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April 2000 Laret Introduces Himself via Email Mark Laret, new CEO at the UCSF Medical Center, introduced himself via email on Monday, his first day at the helm of the health care system. In his email address to physicians and staff, Laret says he will be visiting each campus site over the next several months to introduce himself and learn more about the University. He pledged to continue to keep the campus informed about his activities. "I believe that communications will play an important role in ensuring a smooth transition during the next six months, especially for an organization that has already gone through so much change and will undoubtedly go through more," Laret says. "Through regular email messages, I will keep you informed about the issues we are addressing." Laret reiterated his belief in the future success of the clinical enterprise. "I believe we have the potential to be the unrivaled leader in health care in the country. UCSF's national reputation remains very strong, thanks to all of you. "In five to 10 years, I want people to say that UCSF Medical Center is "THE PLACE" to go for medical care. We already have the most important ingredients -- talented and dedicated physicians and staff. I am honored and privileged to be working with you." In the short term, Laret intends to address operational issues to ensure that every patient receives great clinical care at every encounter. "So often what colors a patient's view of health care is not the quality of care received but the quality of ‘service’ received. Do we make patients feel welcome? Are we helpful directing patients -- even taking them – to their destination? Do we see our patients on time? Do we have their medical records? Do we generate a bill that patients can understand? I don't want to hear that we turned away a patient because we fumbled a phone call. There's no question in my mind that patients are No. 1 and I take patient feedback very seriously." One of Laret’s first assignments is to fill the vacancies in the medical center senior management team, including the positions of chief financial officer and chief operating officer. Until those appointments are made, John Stone, interim chief operating officer, and the Hunter Group will continue to assist at UCSF, possibly through June or July. Laret, who will report to Chancellor Mike Bishop, faces the daunting task of returning fiscal stability to the medical center. Currently, medical center officials are in the process of developing an operating and capital budget. "Our losses are significant and I can't emphasize enough the seriousness of our financial situation," Laret says. "While we have the desire and need to start new initiatives, we must first fine-tune what we already do." He asked faculty and staff for their continued cooperation to meet the challenges that lie ahead. "The current health care market demands that we change; our financial situation and the state of our operations requires it as well. Change is never easy or comfortable, but it is the only way to move from where we are today to being the unquestioned leader in clinical medicine."
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