Health care
BY VANESSA HOLT
Houston Methodist was the title sponsor for the half marathon portion of The Woodlands Marathon on March 2.
PHOTOS COURTESY HOUSTON METHODIST THE WOODLANDS HOSPITAL
David Bernard takes CEO role at Houston Methodist
to create an amazing culture that leads to unparal- leled safety, quality, service and innovation for our patients. This is a direct reection of our values of integrity, compassion, accountability, respect and excellence in action. What areas do you think can be further developed? We are always looking toward future expansion, growth, and new ways to improve the care and service we provide to our patients. We opened up our newest tower at Houston Methodist The Wood- lands in 2022, which pushed our capacity up to almost 300 beds. As Montgomery County’s health care needs continue to grow, we remain committed to nding ways to provide the very best for our patients and meet the needs of our community. What are the greatest challenges for this campus based on its location and specialties? The Woodlands is one of the fastest growing communities in the country and for good reason—it is an amazing place to live, work, play, learn and pray as envisioned by its founders. So, one of the challenges for our campus will be to keep up with the fast-paced growth The Woodlands and sur- rounding communities are experiencing.
Before joining The Woodlands location, what was your primary impression of the campus and its programs? My predecessor, Debbie Sukin, and I have known each other and worked together for nearly 25 years. I knew with Debbie at the helm, Houston Meth- odist The Woodlands Hospital was going to be an exceptional place. I have been incredibly impressed with the people, organization, hard work and progress that Houston Methodist The Woodlands has made to establish itself as an integral part of the Montgomery County community since opening our doors in 2017. I look forward to building upon this great foundation. What goals do you have for the hospital? I want Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital to be the very best place in the country to receive care as a patient, work as an employee and practice medicine as a physician. Our faith- based, values-driven culture makes our hospital a special place, and I want our friends and neighbors in Montgomery County to know that Houston Methodist The Woodlands always puts the patient at the center of everything we do, and we are committed to providing the very best care possible. We are excited for the opportunity to expand our facilities and services to meet the growing needs of our community. What do you see as its current strengths? Our greatest strength at Houston Methodist The Woodlands is our people. Each day, our sta, nurses, physicians and volunteers all come together
David Bernard became CEO of Houston Meth- odist The Woodlands Hospital on Jan. 1, following Debbie Sukin’s move from that position to president of Texas Children’s. He previously served as senior vice president with Houston Methodist for 12 years and has been with the hospital system in several roles since 2000. Community Impact asked Bernard about his career and his plans for The Woodlands-area hospital. What drew you to hospital leadership as a career path? Helping others was a way of life for my family growing up in south Louisiana, so the health care eld seemed to be a natural t for me. Yet, hospital leadership was not my rst love. For as far back as I can remember I wanted to be a football coach— building teams, putting together strategic game plans, striving for perfection, inspiring players and winning championships. Although I did not take that career path, I have the opportunity to coach and help others every day as a hospital leader at Houston Methodist striving for unparalleled safety, quality, service and innova- tion. I believe I have one of the greatest jobs in the world and am humbled to lead our team.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com.
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THE WOODLANDS EDITION
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