Tuesday, March 15, 2016

--30--

With 4646 blog posts dating back to August 2006, it's time to end this adventure. After over 9-1/2 years of almost daily output, I will cease adding new posts to this blog.

Why? The main reason is that it is simply time to move on to other pursuits. The time and effort spent conceiving, researching, writing, and editing articles has pushed off other projects that I've had in mind for several years. I'd like to focus on those.

I'm deeply appreciative of my loyal and engaged readers.  They commented directly on the blog over 22 thousand times, and many have also sent private emails with their observations.  The readers have been polite, respectful, attentive, and thoughtful, and I cherish the time we've spent together.

I'm also grateful to members of the Fourth Estate with whom I have corresponded on many of the topics covered here.  Sometimes we have sourced one another, sometimes we have collaborated, and sometimes we have offered mutual support in the face of harsh criticism from the subjects of our articles.  I've generally found that the business pressures faced by the media have not eroded the diligence of reporters in this field, and their commitment to the First Amendment is powerful and lasting.

As to those in the health care world, as I said in my first blog post:

I have never worked in a place where people are so consistently caring and devoted to alleviating human suffering caused by disease. It is, in many ways, a beautiful place to work. But many of the forces facing hospitals, doctors, nurses, and others make it really hard to do the job well.

That dedication persists, but the corporatization of the health care world weighs heavily on these well-meaning people.  They need our support and encouragement, and they deserve to be led by leaders who understand the value they bring to society.

Finally, a tribute to those who have mattered the most in making this blog worthwhile, the hundreds of girls I have coached in youth soccer over the course of over two decades.  They've taught me immensely important leadership and teamwork lessons, and I've done my best to impart those lessons to you.

I'll leave the blog up for those who might like to use it as a reference.  A note: Do not use the search box within the blog page.  It is not well supported by Google (even though Blogger is a Google product.)  If you want to search for a topic, conduct a search from the main search engine you prefer on your browser--using "runningahospital [item]"--and you'll be more likely to be successful and get a more complete listing.
                                                               --30--

128 comments:

Elaine Schattner said...

Paul, Thank you for all you have shared. Best wishes in your future endeavors!

Gary Schwitzer said...

Paul,

Yours has been an important voice and it will be missed in this space.

Gary Schwitzer
Publisher
HealthNewsReview.org

DrWes said...

Thanks for the years of service to the blog-o-sphere. We'll miss your measured voice. As we say: "Fair winds and following seas" as you move on to life's new adventures.

Anonymous said...

The blog will be missed! So many great observations and posts over the years. I can imagine that it's kept you from many other things, so hopefully those include continuing to boldly offer the type of insights you've made in the past.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry to see you go . . . I enjoyed reading you and turned to you for well-thought out opinions that frequently were counter to the conventional wisdom.

Bart Windrum said...

Paul, thank you for all you've done through this blog and related endeavors. I'm glad we got to meet at one IHI in Orlando. Best to you.

Susan Shaw said...

Very glad you will be leaving the blog up for us to keep reading and re-reading. And I'm very excited to discover what new projects are to come - I guess it just won't be through this blog :)

sasanof said...

Kia ora Paul and thank you for bravely leading the way for transparency in healthcare. Kia kaha - stay strong!

Anonymous said...

Paul,

Your posts have been a wonderful source of both information and perspective. I will miss them, but I hope you enjoy your new pursuits.

Rick Buchler

Wiily Spaan said...

Thanks Paul, even in the Netherlands your blog has been an inspiration to many people working in hospitals like myself. Hope to meet you in the near future again. All the best, Willy

Michael said...

Congratulations on one helluva run!!!

Toasting your past achievements and looking forward to where you go next.

Facebook comments said...

From Facebook, with thanks to all:

Haider Javed Warraich: It will be missed greatly but look forward to your posts. We need more thought leaders in medicine to be having open and interesting conversations!

Janice Lynch Schuster: What a run!

Kashif Sheikh: I have enjoyed your writing immensely and will miss it. Thanks for all you've shared.

Howard Luks: Thanks Paul!

Lena Watts Flannery: End of an era!

Michelle Canale Richards: We will follow you to your next adventure.. Keep us posted as to where that will take you.. The nurses miss you at BIDMC

Cyndi Casey: You have been full of hope and inspiration with cerebral and emotional topics. ..BOOM. ..it's been a powerful wild ride. ...your overtime has
Seen so many good years ...pedal to the metal.....let's roll!!!!

Christine Olson Owens: It was a great run, but no matter what you've done (or have yet to do) professionally, Paul, I really believe the most important part of your legacy will be the positive impact you've had on so many young woman through your soccer coaching. Impressive.

Danny Sands: Wow. Big change for the health care blogging world. Thanks for your contributions!

Barry Cohen: Well done, coach, well done!

Maxine Tassinari Teixeira: Wow, time flies when you're reading great stuff. Thank you.

Mark Graban said...

Paul - thanks for everything you shared here, not just as a hospital CEO... I also enjoyed following your adventures and work since then.

Elissa Campbell said...

Thanks for all the posts! Good luck for the next venture...

Unknown said...

This has been a great run, Paul, that has illuminated our common cause of better, more humane, more affordable care. You have exhibited a rigor and discipline that has been exemplary for other commentators, and, on wide-ranging issues, come out thoughtfully and consistently on the side of doing what's right.

Here's hoping that your next roles will be just as productive.

Al Lewis said...

I know it's not always about me (my first wife was quite clear on that point) but thanks for believing in me before anyone else did and supporting the then-controversial view that corporate wellness was a complete failure. If not for you and a few others who stepped up, this scam would still be growing.

Pam said...

Thank you for all I have learned in this space. I hope to "see" you soon in a different forum to generously offer your perspectives and experiences. BIDMC misses you!

Michael Millenson said...

It is not easy to blog regularly without descending into bloviation. Paul, your blog has consistently expressed thoughtful, compassionate and well-informed opinions while also being well-written and easy-to-read. It is a formidable accomplishment, and you will be missed. Not least by those of us with journalism roots who once upon a time typed "-30-" on typewriters ourselves.

johnemcdonough said...

Great job, Paul, and good luck in the future! Thanks for all the great insights.

Frank said...

Thanks for the many inspirational and insightful comments. Your support of patient safety has impacted many. Your blog has provided fodder for discussions and debates.

Best wishes.

Tom said...

Paul, you’ve been an important voice in healthcare.

All the best….

Mitch said...

You will be missed.

David said...

Thanks for all you have done in raising important issues and taking on those who don’t like being challenged.

Jay Hancock @jayhancock1 said...

From Twitter:

Will miss your blog, @Paulflevy, esp on the subject of the Partners Industrial Complex. Learned a lot.

Gerrit Bakker ‏@GTBakker said...

From Twitter:

Best wishes to you. Thanks for all the great reads

Howard said...

Paul, you’ve been a great advocate and a class act.

Marshall Allen ‏@marshall_allen said...

From Twitter:

The blog will be missed! Some great posts and observations over the years!

Alex said...

The sad end of an era Paul! Have you thought about making a greatest hits compilation – maybe using that old-fashioned technology of the book?

Paul Levy said...

I've just sold the movie rights, Alex. :)

Jeff said...

Paul….great effort…outstanding reading…you helped enlighten and change.

Bob said...

I wish more healthcare executives had your sincerity and openness.

Anonymous said...

Paul

I have held you up to others. I am sorry to hear that the light that you share so freely with others won't be around. You have been a resource bar none, with ethics and morals to back it up.

May God bless you many times over for the mentor and helper that you have been to others.

Ezra Golberstein ‏@EGolberstein said...

From Twitter:

Thank you for your years of wonderful blogging. It's a resource I will continue to use and enjoy!

jeanne@clearhealthcosts.com said...

Paul, thanks for everything. We will miss your voice and your wisdom. Cheers jeanne

pheski said...

Thank you and good luck. I will miss your posts.

Anonymous said...

Paul: You have been a masterful blogger and a true pioneer in this space, to the benefit of many. I know I speak for everyone at IHI in saluting you for all this hard work and in thanking you for your engagement with IHI through the blog, as we've navigated changes and challenges in health care the past ten years. Bravo and be well!

Madge Kaplan
IHI Director of Communications
Host and Producer - WIHI

Roger said...

Many thanks for your phenomenal insights and energy. Congratulations on this next phase for sharing your wisdom.

Paul said...

I read your final blogpost and email with great sadness this morning. Your deep insights from the human element to overall strategy, your many words of wisdom and your courage to speak out have been an inspiration to me and, I am sure, to many others. Your updates and insights will be sorely missed.

Richard said...

I wanted to congratulate you on your excellent adventure, as it were, your blog, and also, you decision to stop blogging.

Your musings and posts and observations were some of the best that have ever been done on health care, and I think they helped to shape much of the needed conversation around the changes occurring.

Pat said...

Paul, I will miss your insightful, witty, and often provocative posts. Have fun in your new blogfree life. You will be missed, but not forgotten, Pat

ZM said...

Paul,

Your thoughtful, clear voice will be much missed in this space. Thank you for the work you've done here. I look forward to hearing about your next adventures!

Keep wielding that voice...

-Ziva

Carole said...

Mr. Levy
I've never in my entire life felt a deeper respect and connection to a person I've never met nor will I ever, THAN YOU! I've told you before and I'll tell you again- you and your blog was an answered prayer for me, one that I believe God gifted me with, to help me start healing when I hit rock bottom in anguish and despair from the loss of my beloved mother due to errors and hateful negligence (which I witnessed btw) and the ultimate act of betrayal of unethical denial and deliberate immoral silence, from a system that we could only wish was just simply flawed. You and what you believe in and write about, along with your followers- gave me hope and renewed trust in certain people again, which I felt was gone and lost forever. Thank all of you from the bottom of my heart, I sincerely mean it :) you're all really good people.
I selfishly wish you wouldn't go Mr. Levy but I proudly knew you would- sooner rather than later!!!!! Because as much as you already do and as important as you already are - I KNOW your off to do even bigger things, everyone will come to know your name and understand the wonderful man you are and positive differences you will make in this world and they will be huge- I'm excited, I can't hardly wait to see what there going to be and when it will happen. Remember Carole from Las Cruces n.m. said it here first and it is set in stone :) God Bless You and Yours, Mr. Levy, "Sir" with much respect.......and appreciation for allowing me to join in where I probably didn't really fit it, Thank You.

David said...

Thanks for being a voice – although I am sure at times it felt like being a candle in the darkness, it was greatly appreciated by many of us.

Carol said...

You and your blog have been a gift to many…..me being one of those individuals. I look forward to what the next chapter of your life brings and hope I am a small part of that journey.

Lynn said...

Just read the news about ending your blog. From your many different public roles you have made quite a mark, but no doubt your blog has touched the most directly. I was always admiring of your inquisitive nature and intellectual rigor. Not to mention your passion for certain issues! I've learned a lot from you, and I wish you the very best as you tackle the things that matter to you.

Marilyn Schlein Kramer said...

Bravo on great run! Best of luck.


Jane Sarasohn-Kahn said...

From Facebook:

An early influence motivating me to beginning the Health Populi blog in 2007, Paul Levy is quitting his Not Running a Hospital blog....truly an end to one of the pioneering and impactful health blogs...will miss you on here, Paul!

Doug Helmreich said...

Paul,

I've been reading your blog for about half of its existence. I have always enjoyed your passion, writing style, advocacy of Lean, and illumination of many facets of healthcare (and life in general). Thank you, and best of luck going forward.

matthew holt said...

Quitter!

Thanks for being there all this time, and being a voice of sanity in what's-let's face it--is not a sane world!

Stay in touch and---even thought we both know that writing every day is something that you just cant keep up-- if you ever feel that urge to turn those keystrokes into electrons again, you have of course an open invite on THCB any time

Matthew Holt

Shwen Gwee said...

From Facebook:

End of an Era, Paul! I'll raise a glass in honor of NRaH Blog tonight.

Jennifer Shine Dyer said...

From Facebook:

Sorry to see your blog end Paul Levy but hope this doesn't mean the end of your writings and musings!

David Harlow said...

Paul, Thanks for sharing your thoughts in this forum over the years. I've always enjoyed reading your takes from inside and outside the medical-industrial complex. I expect we haven't heard the last of you.... See you around.

Unknown said...

Paul,

Thank you for your thoughtful, fearless leadership. Congratulations on your perseverance. You are a true inspiration and friend.

I will miss these daily posts, but look forward to our continued lively discussions!

With deep gratitude and respect,

Hilary

Jim Conway said...

Paul, since your announcement, I’ve been thinking about the impact of your blog. Anchored in a strong vision for health and healthcare, it was rich with data and stories of amazing, courageous patients, family members, staff, teams, the public, and places to learn from. We were inspired, informed, and challenged. You and all the contributors brought new knowledge out of health and healthcare as well as from other fields and disciplines. From this community, there was an important diversity of opinion. My personal Thanks Paul for all you contributed.

Linda said...

You have truly been an inspiration and I thank you for that.

Mike said...

All I can say is I bet Partners Healthcare are mightily relieved you’ve stopped.

Friend from The Netherlands said...

Missing your blog will hopefully not mean we will have to miss your thoughts entirely!

Your 360 degree view and opinion on the way our societies are developing has been of great value to help shape my thoughts. Thank you very much for that.

Jack Billi said...

Paul, thank you for such great insights over the years. You have inspired many to speak out and take action against waste, unevenness, and overburden in healthcare, all in the interests of our patients and the dedicated healthcare workers who try to serve them. You've pointed out the need to "speak truth to power". You've shown that no industry deserves Fujio Cho's words more than healthcare, "brilliant people, broken processes, mediocre results". And, most of all, you have charted the progress made by scientific problem solvers across our profession running experiments to make care better for patients and more satisfying for we who deliver it. Thank you.

Paul Levy said...

Thanks so much, Jack, Jim, Elaine, Willy, Carole from Las Cruces, and everybody else! Your comments are wonderful gifts.

rlbates said...

Best wishes.

David said...

Truly, your blog has been a source of inspiration and healthcare business intelligence for a vast number of individuals. Congratulations on this new personal and professional chapter.

Vijay said...

Best wishes in all your other ventures, Paul. Hope they give you the same pleasure and fulfilment that blogging has given you.
To me, your blog was a window into a totally unknown world. That of a first world health care administrator. It was educational.

Lucien Engelen said...

Dear Paul, As i cherish the moments we had together, our TEDxMaastricht conference with you showing up in a Oranje Soccer shirt, the interactions at Radboud University Medical Center, but also reading ánd sharing your blog. Your deep and inspiring reflections will resonate and might in 5 years from now still appear to do so, by leaving the blog online (however will there still be regular internet then, or will it have been disrupted by something else ;-)
Again Thank you Paul, we will meet in the future. Till then : stay healthy, "stay hungry stay foolish" as well ;-)

Yours,
Lucien

SB said...

I can only imagine how time consuming it must be to write frequently, for many years. Yet, I feel sorry for us, the lean and healthcare communities to see you stop the blog.

Although I admit that I did not read every post you wrote, I can confidently say that having you in the background felt like a intellectual safety net. Your insight and wisdom will be missed enoemously. I hope that you won't stop totally, by keep sharing your insight from time to time through other venues.

John said...


Thanks for all your good work and thanks also for being a beacon for our Lean movement.

David Meerman Scott said...

No! Say its not so! You accomplished a great deal with the blog, Paul. It was an honor to highlight your example in my books and speeches. Good luck in your continuing life adventure.

Unknown said...

Dear Paul,

Thank you so much for your thoughts, your ideas, your energy and compassion towards healthcare. Your performance at TEDxMaastricht in the orange shirt, it is memorable. John and I cherish the memories of our conversation with Farzana and you about the ethical aspects of healthcare.
You and your blogs are a gift to many. I feel we will hear from you again.

Love, Corine
The Netherlands

Mary Freer said...

Thank you so much Paul for all of your insightful, provocative, well researched blog posts. All of them urging us to create a healthcare system that is safer for patients and more sustainable for staff. So many times I have read one of your posts at just the right time, often I have searched back through the archives for inspiration. Always I have come away richer.
Thank you for being so generous.
Warm regards
Mary

Richard said...

Paul

Many thanks for rocking the boat in healthcare. Your blog has been a refreshing voice in a space where we often get caught up in the status quo, forget why we're here, and who we serve. Thank you for sharing your ideas, insights and experiences (personally and professionally), thank you for the times you coached and shared my writings, and thank you for taking and making the time to lean in and lead.

With love and respect

Richard

Rob Lamberts said...

Paul:
Geez. Nearly daily posts for 9 1/2 years. I thought I was loquacious!

One of the great things about the medical blog-o-sphere (hate that term, but what else to call it?) is the diversity of the writers. You gave a much needed balance to us docs spouting off from our small perspective. Thanks for being a counter-balance to us and for giving your views with warmth and intelligence.

Good luck in all you do from here on in!

Rob

Anonymous said...

Thanks for being a moral compass, and for unflinchingly following what's right. Your insights have been priceless, in an age of incomplete reporting. Thanks for holding us all up to excellent standards. I've learned a lot from you.

e-Patient Dave said...

Where do I start??

In 2006 my eyes were first opened to peculiarities (ironies) in the healthcare system when you blogged about central line infections, and how BID was posting its figures, and inviting other Boston area hospitals to learn together, and THEY ALL SAID NO. Hm.

In 2007 that became relevant (VERY) when I learned that my IL-2 would be infused via central line. I had the most INTERESTING conversations with the four surgeons who inserted them - one for each in-patient week: I brought up your posts and the "standard work" approach. (The one who did it best - slickest, cleanest - grumbled the most, basically saying "standard work" was for surgeons who don't know what they're doing. Hm.)

Because of your blog, when I ended 2007 "all better," I started my own Blogger blog, The New Life of Patient Dave. Because of that, when I discovered in January 2008 the e-patient movement, I renamed the blog "The New Life of e-Patient Dave" and blogged what I was learning about that. That started me writing on their blog, which led eventually to my curiosity about health IT, which led to the front page of the Globe and being invited to policy meetings.

In 2010 when BIDMC had Mark Graban and Stephen Spear lead a Lean workshop, I got invited in and learned a TON. Interestingly, they were amused that I live-blogged daily ... guess where I learned THAT.

You have always had a way of pointing to the underlying forces, forces that may be unrecognized "laws of nature" that confound attempts at improvement or may be covertly manipulated (or overtly) to tilt the table on which our games are played. That's my own orientation, too, and that's only part coincidence. I learned a lot from this blog about where to look, behind the press releases.

And all that is not to mention the offline things - not least when you showed up, in hairnet hat, pushing the meals cart during one of my hospitalizations, to deliver my meal. THAT made people talk in my CaringBridge cancer diary. :) (Oh, and there's the "listening to patients" thing - when you saw the usefulness of an online diary, you got BID started on the road to offering its patients one too.)

And of course there's the people skills thing - back in 2002 when you were new on the scene and I was looking for a new PCP, you said "You might like this Danny Sands guy." Boy was THAT a home run.

Today, reviewing your recent posts here, I see more gold but nowhere near as much interaction (comments) as in the past. The observations are every bit as good, and I REALLY hope you'll publish more.

Perhaps my "most memorable favorite" of your posts was These things happen, that Ethel Merman rant from Mad Mad Mad Mad World. It's entertaining (if you can tolerate Ethel Merman's voice, which I can't), it's on point, it's eternal (not some trendy new book), it's undeniable.

I could go on, but I'll just encourage readers to browse through posts.

Through you I started to learn what a big, messy, complicated, life-saving and life-stealing industry this is. Perhaps more than anything else, from this blog I also learned to look at the lives of the people who work in the hospital, especially those who truly throw their hearts and souls into delivering care in a caring way, no matter the circumstances. THEY are the ones I most remember from my seven hospitalizations - the skilled, trained, experienced ones who were caring no matter what. To them, all blessings.

Fare well, and as Prairie Home Companion says: "Be well, do good work, and keep in touch."

LeahBinder said...

Of all these wonderful and well-deserved comments on the impact of your influential blog, my favorite is Carole's. Your combination of blinding candor and genuine caring touched her heart and comforted her in the wake of suffering the loss of her mother from errors. So many survivors of our health care system crave honesty and truth, the simple dignity of someone acknowledging that a loved one's life really matters, and should never be minimized as yet another bureaucratic mishap in health care.

What a treasure your blog has been for all of us, reassuring us that we have not lost our minds when we notice so many problems, from wellness program scams to patient safety disasters. We've relied on your candor because you state the truth no matter what the risk to your professional standing or what esteemed feathers you might ruffle. That I would say is courage. It's because of that courage so many of us are guided by your perspective and your blog has been so important to the discourse. You've really made a difference, and though I'm sorry to see this blog go, I look forward to your next venture. You've been a real inspiration to me personally, and I thank you for your remarkable contributions.

Ted Eytan said...

Yo Paul!

I remember the day that I ended up on your blog's sidebar - it was a great marker of a community being created. And we all kind of discovered LEAN at the same time. It's interesting to go through the links on there now, some are active, some are sarcophagi of social times past.

I have a feeling you're not going to quit being social....I'm allowed to say that, this is my comment :)

All the best from DC and when you're here please look me up, let's go for a walk...

Ted

Unknown said...

Paul,

You have taken us all on an amazing ride. For the last (10) years [NRAH is as seasoned as Twitter!] you have shared amazing insight on such a wide variety of topics that painted a panoramic mosaic for us all.

While the thrust of your commentary was regarding the truly awesome responsibility of being a leader in a hospital setting, it became clear quickly, your leadership extended well beyond that arena. As I am not part of the medical community I could not express your level of knowledge properly nor adequately as thousands of your colleagues in that arena have.

That said, with my avocational insight, your leadership with and service to the soccer community has contributed to the very fabric of The Game not only locally, regionally, nationally, but also internationally as your very lessons and examples from NRAH and book Goal Play! have been regular topics of discussion locally and on Kicking Back for some time to an international refereeing audience. Your expertise in the soccer arena is clear and we both subscribe to the idea that it's about the people not just the 90 minuets inside the field. Service to this community is no small matter as for so many of us it is what binds us together as people. Your words and more critically your actions have demonstrated this for years. I have bore witness to this personally with the reverence you treat the people who love The Game.

Your decision to move on from NRAH will leave a hole in the blogging universe as the world needs more integrity driven and compassionate straight shooters like you.

Be well and I look forward to our next interaction, whenever it will be.

Humbly,
Pete

Carolyn Thomas said...

Thank you for all you've done for so long, and for being so eminently quotable. I have valued your practical wisdom and profound humanity. So glad you're leaving this impressive body of work up and accessible. May your blog-free days ahead be filled with many happy adventures...

MightyCaseyMedia said...

My god, man, the amount I've learned from you in the 6-ish years since Dave and others pointed me toward your blog ... your perspective, always rooted in the real world, has been refreshing relief from all the sound'n'fury (well, snorts'n'seizures, really) we've all been bludgeoned with in the ongoing slog toward making the "system" that cares for human health more human.

I look forward to your next [whatever] - you know as well as I do that writing becomes a habit as pernicious and addictive as meth.

KevinMD.com said...

Paul,
Best wishes on your future endeavors! Your blog was truly groundbreaking: an acting hospital CEO using social media for transparency to improve patient care. I cite this example regularly in my talks.

I'll continue to follow whereever your path may lead.

Best,
Kevin

Anonymous said...

As a medical student who only found the blog after hearing you deliver a great talk at my school, I am sure I will be revisiting this blog numerous times as I progress in my medical career. Reading your perspective and analysis has really helped me understand the obstacles that still face us in healthcare. I look forward to reading your tweets about your future projects and any articles you find interesting.

Unknown said...

Paul - So saddened to see your blog end. It's given folks insight and guidance into a health care system that often resembles Plato's Cave. You've helped illuminate the truth where shadows typically reside.
Hope you voice returns to this space in the future, even if it's in some other form.
Best,
Miles Moffeit
Dallas Morning News

Alastair said...

We'll miss your wisdom on this side of the pond Paul.

Good luck and thanks

Alastair McLellan, editor Health Service Journal

Dale Ann Micalizzi said...

Thank you, Paul, for your years of wisdom on various topics that impacted all of us, inside and outside of healthcare. Your kindness and friendship has meant so much to me. Stay in touch and good luck on your next adventure! HUGS, Dale

nonlocal MD said...

As probably the one with the most comments on your blog overall, I have been remiss with my last comment - but, atypically, I have been finding myself at a loss for words. But here goes.
I first started reading your blog about 2007, and I was one of those alienated doctors you have spoken of, retired from a profession and a hospital system which I felt had lost sight of their mission. But, how could you possibly know anything? An outsider with no background in the field, in a medium new to me (yours was the first blog I ever read) - in an industry which we always said was 'too complicated' for principles from any other field of endeavor to apply. It didn't help when shortly thereafter you published a post seemingly holding physicians partly accountable for the mess we found ourselves in.
Well, that wasn't the last time we disagreed, but much to my surprise I found a degree of insight and most important, openness to criticism and modification of views that was completely new to me from any hospital administrator heretofore.
It's been a long road from there to here, Paul, and as with so many of your other readers, a personal friendship developed which further cemented my respect for your perspicacity, incisiveness and, as someone else mentioned, courage. I was even honored once or twice to have you compose your blog at my dining room table.
One aspect which may not be appreciated by others is the way in which, while always placing first patient safety, quality of care, and a true 'caring environment', you handled BIDMC's competitive position in a multi-academic center city environment which, even worse, was dominated by an 800 lb gorilla. Positioning your shop prominently as THE equal/superior quality but lower cost alternative, with transparency your daily bread, was a master stroke which any hospital administration student should study. In fact, I believe your blog should be collated into a text of essays for use by graduate students - it is worth a thousand theoretical classroom scenarios.
And, finally, the importance you placed on and empowerment of BID's front line employees was the crowning achievement, in your recognition that no patient was going to be healed without them and people better pay attention to what they have to say.
So thanks so much for all the learning done at this portal, and may all of those you inspired go forth and multiply your many lessons.

Deborah said...

I read your last post of Not Running a Hospital and just want to applaud you from afar. Your blog made a great difference in my life as I transitioned through my career and made choices. I appreciate your honesty and now appreciate your choice to "move on". Thank you so much for sharing so much.

Kevin said...

Thanks, Paul, for the may years of great blog entries and food for thought!

ftrotter said...

Paul,
Of course I am sad to see you go. You have been a prolific contributor to public discourse about healthcare for years and I cannot think of a discussion that you have joined that has not benifited from your involvement.

Thank you for leaving your blog up. I have often enjoyed the privilege of using your voice to make arguments for me. It is nice to know that I will still be able to do that.

Even as you retire from prolific blogging I would encourage you to consider moving on to "occasional blogging" if that makes sense for you. Nothing says that you have to be as committed to retiring from writing the blog as completely as you were committed to writing.... Would love a "yearly life wisdom summary" if you can make the time.

Thanks for writing something worth reading.

-Fred Trotter

Jim said...

Thanks for your wonderful contribution to the lean movement in addition to a number of other movements in your years of blogging!

Harrie said...

Thanks for your ‘lessons’, coach!

Bob Wachter said...

Paul -- thanks for helping me, and so many others, make sense of so many things, and for being a passionate voice for transparency, integrity, the patient's perspective, safety, and excellence. We all owe you a debt of gratitude. I wish you only the best.

-- Bob Wachter

GlassHospital said...

Thanks for having the courage to use your leadership role to speak truth, even when unpleasant. I also admire that when times were tough at BIDMC your committed to sharing the pain of pay cuts to spare layoffs.

Your voice is unique out here -- not many execs are willing to speak so openly.

Betsey Powers-Sinclair said...

Will miss the inspiring stories and updates. Wishing you all the best!!

Lisa Austin said...

Enjoy your new pursuits. I imagine they will be something that you are passionate and gifted at doing.

Gary said...

Thank YOU for inspiring US for so many years.

Sorry it's the end but knowing you I'm certain it's also the beginning of something else equally good.

T said...

Oh, Paul. I am sad to hear this but have appreciate your perspective and you shedding light on so many important matters over the years. Also, for taking the time to meet with me about stories you think I should continue pursuing.

There are still a couple of ideas you gave me that I want to write about!

Again, thank you for sharing your expertise.

Doug said...

I am reminded of the countless times that you, and others, remind us that benchmarking is an informational endeavor and not a goal setting search. So when I see Jurgen Klinsmann claim that his goal for our men's national soccer team is getting to the semis in 2018, I think why not the final, or winning it, is the goal. But perhaps, that is too unrealistic and if so, then just don't mention it at all.

Thanks for the continual reminders.

Steve said...

Wow! End of an institution. Well done, Paul Levy...

Charlie said...

Very sorry to read this Paul. Wishing you the very best.

Anonymous said...

Hey Paul, good for you. A job 'well done' on many fronts.
Very glad that you were able to sign off with an expose of Australia's not quite world's best health system! You managed to nail the components of Australia's issues in some very insightful and sensible columns, something that multiple major reviews and policy "leaders" have never quite got right!

I applaud you.

Congrats, and let us know about your next projects!

Sarah said...

Wow. What an end of an era. It's a privilege to have seen you during part of it.

Enjoy the next phase!

All the very best.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Paul, for a hell of a second career as a journalist. Best of luck on whatever adventure comes next. You are in a class by yourself.

Helen said...

Thanks for many years of your wisdom and inspiration. Best of luck with your new chapter…

Cathryn Hrudicka said...

Thank you, Paul, for writing and publishing one of my favorite healthcare blogs for so long. I will miss reading new posts, and I wish you all the best in your new endeavors!

Anonymous said...

Oh, I missed all the fun while traveling!
Paul was one of the first executives in a health care system to just get it. It was fantastic, as a long time patient advocate to finally read a blog where you could see that engaged patients were gaining supporters in hospitals.

I also have amazing memories of the many posts that Paul wrote during the Great Recession about his work with the hospital employees to help minimize the impact of the financial crisis. To me it remains a financial version of the Shared Decision Making model we want to see fully implemented in the health care system.

Thank you, Paul, for having been consistently on the right side, even when it was clear this wouldn't help you make many friends in high places. Together with the consistent messaging you have given us over the years, It's a real mark of leadership.

Jane Sarasohn-Kahn said...

Paul, you've been a pioneering health care blogger and a continuing inspiration to me in both my blog- and work-world. We will miss your words in cyberspace, but I know your deeds on the ground will be sowing amazing seeds. Thanks for doing the same here; we've harvested so much from your shared wisdom. Stay well!

Nick Jacobs, FACHE @NickJacobs said...

From Twitter:

As a CEO with a blog,I encouraged Paul to blog,in 'o6, and like Stewart and Letterman he's getting out while he's still hot.

Unknown said...

Paul,
I have enjoyed your blog from the very first to this last one. Best of luck in your next adventure and I hope you will still share your insights with us periodically. Thank you!

Barry Chapman RN said...

I wish all hospital CEO's were more like you. When I worked as RN at BIDMC I remember how visible you were. I remember walking by your office knowing I could have stopped in with a concern or just to chat. Your blog was great for staff and the community. Thank you for all you have done and look forward to seeing what is to come!

Roni Zeiger said...

Paul, I'm grateful for your friendship and leadership and look forward to learning from you next adventures.

Tim O'Reilly ‏@timoreilly said...

From Twitter:

Sorry to see @Paulflevy ending his amazing blog. But excited to see what he does next!

Ryan Witt ‏@WittRZ said...

From Twitter:

A great blog and required #healthcare reading concludes. Thank you @Paulflevy

Karan Chhabra ‏@krchhabra said...

From Twitter:

Wow, 4646 posts. Congrats on a prolific run, @Paulflevy. Sad we won't see more, but excited for what you do next.

ConvergenceRI ‏@ConvergenceRI said...

From Twitter:

@Paulflevy halts http://www.runningahospital.blogspot.com - a loss to the healthcare analyzing community. http://newsletter.convergenceri.com/stories/Not-running-a-hospital-not-blogging-anymore,2238

Anonymous said...

Your blog has been a strong voice in a time of confusion and moral ambiguity. It will be missed just as it has been appreciated. I read that people are hoping not to loose the opportunity to experience the passionate commentary that you bring to these uncertain times. The blog has been your medium. It has been your lecture hall and also a cathedral. I think many of the faithful readers have found something sustaining in your words and are hoping that that you will surprise them with something innovative to fill the place of what they are loosing.

Karen said...

Will be interested in your future pursuits. Thanks for you commitment to safety!

Miriam said...

Thank you so much for all your hard work over the years with writing your blog. I enjoyed reading them and found them very informative and inspirational.

Peter Pronovost said...

Paul, you have been a strong and needed voice for patients, and for delivering the kind of healthcare they deserve. Your influence has helped to move the field toward greater transparency about preventable harm and a better understanding of how we can improve. Your posts will be missed.

Paul Levy said...

Thank you, Peter, and all others, too!

Anonymous said...

I add my thanks to all the others. I've been here since the beginning (of Runningahospital) and remember when you arrived at BIDMC. I worked there as an RN. I've loved the range of comments, observations, photos and philosophy you've shared. Very sorry to see it all end but don't blame you for wanting to get away. Hope you'll continue on FB and some tweets here and there.

carolyn johnston ‏@DrCJohn said...

From Twitter:

A great blog on safety and hospital leadership, @Paulflevy always interesting & educational. Shame it's the last one.

Ashish K. Jha ‏@ashishkjha said...

From Twitter:

Know am late to this but @Paulflevy has decided to stop blogging. This is a big loss. Read his last blog.

Wim Schellekens ‏@Wim_Schellekens said...

From Twitter:

Thanks Paul for your inspirational and wise throughts! I will miss you!
I look forward to your next initiative(s).

Kris Vanhaecht ‏@krisvanhaecht said...

From Twitter:

Indeed. We'll miss @Paulflevy blog! All the best Paul and Tx 4 all.

Martin English ‏@Pedonc said...

From Twitter:

Also sorry to hear this. @Paulflevy have enjoyed your blogs. Hope to keep seeing you on Twitter.

Glen Tyler said...

Thank you Paul for all your updates and contributions, thank you in particular for leaving this resource up for others! Glen and the Lean Institute Africa

Sharon said...

I am sad to that you are not blogging anymore. I always enjoyed your up front, sometimes blunt, comments. But they all came from a place to make health care better for all parties.

best hospitals in hanamkonda said...

Paul - thanks for everything you shared here, not just as a hospital CEO... I also enjoyed following your adventures and work since then.

Paragona said...

I wish you come back someday:) anyway, thanks for the great job;)

Columbus Ohio Medicare Advisor Suzanne McClain said...

What a commitment, 9+ years of posting quality content. Great job!
-Suzanne