5 Types of Comments Becker's Hospital Review Received on 40 of the Smartest People in Healthcare

Two weeks ago, Becker's Hospital Review posted a list of 40 of the smartest people in healthcare today, highlighting certain individuals who stand out as having the intellect needed to effect meaningful change in the healthcare industry. List selections were made through an editorial review process, and people could not pay to be included.

We received a number of interesting and sometimes thoughtful comments on the list. This may lead us to expand the list and review the list further for next year or later this year. This is summary of some of the feedback we received. 

1. List omissions.  A commenter identifying as "HealthReformER" wrote not including former HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt was a "major omission." 

"His value stems from his conservative roots coupled with his experience with implementing health insurance exchanges and ACOs. A rare combination," HealthReformER wrote. 

2. Not enough nurses. Commenter Greg B wrote the list should include more nurses than Maureen Bisognano, RN, president and CEO of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. "She is certainty deserving but surely there are other very smart nurses in healthcare!" he wrote.
 
He suggested adding CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner; Sister Carol Keehan, RN, president and CEO of the Catholic Health Association of the United States; Marilyn Chow, RN, vice president of Patient Care Services, Program Office, at Kaiser Permanente; and Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, CEO of the National League for Nursing.
 
3. Objection to President Barack Obama's inclusion. Numerous commenters have criticized President Obama's inclusion in the list. A commenter identified only as "g" wrote, "Barack Obama --- ???. Really? Just because someone has the capability to draw conclusions faster than 99% of the population doesn't make them smart. In fact, perhaps if he spent more time thinking about the ramifications of his decisions we wouldn't be in the mess we are in right now."
 
Commenter "joe" expressed a similar sentiment: "Your list is invalidated by President Obama being included. I would list any hardworking physician or nurse before this incompetent leader." 

Meanwhile, commenter "DBP" wrote, "Barack Obama??? What are you thinking?" 

4. Defense of President Obama's inclusion. At least two commenters stepped in to defend President Obama. A commenter identifying as George N, RN, wrote that at least President Obama tried to "get coverage and quality outcomes for all citizens regardless of the political consequences."

Meanwhile, commenter "Politics Aside" wrote, "For all the Obama and reform haters — what was your alternative?"
 
5. Criticism of the list as a whole. Commenter "Flat Tax Plez" dismissed the entire piece as a "very subjective." Overall, Flat Tax Plez wrote the list contains only "a sprinkling of real healthcare professionals, and a handful of individuals that could be considered some of healthcare's best and brightest."

 

Copyright © 2024 Becker's Healthcare. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Cookie Policy. Linking and Reprinting Policy.