The Department of Medicine is the largest department at Emory University and functions with the committed service of our administrative staff — most notably, our division administrators. In this series, we get to know the talented individuals who manage the day-to-day operations of our ten department divisions.
Read our interview with Lance Clark, administrator for the Division of Hospital Medicine. Clark shares how his career path led to the DOM, what he enjoys about life in Atlanta, and more.
How did your career path lead you to the DOM?
I started my Emory career as part of the Management Development Program (MDP), run through the Emory Clinic. I was positioned in cardiothoracic surgery and vascular surgery, working across multiple campuses managing day-to-day clinic operations, working on division patient access initiatives, and contributing to the ongoing financial management of the sites I supported. Upon completion of the MDP, I had the opportunity to seek guidance from Emory leaders on where I might continue to contribute to the organization outside of the Heart and Vascular Center. That led me to a position in hospital medicine, where I was administratively responsible for the former Dekalb Hospital sites (Emory Decatur, Hillandale, and LTAC) right after they became part of Emory Healthcare. This was a unique challenge that allowed me to not only learn about hospital medicine operations, but how to stabilize, maintain, and build a program during a time of great organizational change. Finally, last May I stepped into the administrator position with oversight for the entire Division of Hospital Medicine. I have really enjoyed the physician partnership in this division and feel fortunate to work with such dedicated, smart, and thoughtful people.
What is the most surprising thing about being an administrator?
I think I’ve learned that you shouldn’t be surprised by anything as an administrator. Every day is different and has it’s unique challenges and interruptions, which can be frustrating, exciting, interesting, and rewarding as you see things through. There is a lot of delayed gratification being an administrator and leader in general.
Is there a specific division project or initiative that you’re excited about?
Our teams are doing remarkable work in the face of a very challenging environment right now. Patient length of stay is an important initiative for us that I’m excited to partner with the EHC system on this year. We have faced some unique barriers addressing length of stay over the last two years, so we will have to be nimble and creative in the ways we address ongoing challenges around this.
What is the best career advice you’ve received?
First, everyone deserves to be treated with kindness, respect, and dignity. Healthcare only works well when everyone recognizes each team member’s important contributions and works together toward common goals. Second, foster a spirit of inquiry for yourself and those you lead throughout your career.
What do you enjoy most about living in ATL?
I love the diversity of this city and the incredible food. I really enjoy the access to great parks and trails too. Lots of outdoor recreation options.
What is something most people wouldn’t know about you?
I grew up on a hog and grain farm in Indiana where we had thousands of pigs and many acres of corn and soy fields. (Yes, I smelled like a pig farm attending school in elementary school, which was super cool.)
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