University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Banner Health Hometown Hero - Chris Kerrigan
11/17/2020 9:48:00 AM | General
This week's Banner Health Hometown Hero is Director of Medical Staff Services Chris Kerrigan
As the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the world, the medical field stepped into the light for the amazing work they perform day in and day out. UNC Athletics is highlight a Banner Health Hometown Hero for their impact on the community during these unique times. Last week's Hero - Todd Lowe.
Chris Kerrigan, Director of Medical Staff Services
What does the role of the Director of Medical Staff do?
The primary responsibility of the Director of Medical Staff is to lead the team responsible for credentialing and onboarding the physicians and advanced practice providers that work in our hospitals. We ensure only the highest quality providers work in our hospital and support them by obtaining any resources they need to deliver excellent care to our patients.
How was it decided what surgeries were medically necessary and what were not?
An expert team made up of our Surgeon, Anesthesiology, and Perioperative leaders reviewed and determined case priorities. This was done in conjunction with the operating physician to ensure all aspects of the individual patient's history and needs were accounted for. All procedures were medically necessary; however, some could be delayed to a safer time without significant impact on the patient.
How was the changing in testing protocols communicated to physicians and staff?
Communication was so key throughout our surges. There was a constant stream being delivered in a variety of methods ranging from emails to just in time meetings. Being part of a large healthcare system really improved our ability to compile and analyze new information as it was coming out, and we were able to create a Covid-19 Tool Kit where all the communications were stored and updated so that if physicians were unable to drop into a meeting they could circle back later.
How did you best support the physicians during the pandemic?
Communication and education is the primary way I've supported the physicians. In March and April, it was not unusual to have three or more meetings scheduled per day seven days a week. Everything was moving so quickly, and my team and I worked very hard to bring everyone together when logistically we could not be physically close to each other.
Throughout this pandemic wellness and burnout prevention have also been top of mind for us. Thankfully we had a very robust Physician and APP Wellness program developed prior to the pandemic that allowed us to rapidly expand services. Physicians and APPs could participate in support groups and wellness education and we also worked to make sure they had housing alternatives and any other resources they might need.
How do you feel better prepared for future pandemics?
We have built up the infrastructure necessary to continue tackling the current pandemic and any future pandemics that might come. We have the supplies, equipment, technology, and personnel to save as many lives as is possible. More importantly, we have the confidence that we can do this. No one predicted that 2020 would be as challenging as it has been, and I am honored and privileged to work with the talented individuals that I do.
Chris Kerrigan, Director of Medical Staff Services
What does the role of the Director of Medical Staff do?
The primary responsibility of the Director of Medical Staff is to lead the team responsible for credentialing and onboarding the physicians and advanced practice providers that work in our hospitals. We ensure only the highest quality providers work in our hospital and support them by obtaining any resources they need to deliver excellent care to our patients.
How was it decided what surgeries were medically necessary and what were not?
An expert team made up of our Surgeon, Anesthesiology, and Perioperative leaders reviewed and determined case priorities. This was done in conjunction with the operating physician to ensure all aspects of the individual patient's history and needs were accounted for. All procedures were medically necessary; however, some could be delayed to a safer time without significant impact on the patient.
How was the changing in testing protocols communicated to physicians and staff?
Communication was so key throughout our surges. There was a constant stream being delivered in a variety of methods ranging from emails to just in time meetings. Being part of a large healthcare system really improved our ability to compile and analyze new information as it was coming out, and we were able to create a Covid-19 Tool Kit where all the communications were stored and updated so that if physicians were unable to drop into a meeting they could circle back later.
How did you best support the physicians during the pandemic?
Communication and education is the primary way I've supported the physicians. In March and April, it was not unusual to have three or more meetings scheduled per day seven days a week. Everything was moving so quickly, and my team and I worked very hard to bring everyone together when logistically we could not be physically close to each other.
Throughout this pandemic wellness and burnout prevention have also been top of mind for us. Thankfully we had a very robust Physician and APP Wellness program developed prior to the pandemic that allowed us to rapidly expand services. Physicians and APPs could participate in support groups and wellness education and we also worked to make sure they had housing alternatives and any other resources they might need.
How do you feel better prepared for future pandemics?
We have built up the infrastructure necessary to continue tackling the current pandemic and any future pandemics that might come. We have the supplies, equipment, technology, and personnel to save as many lives as is possible. More importantly, we have the confidence that we can do this. No one predicted that 2020 would be as challenging as it has been, and I am honored and privileged to work with the talented individuals that I do.
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