At the Nashville Health Care Council we are honored to have a diverse community of healthcare leaders of every level. As healthcare evolves and grows, so does our Council membership. One way we support building and growing the healthcare talent pipeline is the Leadership Health Care (LHC) program. Leadership Health Care fosters the next generation of healthcare leaders by creating educational and networking opportunities for members. We look to our Leadership Health Care Board of Directors to share their experience and spotlight their achievements to provide lessons and examples of success for the full Nashville Health Care Community.
Meet LHC Board Member, Stephen Smith, Process Engineering Manager, HCA Healthcare
As a program of the Nashville Health Care Council, how has Leadership Health Care influenced your career?
Leadership Health Care introduced me to a vast array of health care professionals across the industry, many of whom have become trusted mentors and friends. The exposure to diverse perspectives and expertise has been invaluable in shaping my approach to leadership and collaboration in the healthcare sector.
“The exposure to diverse perspectives and expertise has been invaluable in shaping my approach to leadership and collaboration in the healthcare sector.” – Stephen Smith, Process Engineering Manager, HCA Healthcare
Tell us about a professional success story that you’re proud of:
I am incredibly proud of the progress my team has made in maternal and fetal wellbeing. The challenges associated with childbirth in the U.S. are well-documented, and realizing tangible improvements in outcomes for mothers and babies is an indescribably amazing feeling. The significant progress we’ve made so far is a profound source of pride and motivation.
What inspired you to choose your current career path?
Early exposure to health disparities and health equity research opened my eyes to the numerous opportunities within healthcare to improve the quality of life for many people. Learning about the longstanding and emerging challenges in the industry inspired me to dedicate my career to mitigating and ultimately solving these issues. The potential to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives is what drives me.
What has surprised you most about working in the healthcare industry?
The sheer expansiveness of the healthcare industry has been the most surprising. The variety of organizations, roles, and specialized services provided is vast, reflecting the complexity and diversity of the field. This breadth offers endless opportunities for learning and growth.
If you could go back in time and give yourself one piece of advice before entering the industry, what would it be?
Keep people at the forefront of everything you do. Prioritizing knowledge enhancement and skill development is important, but remember it’s all about people– not just the people you ultimately intend to serve, but also the people you work alongside each day. Building strong relationships and maintaining a people-centric focus is the key to driving meaningful, sustainable change.
“Building strong relationships and maintaining a people-centric focus is the key to driving meaningful, sustainable change.” – Stephen Smith, Process Engineering Manager, HCA Healthcare
How have you built confidence and/or resiliency over the course of your career?
I have built confidence and resiliency by prioritizing preparation and proactively engaging colleagues throughout various engagements and initiatives. This approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of various initiatives and projects. By setting aside time each week for thorough preparation, I can face challenges with confidence and resilience, staying fully engaged and ready to adapt to any situation.
Learn more about the Nashville Health Care Council program, curated specifically for young professionals and emerging leaders, Leadership Healthcare (LHC).