.  It took the Wright Brothers more than 1000 attempts before they were successful in flying an airplane, which revolutionized the field of transportation.  Failure is part of the process as we seek new procedures and new paths.  I will always appreciate the effort, even if it fails to deliver a desired result, when the goal is maximizing the benefit for our Veterans.  Innovation also means finding new ways to bring care as close as we can to our Veterans homes. Keeping our Veterans in their homes and out of our clinics and hospitals is what they want and what we strive for with our home based medical practices and telemedicine technology.

I have been asked what I am going to do first and here is my response.  Primarily, I am going to build on the work that Mr. Montague has already started and continue with the "Pursuit for Excellence."  His work has already turned the ship toward a successful course and I will build on what he has started.  Then, I will seek to actively listen to all of my staff, Veterans, the greater Dayton Community, and my other key stakeholders.  This will result in me minimizing my transition time and allow me to become a productive member of the team of caregivers here at the Dayton VAMC.

I look forward to becoming part of Dayton VAMC team and Continuing the Pursuit of Excellence!

 

Glenn A. Costie, FACHE
Medical Center Director