Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Dr. Shlomit Schaal, Executive VP and Chief Physician Executive at Houston Methodist
Nov 11, 2025
Dr. Shlomit Schaal, Executive VP and Chief Physician Executive at Houston Methodist, is a seasoned clinician-scientist and retina surgeon. She shares insights on enhancing patient care, emphasizing safety, quality, and innovation. Dr. Schaal discusses utilizing AI to improve patient access and streamline scheduling. She highlights initiatives aimed at physician well-being, including innovative technology to reduce burnout. Plans for future growth focus on expanding clinics and fostering a culture of integrity and compassion among healthcare providers.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Six-Word Mission Drives Continuous Improvement
- Houston Methodist frames its mission with six words: unparalleled, safety, quality, service, and innovation.
- 'Unparalleled' signals continuous improvement, not a finish line.
Treat Access As A Quality Metric
- Prioritize access as a core quality metric and aim to see patients within 10 days when possible.
- Optimize appointments by offering nearby or slightly farther slots so patients can choose sooner care.
Centralize Scheduling And Use Care Teams
- Use centralized access teams to find available appointments across the system so patients get seen faster.
- Create multidisciplinary care teams with APPs to triage demand and reserve specialists for complex cases.