From the latest edition of MD Today

Dear colleagues,

As we move into this next chapter together, I am struck by the amount of change on our horizon—change that is both challenging and full of possibility. 

First, I am delighted to welcome Dr. Paari Gopalakrishnan as GBMC HealthCare’s next President and CEO. Dr. Gopalakrishnan is an internist by training and an accomplished system leader, chosen unanimously after a national search for his combination of clinical insight, operational success, and deep respect for physician collaboration. He has expressed genuine admiration for the sense of community and purpose that defines our organization, and he looks forward to meeting many of you in the weeks ahead through forums and conversations. I believe his leadership will build on our strong foundation and open new opportunities for us to advance patient-centered care. 

At the same time, we are preparing for the impact of the recently passed "Big Beautiful Bill,” which brings changes at both the state and federal levels. With these changes, there are opportunities to innovate and improve. While the legislation will bring significant reductions to Medicaid funding, the heart of our mission remains unchanged: to put people first. As Dr. Chessare recently reflected in his blog, the true measure of our success is not how many patients fill our hospital beds, but how many we keep healthy and thriving in their communities. Even as financial and policy pressures evolve, we will continue to find ways to meet our patients with compassion and innovation, especially those facing the greatest barriers to care and whose health is most at stake. 

This is why I am encouraged by the opportunities within the AHEAD (Advancing All-Payer Health Equity Approaches and Development) program. Its focus on aligning payment with outcomes and investing in prevention and efficiency mirrors the work we have been leading for years. It affirms our direction – supporting advanced primary care, reductions in avoidable utilization in emergency rooms and hospitals, coupled with gains in care delivery efficiency, and creating a more sustainable model of care delivery. 

And as we embrace these changes, we also have reason to celebrate. On October 2, we mark GBMC’s 60th anniversary, which is a milestone that honors the vision, perseverance, and compassion of those who came before us. It is also an invitation to look ahead with optimism. We stand at a pivotal moment: with a new CEO, a new care model through AHEAD, and a legacy of innovation and resilience to guide us, we are uniquely positioned to shape the next era of healthcare together. 

Thank you for your commitment, your adaptability, and the unwavering care you provide every day. I am honored to work alongside you as we carry forward GBMC’s proud history into an even brighter future. 

With gratitude,

Robin Motter-Mast, DO, MBA, FAAFP, DipABLM, CPE
Chief of Staff, GBMC HealthCare