Strategy with Purpose: How Emory Healthcare Aligns Governance, Innovation, and Patient-Centered Care

In a world where the word innovation is often overused, Barrett offers a refreshing take on what it really means.

"True innovation is transformational," she says. "It's not just process improvement-it's a complete change in how we deliver care."

Emory recently created a Department of Transformation and appointed its first Chief Transformation Officer. Barrett sees this as a way to distinguish between incremental improvements and game-changing shifts in care delivery.

Brand and Access: A Balancing Act

Emory's brand is strong, especially across the Southeast. But Barrett is clear: brand alone isn't enough.

"If we can't provide convenient access, patients will bypass the brand and go where they can get care," she says.

That's why Emory is investing in geographic, virtual, and appointment-based access-ensuring the brand promise is backed by real-world convenience and quality.

Partnering with Disruptors

Rather than competing with disruptors like Amazon and CVS, Emory has chosen to partner with them. One Medical, now owned by Amazon, is part of Emory's clinically integrated network. CVS MinuteClinics also serve as access points for Emory patients.

"We can't recruit enough primary care physicians to meet demand," Barrett explains. "Partnerships help us expand access without compromising quality."