Becker’s Healthcare Podcast John Ernst, MHA, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Froedtert Hospital & The Medical College of Wisconsin
Jul 1, 2025
John Ernst, MHA, is the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Froedtert Hospital & The Medical College of Wisconsin. He discusses the importance of leadership accountability and teamwork in enhancing patient care. Ernst delves into the complexities of merging healthcare systems, focusing on staffing and internal development. He also highlights Froedtert's recent quality achievements and the rewarding experience of watching team growth. The conversation emphasizes transferable leadership skills crucial in empowering healthcare professionals.
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Staffing and Length of Stay Challenges
- Staffing is the biggest challenge in healthcare operations currently, impacting retention and turnover.
- Managing length of stay efficiently ensures patients move to the right level of care at the right time.
Teamwork Drives Efficiency
- John credits his strong, connected teams for daily patient reviews and care coordination that optimize hospital throughput.
- He highlights the cooperative role of EVS, transport, surgery, and nursing teams in this process.
Growth and Staff Development Programs
- John is excited about the hospital system's growth and spreading expertise while addressing staffing and capacity challenges.
- He highlights internal development programs, like surgical tech training for existing employees to grow careers.