AnnualReport2020

orthopaedic surgical and academic background, in September. Achieving my second goal has been complicated by current events. My work on this has been significantly delayed because of the pandemic, which has limited travel and personal interaction since February. However, now that things seem to be improving, hopefully I can resume working on this challenge. Presentations and publications have always been a cornerstone of our health care system, and major factors in our reputation as one of the great pediatric surgical specialty programs in North America and the world. However, in today’s competitive world, these efforts need to be enhanced. Fortunately, I have the remainder of my term as interim CMO, as well as the next several years when I resume my previous position as chairman of the Medical Advisory Board, to pursue these academic

We are currently in a very complex and competitive medical environment that is heavily driven by financial reimbursement. Shriners Hospitals for Children has always had a strong academic mission of quality care, clinical research and leadership. Throughout my 41-year career, I have always believed that academics drives our business. To be the best and attract the largest volume and most complex patients we have to continually demonstrate our results to providers, insurers and the public. The best way to accomplish this is through presentations and publications. Only then will we achieve the level of recognition we truly deserve. Sincerely,

A Message from the Interim Chief Medical Officer As the interim chief medical officer (CMO) this year, I have been challenged to continue the mission of Shriners Hospitals for Children to provide high-quality pediatric specialty care despite the worldwide coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. During a portion of 2020, as was true for many establishments, Shriners International Headquarters was closed and managed remotely. Although this time was difficult for all our health care facilities, the and families, and using innovative technology to provide Fast Track Video Visits for specific types of care, including follow-up visits and some therapies. We are now emerging and, hopefully, will be stronger than ever. It has been an honor and a privilege to assist Shriners Hospitals for Children during this very precarious time. As interim CMO, I have focused on two goals: leading the search for the next CMO and fostering academic productivity, which staff did a tremendous job of communicating with patients

George H. Thompson, M.D. Interim Chief Medical Officer Shriners Hospitals for Children

issues. I also plan to work with the next CMO, help acclimate them to Shriners Hospitals

for Children, and continue to advance the mission of our system.

I believe will be important to Shriners Hospitals going forward. I successfully completed my first goal; we look forward to welcoming an excellent,

new highly qualified CMO, with both an

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