We caught up with CEO Ed Jimenez and asked him several questions for this edition of News+Notes. See how to submit your question at the bottom of the page!

On the wall above his desk, UF Health Shands CEO Ed Jimenez has a large framed quote by Jimmy V., aka Jim Valvano. He was an American college basketball player, coach and broadcaster who motivated many and supported cancer research following his own diagnosis.

The quote reads, “How do you go from where you are to where you wanna be? And I think you have to have an enthusiasm for life. You have to have a dream, a goal. And you have to be willing to work for it.”

It seems appropriate to ask about this quote as we mark several staff celebrations and recognize Customer Service is the Key honorees, with inspiration as a common theme.

I’ve said it before: I am inspired by the people around me. Our faculty and staff have passion. And then they have the determination to put that passion into action. In this organization, you see people doing their best work as an expression of who they are. What makes a person be of great service? Without asking them to verbalize their choice or behavior, you watch them and see they follow a calling. Some people have a natural drive to touch peoples’ lives, and we see amazing acts of kindness and thoughtful care. When I ask staff about it they usually say it’s part of their job. They’re so used to expressing compassion, they see it as normal and routine. But it’s a special way of being, and I don’t take it for granted.

Our hospital Nursing and Patient Care teams have a motto, “Experienced care, expert caring.” That sums up their philosophy to meet the humanness in others with our own humanity. Faculty and staff across the organization seem to pay attention for ways to fulfill the needs of our patients and families. They celebrate milestones and create special moments for patients in a very personal way. It goes beyond providing excellent medical care because they also put their hearts into their work. We need to celebrate that kind of commitment and inspiration.

I am here to guide, coach and cheer. All our leaders are here to help, support and keep recognizing the outstanding work of our staff. But when you’re in a place like this, you don’t really have to stoke the fire — our people are passionate by nature. Look around, and you see it.

Email Michelle Moore, assistant director, Strategic Communications, at moormm@shands.ufl.edu and we’ll consider it for an upcoming edition.