067_From Staff to Standouts: Cultivating Growth in Health Systems w/ Dr. Tracey Schwartz

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Host: Jarvis T. Gray, The Quality Coaching Co.
Guest: Dr. Tracey Schwartz, VP of Operations, Ascension Medical Group Texas

How do you lead with empathy, navigate change, and unlock the full potential of your healthcare team? On this episode of Excellence in Healthcare, host Jarvis T. Gray sits down with Dr. Tracey Schwartz, Vice President of Operations for a major Central Texas health system, to explore the essential mindsets and strategies behind exceptional healthcare leadership.

• Favorite Leadership Quote:
  Dr. Tracey Schwartz shares her guiding leadership quote from Teddy Roosevelt: "Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care," emphasizing empathy and personal connection in healthcare leadership.
• Career Journey & Inspiration:
  Dr. Tracey Schwartz talks through her path from a student athletic trainer and strength & conditioning graduate to VP of Operations overseeing 160 clinics and 2,600 staff. Her journey includes early aspirations in medicine, transitioning from clinical roles to administration.
• The Impact of Sports on Leadership:
  Both Jarvis T. Gray and Dr. Tracey Schwartz discuss how sports and coaching have shaped their leadership styles, particularly the value of discipline, teamwork, and coaching mentality.
• Trends in Healthcare: AI in Clinical Settings:
  Dr. Tracey Schwartz outlines how AI-generated notes are revolutionizing documentation for physicians, improving accuracy, efficiency, and patient interaction—while sharing practical insights on change management and gradual adoption.
• Pivotal Leadership Moments:
  Dr. Tracey Schwartz recounts a transformative conversation with a Zen Buddhist monk that helped her redefine her role: advocating for her staff and organization rather than carrying the responsibility for everyone's happiness.
• Mentorship and Leadership Development:
  The episode dives into the value of mentorship, including Dr. Tracey Schwartz's experience as both mentee and mentor and advice for approaching leaders for guidance. She underscores the importance of mentees being intentional and proactive.
• Workforce Engagement & Retention:
  A primary challenge discussed is staff and provider turnover, with a focus on the importance of career development, purpose, and autonomy for engagement and retention. Dr. Tracey Schwartz shares her organization’s success with a career development passport program and mentoring initiatives.

Key Takeaways

• Empathy and care remain crucial in healthcare leadership.
• Real career progress often starts at the ground level, with openness to learning and growing into new opportunities.
• AI tools in healthcare promise greater efficiency—but successful adoption depends on tailored change management strategies.
• Leaders should distinguish between advocating for staff and carrying responsibility for their happiness.
• Investing in staff development and mentorship is vital for retention and workplace satisfaction.
• Don't lose sight of your authentic self as you transition into higher leadership roles.

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