Just Stopping By... with snacks!
February 9, 2026
Thursday, something pretty simple happened at the hospital… and it made me smile all day.
A snack cart made its way around the hospital manned by your executive team.
No agenda. No “big announcement.” No long conversations pulled away from patient care. Just a quick hello, a snack (or a stress ball), and a sincere thank you from your executive team to you.
And I want to explain why that matters.
A few weeks ago, I wrote about “seeing what we see” — moving our senior team huddle board out where it’s visible, because trust grows when our actions are in plain view.
Snack cart rounding is the same idea, just in a different form: showing up consistently and intentionally, in the real work, with appreciation – not only when something is broken.
Why a snack cart?
Because sometimes the most meaningful leadership touchpoint is also the simplest one.
You don’t always need an hour-long meeting to feel seen. Sometimes you just need a leader to stop, look you in the eye, and say:
“Thank you for what you’re doing.”
“How’s it going today?”
Maya Angelou famously said, “People will forget what you said… but people will never forget how you made them feel.” That’s what this is about.
How this will work going forward
Snack cart rounding will happen on a rotating basis, with different executives at different times so we can reach team members who don’t always get traditional visibility. Our goal is to keep this simple, consistent, and respectful of the flow of patient care—a brief touchpoint of appreciation, not a disruption.
We plan to do this roughly once a month, and it will evolve as we learn what works. It’s very much a work in progress, and right now, it’s focused on the hospital, where so many of our teams rarely get a moment of pause during their busy shift. For the rest of the health system, we’re actively exploring other ways of “showing up.”
And it’s part of something bigger
Snack cart rounding is one small expression of a larger commitment we’re making as a leadership team. You’ll also see more executive rounding, shadowing, and intentional presence connected to our Lean Management System work (more to come on our LMS overhaul soon!). These efforts all support the same goal: living up to our 2026 leadership pledge.
It’s important to me, and to this entire executive team, that we bring those words to life. My hope is that you’ll see through our actions that we meant what we said—we want to be closer to the work, understand challenges firsthand, and model approachability & transparency.
So, when you see the snack cart coming through, say hi (even if it’s just a quick wave) and grab a snack. If there’s anything else you want to share while we’re there, we’ll always be happy to listen.
See you out there!
Employee Spotlight
How long have you been at GBMC HealthCare?
14 years
What is one key way you support a zero harm/safety culture?
Even though I am not clinical in my role, it's paramount that we do the best we can in getting care to our families and patients as quickly as possible. We strive to make that happen within 24 hours so that the patient has access to comfort care.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The saying began some time ago that we should provide the care for patients as we would want the care provided to our own loved ones. To this day that never leaves my mind. I have not yet had a mom or dad or son need hospice, but when that time does come, I have been given the opportunity to be prepared, and my mind is at ease knowing that Gilchrist will assist with this. No other career has made me more humble and grateful to be helping people alongside such great clinicians and leaders.
What's one unique thing we'd be surprised to learn about you?
I love kayaking!
COMMENTS
**Ebony Brown Sewell commented on 2/12/26 at 10:19:**
George is an asset to our team, and we are grateful to have him on our team!
**Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
That has been clear with the number of you who have commented. We are truly lucky to have George caring for our community.
**Michael Porter commented on 2/11/26 at 10:41:**
I would like to suggest a change to current holiday and personal leave policy.
"Holidays and Personal leave hours allocated to leave banks in the current year must be used by March 31 of the following year. Any unused Holiday and Personal leave time will be forfeited."
Are we able to extend this date to the end of Summer, to give employees who like to pick up and help their units during these months to improve staffing census a chance to use this time before losing it, especially the end of year holidays.
I believe this would greatly increase employee satisfaction and morale.
**Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
Michael...thank you for the feedback. I will forward your feedback to our HR team.
**Anonymous commented on 2/10/26 at 17:15:**
Just a quick question could we bring back giving the employees items with the GBMC logo on them?
For example, beach towels, umbrella's and so on. It is also great advertisement for the hospital when people see the name if you're using the item somewhere.
**Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
Will keep in mind. I have quickly assembled a heavy GBMC branded wardrobe collection.
**jennifer litz commented on 2/10/26 at 14:46:**
George is one of my favorite access team members! He has such a friendly voice and kind way about him. He is a real gem.
**Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
That is clear as day!
**Tracy Hickman commented on 2/10/26 at 08:13:**
You couldn't have picked a better employee to spotlight than George Robinson! George goes above and beyond to accommodate nurses, patients and families! He provides a critical role behind the scenes. George is rarely included in the accolades from families, however, he is often the first contact with referral sources. A true professional, it is an honor to call him a coworker!
**Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
The Employee Spotlight isn’t about role type—it’s about impact. Our non‑clinical colleagues are just as vital to delivering safe, high‑quality, compassionate care, and they deserve recognition for that work. George is a perfect example!
**Angela Brown commented on 2/10/26 at 08:00:**
You are a perfect example of male leadership.
**Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
Thank you.
**Leslie Goldvarg commented on 2/10/26 at 07:38:**
Dr G.....
THANK YOU for continuing to be a Man OF Wisdom! Keeping you 'covered' in prayer!
**Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
You are too kind. Thank you!
**Anne Timmons commented on 2/10/26 at 07:30:**
The snack carting is wonderful concept. I would ask that we also make sure to show that support and care to non-patient facing staff who support those teams so that they are free to focus on patient care and not have to worry about whether the systems are up, their benefits are in place, or that their paycheck will be deposited on time.
**Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
Totally...it will be a work in progress for sure.
**Samantha Broadwick commented on 2/10/26 at 06:41:**
I love this, especially the plan to rotate through different shifts. Even though I'm no longer in a clinical setting, I still remember a night shift nursing supervisor who-usually on holidays-would come around with a cart of treats. There was no agenda, no meeting, just a simple "Happy Valentine's Day" or "Happy New Year-take a treat." It made me and my team feel seen and appreciated in such a genuine way.
I think what you're proposing is wonderful for the same reason. It feels like true giving back and appreciation, not another task or obligation. I also really appreciate that staff aren't expected to stop what they're doing for huddles or long conversations-it respects their time and workflow. And when people do have something to share, this kind of presence makes it feel easier and more natural to speak up.
**Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
Thank you Samantha. I agree with you 100% and my whole team loved doing it!
About Me
Paari Gopalakrishnan, MD, MBA
Bringing more than two decades of clinical and executive leadership experience, Dr. G is known for his commitment to transparency, accountability, and compassion. Learn more...
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