At just about a month into his role as the new President and CEO of Columbus Regional Health, Andy Guz took a moment to share a little about his vision for the organization and how he and his family are enjoying Columbus life.

Q: Why Columbus Regional Health?

CRH is an independent health system with local Board of Trustees oversight. That means local decision-making. Everything we do is dedicated to serving this community and region, and we ensure that our resources remain within the community to support those we serve. It is clear the CRH Board of Trustees truly cares about both the hospital and the community, which makes it easy to work for them.

Q: What do you believe makes a great healthcare organization?

I believe it is built on three pillars: safety, quality, and kindness. Everyone who passes through our doors, from patients and visitors, to workforce members should rely on an experience that encompasses all three.

• Safety: We commit to "zero harm." Of course, that is the mantra of the practice of medicine but it is transferable to all aspects of the work we do.
• Quality: We pursue best-practices in everything we do. CRH prioritizes a culture of continuous learning that includes and extends to EVERYONE in the organization, not just those who deliver patient care.
• Kindness: The feeling of an organization is defined by its people and its environment. Being patient and kind to coworkers and patients alike creates a better experience, a culture where everyone is treated with respect, and an atmosphere where our people can truly thrive.

Q: Columbus Regional Health has long been known for serving this community beyond the walls of the hospital. How do you see that mission continuing?

Our mission remains constant, but the way we execute it must evolve to meet the changing needs of the patients we serve. As the requests and requirements of the population vary, CRH must remain present and active in the community, ensuring our resources are always aligned with the current landscape as most appropriately as possible.

Q: Healthcare is changing rapidly and facing many challenges. What does CRH need to do to remain a viable, dependable healthcare provider and employer and advance its mission?

Like all health systems, we are vulnerable to many external forces that are often outside our control. To navigate this, we must be effective advocates and educators with local and state leaders and lawmakers. To remain a viable, essential provider, we must offer high-quality care that the community values and utilizes, while maintaining strict financial stewardship. We must be smart with our resources, investing where it matters most and exercising discipline when necessary.

Q: What does healthcare look like five to ten years from now, and how will Columbus Regional Health be prepared?

Although no one can predict the future with certainty, we can look at the trajectory of the industry. Of course, we’ll enjoy continued advancements in new technology, and evolving treatment methods. We will likely see a continued increase in care delivered outside of the hospital setting, and a shift in the type and acuity-level of inpatient care. CRH’s role is to remain adaptive and future-focused. We may not always be the ones driving the change, but we will always be ready to evolve to meet the needs of our community.

Now, onto something a little more personal….Give us a little background.

I grew up in my hometown of Weirton, West Virginia and attended Marshall University for my undergraduate degree and obtained my Masters of Health Administration from Cornell University. My wife, Tami, and I have two daughters, Ava and Lana.

Q: What drew you and your family to this community?

Everyone has been so welcoming. From the time I set foot in Columbus during the interview process to our first visit as a family when we were greeted at a local coffee shop by several of our Board members, the welcoming nature of this community and its people is evident and authentic. Everyone I have met embodies traditional Midwestern values. The community itself is vibrant, offering plenty to do for all ages from events and programming to beautiful parks and public spaces.

Q: What brings you joy outside of work, and how do you maintain a healthy balance with such a demanding role?

I find the most joy in spending time with my wife and girls, and getting involved in the kids’ activities and sports. I love to golf, which is my personal getaway. We are a family who loves to stay active together through walks and runs.