Most doctors in the audience were older than I. They had never listened to a 33-year-old CEO before.

    Too young to be daunted, my speech focused on the crucial role doctors played in the quality of life for patients. A misstep lay only few sentences ahead.

   "It is important to remember that many patients feel like hostages," I lectured them. "As a former federal prosecutor the difference between prisoners & patients looks small to me."

    The Chief of Staff raised his hand. "My patients are not prisoners. They have not committed any crimes." he said to appreciative laughter from his colleagues. 

    "Well, patient gowns don't seem much better than prison uniforms," I answered to a few chuckles.

    "How many patients have you cared for?" he asked with a smirk.

   Everyone laughed – including me.

   Across the years, my prisons & hospitals comparison gained traction & became part of a nationally known documentary on patient care. But, on that spring evening in 1977 I ran smack into my own ego. It was presumptuous for a young man in a suit to lecture those in white coats.

   What I learned is something every leader must appreciate. Leaders care for caregivers not patients. When they do that with love the human experience in hospitals becomes healing as well as curing.

-Erie Chapman

photo circa 1982