HJNO Sep/Oct 2019

Healthcare Journal of NEW ORLEANS I  SEP / OCT 2019 15 of Medicine and Tulane University School of Medicine. I’ve spent a lot of time over the past fewweeksmeetingwith the school lead- ership and many of our faculty physicians, and I’ve been impressed by their commit- ment to quality care and academic training, and the depth of their expertise and talent. Editor What does it mean for UMC to be a leader in healthcare in the city of New Orleans? Hardman We feel a tremendous responsibil- ity to our mission of delivering high quality care to every patient we serve, and providing an exceptional academic experience to our many learners. We havemany leading-edge services, including a Level 1 Trauma Cen- ter and Burn Center. We were the first facil- ity in state to offer Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (IMRI). I’m excited about the launch of several new programs to address behavioral health and addiction. And I can’t overstate the importance of our leadership inmedical training, as the state’s largest teaching hospital and training facil- ity. We train more than 3,800 learners each year across many disciplines. Our academic mission helps define us, and we’re honored to help train the people who will take care of our community for generations to come. Editor How important is it to be in the LCMC system? Hardman We’re fortunate to be part of system like LCMC Health. We have great leadership and a strong sense of collabo- ration across the system hospitals. I had not yet started in my new when I had the “I’ve spent a lot of time over the past few weeks meeting with the school leadership and many of our faculty physicians, and I’ve been impressed by their commitment to quality care and academic training, and the depth of their expertise and talent.“ opportunity to be at UniversityMedical Cen- ter during the launch of the new system- wide brand for LCMC Health. I was blown away by the amazing warmth, compassion, and hospitality that was on display, and that continues. Editor How would you characterize the New Orleans healthcare marketplace? How does UMC fit into this growing marketplace? Hardman It’s an extraordinary time to be in healthcare in New Orleans. In the down- town medical district, we have a conver- gence of major medical centers, medical schools, and research institutions. All the pieces are in place for our transformation into a healthcare destination for the region, and for the rest of the country. University Medical Center is a new facility, but we have