Claim OwnershipHere for Good.
Subscribed: 1Played: 1
Subscribe
© Virtua Health 2020
Description
"Here For Good." explores how transformational leaders create a positive impact on the world around them - hosted by Dennis Pullin, President and CEO of Virtua Health.
Throughout history, inspirational leaders and organizations have always used the power of words to connect with emotion, galvanize communities, and enlist others in causes for change and good.
At Virtua Health, we are changing the way people think and talk about health and well-being, so it is our privilege to tee up meaningful conversations with engaging social catalysts and thought leaders.
Throughout history, inspirational leaders and organizations have always used the power of words to connect with emotion, galvanize communities, and enlist others in causes for change and good.
At Virtua Health, we are changing the way people think and talk about health and well-being, so it is our privilege to tee up meaningful conversations with engaging social catalysts and thought leaders.
95 Episodes
Reverse
Building a career while staying grounded in service is at the heart of Zac Betz's journey. In this episode, we meet Zac Betz, RN, at Virtua Mount Holly Hospital whose path began as a patient transporter and grew through determination, mentorship, and a passion for helping others. From mission trips to caring for patients on the med-surg oncology unit, Zac shares how purpose, teamwork, and resilience shape his work every day.
The colleagues at the Virtua Access Center are often the first voice patients hear when they begin their healthcare journey. In this episode, Lia Simmons recounts her inspiring path from navigator to director of the Access Center and reflects on the meaningful connections that shape every call. She also shares her passion for performing arts and competitive dancing. Her story is a powerful example of resilience, compassion, and the Culture of WE in action.
Dr. Vik Bathula believes that medicine is not a solo sport, but a shared mission. As director of the internal medicine residency program at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, he is doing far more than building curricula and rounding with residents. He's shaping physicians into caregivers who will treat every patient with dignity and respect. This is a conversation about leadership, legacy, and why medicine is never just a job—it's a calling filled with purpose.
Cindy Borden shares her 20-year history in healthcare, starting as an EMT to her current role as practice manager at Virtua Primary Care - Mount Laurel. Her secret sauce for success lies in advocacy for her staff. By utilizing social media to publicly celebrate her team's wins and Virtua's success, Cindy models what it means to lead by example. Her story is a powerful reminder that when we feel seen, valued, and supported, we can truly provide the best care for our community.
Every birth story is unique—and this particular story reveals just how powerful compassionate support can be. Evana Cooper, director of the doula program, and Sharlene Dougan, ANC, share a personal conversation about how doula services elevate the pregnancy and postpartum experience at Virtua. Through stories of education, advocacy, and support, they reveal how continuous care can empower mothers—especially those navigating high-stress or high-risk pregnancies. Their journey is a powerful reminder that at Virtua, care extends beyond clinical expertise to human connection. Tune in to this episode to hear Evana and Sharlene's story—and discover how Virtua's doula program makes a lasting impact, one family at a time.
Samira Harris, AVP of risk, accreditation, and patient safety, offers an inside look at the full ecosystem of patient safety—from regulatory readiness to analyzing safety events that drive stronger, safer care. She also shines a spotlight on central sterile services, calling them vital, yet often-unseen champions of quality. Beyond her professional world, Samira reflects on her commitment to community service, the joy she finds in her book club, and even her creative flair for mixology. Click to view the latest episode.
For Lisa Ferraro and Mary McCormick, leadership at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes is personal. Lisa's journey was shaped by witnessing care in the ICU as a teen, and Mary's by her own experience with type 1 diabetes. Together, they've cultivated a culture where every team member has purpose and every patient feels supported. They share lessons from 17 years of leading side by side, offering insights and philosophies that guide how they inspire teams and make decisions. They also explore how living the mission of being "Here for Good" shapes their culture and the care they provide every day.
NFL legend and Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith joins our Here for Good Podcast for an inspiring conversation about leadership, legacy, and the power of giving back. Together, Dennis and Emmitt reflect on the discipline and resilience that shaped his iconic football career, the mentors who guided him, and the mission behind Emmitt's charitable work, which creates meaningful opportunities for youth and families.
Get ready for an insightful conversation with Dr. Jen Khelil, chief clinical officer, who turned her passion for patient care into purpose-driven leadership. She reflects on how her early clinical experiences continue to shape her approach today, and Virtua's efforts to combat clinical burnout. Dr. Khelil also highlights our partnership with Rowan University and its role in preparing the next generation of healthcare leaders. Don't miss this episode that reminds us why purpose and people matter the most.
For Debra Moran, senior vice president of health advancement and community programs, Virtua Health has been a place to grow, serve, and make a difference. Growing up in Camden, Debra always knew she wanted to work in health care. What began as a career in radiology became a 50-year commitment to improving access, equity, and care for her community. Debra's work reflects what it means to be a champion of humanity, addressing health disparities and building stronger communities through compassionate care and meaningful connections.
Natalie Jensen, a pediatric occupational therapist, brings both skill and heart to her work, inspired by her brother Luke, who has autism. Beyond her role at Virtua, Natalie is a leader with Luke's Place, a nonprofit in Audubon that provides community-based experiences for neurodiverse and special needs adults. Founded in 2017, the program currently supports 35 participants through outings, advocacy, and connection. Whether at Virtua or in the community, Natalie's dedication to helping others thrive is at the center of all she does.
For Jennifer Wright-Wey, nursing supervisor at Virtua Willingboro, being a part of Virtua is like coming home. Her family's connection to our organization spans four-generations—from her grandmother, a switchboard operator, to her son, who serves in the security department. Jennifer also shares how Virtua's tuition reimbursement program helped build her own career. Now, she's proud to pay it forward by encouraging her team to grow, pursue opportunities, and build their own futures at Virtua.
Dr. Gerald Collins, podiatrist, has been a cornerstone of Virtua for 16 years, helping grow his practice from a single specialist to a team of 13. While his surgical work in foot and ankle reconstruction is his main passion, his greatest satisfaction comes from seeing his patients thrive during their post-operative visits. Outside the hospital, Dr. Collins balances a busy family life coaching his kids' sports teams and plays guitar and sings in a 20-year-old Irish band. Whether in the operating room or on stage, Dr. Collins' commitment to his craft—and his community—shines through.
Khatib Abdelaziz, director of supply chain, applies the discipline of martial arts to the complex world of healthcare logistics. In just two years, he has used his engineering and manufacturing background to streamline the delivery of critical supplies, ensuring they reach colleagues by the next morning or within hours for urgent needs. Now, he's spearheading a major automation upgrade, inspired by the efficiency of Amazon, that will double the warehouse's storage capacity and significantly improve forecasting—a crucial lesson from the pandemic. Khatib's leadership style, shaped by his time as a martial arts instructor, focuses on instilling discipline, confidence, and the mindset to never give up.
This month, Kevin Darby celebrates his sweet sixteenth year at Virtua, a journey that began in patient transport and has since seen him rise to Lieutenant of Security for Virtua Marlton and Berlin. Kevin champions an integrated approach to campus safety, highlighting the successful implementations of the weapons screening and personal panic alarm systems, as well as collaboration with local law enforcement. Kevin also stresses the vital role of colleagues actively practicing "when you see something, say something." A former college basketball player at Rowan, Kevin modestly describes himself as a "very solid" shooting guard. And for those curious, he confirmed that he can "still move and put the ball in the basket, even if it's a little slower" these days.
For 16 years, Claire Smitley, manager of absence management, has guided colleagues through life's pivotal moments—from maternity leave to unexpected illnesses. She finds immense reward in being a listening ear, helping people understand their pay and benefits during time off. Beyond Virtua, Claire co-launched "Young Lives," a mentoring program providing support and practical resources to teen parents. Whether at work, volunteering, or even on DIY projects, Claire is committed to caring for those around her.
Dr. Howard Winter was practically raised in the world of healthcare, with vivid memories of nights spent in the hospital's on-call room alongside his father, an obstetrician. This early immersion clearly shaped his path. Today, as VP of surgical practice and outcomes, he's committed to ensuring top-tier surgical care across our hospitals. But Dr. Winter's passions extend beyond medicine; he also finds joy and a sense of "world peace" singing in a choir, embracing the harmony of blended voices.
Celebrating 25 years with Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes, Rose shares her journey from family liaison to an interpreter for the early intervention program. In this role, Rose bridges communication gaps so that clinicians and our youngest patients can fully understand each other. But there is more to Rose than what's on her Virtua ID. She and her husband have opened their home and hearts to more than 40 foster children from other countries who have been separated from their families. She highlighted the joy of introducing them to new experiences and encouraging others to consider fostering and offering loving homes to children in need.
Step into the world of Matilda Adams, a true luminary at Virtua. As director of the Virtua Samson Cancer Center - Moorestown, Matilda leads and inspires by example, fostering team connections and championing intentional listening to better serve patients. Matilda's dedication also extends globally. Originally from Ghana, she teaches nurses there about peritoneal dialysis, driven by a desire to "see people live their best life." A proud "Virtua lifer," she believes every action can positively impact colleagues and patients, especially in guiding patients through darkness and helping them "turn the light on."
Following our recent observance of Memorial Day, we continue to honor our veterans for their service. This special episode of "Here for Good: Inside Edition" shines a light on three veteran colleagues who share their powerful experiences in the armed services and discuss their roles at Virtua. Jeanette Conrad-McKee shares how her military background shaped her career as a nurse leader. Izabelle Labrador, still actively serving in the New Jersey National Guard, works as a patient experience navigator in the emergency department. And Randy Forte, a full-time paramedic, recounts how his six years as an Army Ranger ignited his passion for emergency medicine. This episode also explores the We Serve Colleague Community at Virtua and what the powerful phrase "thank you for your service" means to Jeanette, Izabelle, and Randy.
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States