U-M Health President David Miller, M.D., on ‘Building our BASE’ for the future

After witnessing “the unyielding resiliency and resolve of our Michigan Medicine teams,” U-M Health President David Miller, M.D, has high expectations for what can be achieved in fiscal year 2022, especially if everyone works toward a shared purpose.

“We absolutely have the talent, aspirations, creativity and teamwork to achieve unprecedented goals and elevate the practice of patient care,” he stated in a recent message, adding, “I believe our work together will only be better if we identify shared priorities and common goals.”

That’s why he introduced a framework for a set of strategic priorities called Build our BASE.

The four key pillars of BASE — Belonging, Access, Safety and quality and Experience — serve as guideposts for strategic decision making, as well as day-to-day work operations. The video above, along with the definitions below, further explain the Build our BASE concept.

• Belonging and inclusion: Promote and advance an inclusive, anti-racist culture which will improve health care equity and reduce health disparities
• Access: Enhance timely and equitable access to the extraordinary care provided at Michigan Medicine
• Safety and quality: Develop a high reliability culture with a focus on improving patient outcomes and reducing employee and patient harm, including Hospital-Acquired Conditions
• Experience: Improve our shared experience by enhancing employee engagement and wellness, as well as the experience we provide to our patients and families

In addition to Build our BASE, Miller set priorities for growth, including continuing to foster partnerships across the state that create a strong clinical network. He is also focusing the team on achieving prudent financial goals that allow continued investments in our people and health system.

Behind each priority, specific initiatives will drive an even deeper focus on improved patient care. More communication on these initiatives will be shared in the coming weeks.

“If we channel our shared drive for excellence and compassion for our patients toward these fundamental priorities, we will Build our BASE, provide extraordinary care for our patients and our communities, and fulfill our mission to advance health for Michigan and the world,” Miller said.

Miller concluded his announcement by inviting every Michigan Medicine team member to come together to support these key priorities.

“I believe everyone in this organization, regardless of where we work, contributes to our mission and helps define our culture every single day,” he said. “We all have a role to play to Build our BASE. I look forward to our journey together.”

Information and progress on Building our Base will be shared on the Path Forward website. Also, watch for future Headline articles, videos and other communications on the BASE priorities and related initiatives in the coming weeks.