Melinda L. Estes, M.D.
Articles
Leadership, Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19)
Chair File: Reflection on an Unexpected and Unparalleled Year
It was not at all the year I expected, and it certainly wasn鈥檛 the year any of us wanted. But, through it all, I continually found inspiration. Even now in the uncertainty of what 2021 will bring, I鈥檓 reassured knowing that no matter what, the teams who power our hospitals and health systems across America are continuing the fight against COVID-19.
Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19), Leadership
Chair File: Together We Have the Power to Stop Infectious Disease Threats
Since the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in the U.S. nearly 10 months ago, our hospitals and health systems have learned so much about how to slow down the spread, care for patients and help them recover.
Environmental Scan, COVID-19: Organizational Preparedness and Capacity Planning
Chair File: Planning for the Future
The AHA鈥檚 2021 Environmental Scan is a useful resource for looking ahead. It provides key data and insights on the current operational landscape and is designed to help leaders maneuver the rough road ahead.
COVID-19: Caring for Patients and Communities
Chair File:聽A New Depth of Gratitude
This year, with so much to worry about, finding time for gratitude seems almost impossible. The irony, of course, is that we need it now more than ever. We just need to look for it.
Rural issues, AHA Rural Health Care Leadership Conference
Chair File: We Need to Protect Rural Hospitals and Access to Care
For the 20% of Americans who rely on rural hospitals for their care, the blue and white 鈥淗鈥 is among the most reassuring signs they鈥檒l ever see. It signals that expert care, help and healing is available and nearby. Even if that hospital is located dozens of miles away from the patient or family it serves, it is close enough to make a difference 鈥 to be a reliable partner in health care.
Veteran Hiring, Leadership
Chair File: Thanking our Veterans who make our Freedom Possible
Last week, we Americans exercised our hallowed right to vote in record numbers. We did so at a time of unusual stress, facing steep challenges and deep divisions within our country. Yet once more, we honored our democratic system and our heritage by using the ballot to speak our minds.
Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19), Enroll in Health Insurance, Health Insurance
Chair File: Get Enrolled in Health Insurance Coverage
Some health care needs are predictable but some are not. We can plan around giving birth, having a heart bypass, or scheduling a colonoscopy. But there are also surprises, such as injuries from accidents, or a cancer that appears with no family history 鈥 or COVID-19.
Advocacy & Public Policy, Leadership
Chair File: Exercising Our Right to Vote
The national election eight days from today will affect many aspects of our society. And once again, health care is front and center. Those elected will face a full plate of new and ongoing health care issues, including providing additional financial support for struggling hospitals and health systems during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19), COVID-19: Caring for Patients and Communities
Chair File: Sharing Learnings to Enhance Patient Care
COVID-19 is a pandemic with no precedent, and certainly no equal. In many ways, we鈥檝e been learning as we go. For health care professionals, this has elevated the importance of peer-to-peer sharing as never before.
Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19), Workforce, Access to Behavioral Health, Burnout
Chair File: Planning Today for Tomorrow鈥檚 Workforce
We know that prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, demand for health care workers and health care job openings were at record highs. We also know that the pandemic created pressure to quickly ramp up staffing levels and optimize surge capacity, even as the cancellation of non-emergent surgeries caused serious financial challenges for hospitals and health systems.