Discover Bob Carter’s Vision for the Future of Academic Health at @theU: Innovations & Insights for a Healthier Tomorrow

Core Leadership Values

My aim is to inspire everyone to find joy and purpose in their work. I believe in leading with energy and a positive outlook for the future. I’d love to hear your thoughts on what drives you at U of U Health and what you hope to achieve. As a leader, I focus on helping our teams grow and succeed in delivering care, conducting research, and educating future professionals. One guiding principle I embrace is “Build to Last,” which stresses the importance of lasting impact, building a strong culture, and empowering our people.

I recently read a great book by Kim Clark, PhD, former dean of Harvard Business School, titled Leading Through: Activating the Soul, Heart, and Mind of Leadership. The book reminds us that we all have leadership within us. When we lead with our teams, we create energized communities. It’s crucial for us to show that we care about one another, especially as we face challenges like burnout in healthcare.

U of U Health has a strong ability to bring teams together to solve tough issues. I was excited to join because of President Randall’s vision to transform us into a leading public university with a significant societal impact. I aim to “lead through” our shared efforts, motivating everyone to do their best work for the common good.

Broadening Our Impact

Looking ahead, I think about our local, national, and global impact. We can enhance local access to quality care for more Utah residents and those in the Mountain West. Our research and innovation can amplify our national influence, while training skilled professionals can help us make a global difference.

With Utah’s growing population, U of U Health must also expand. How can we engage with new communities? It’s vital that we build our health system to foster meaningful connections.

We need to attract more healthcare professionals to meet demand. While growing specialty care, we must also focus on broader healthcare needs and preventive measures. Our goal is to ensure everyone in our region has access to the best possible care.

Community and Patient-Centered Focus

My education in epidemiology gives me insight into the various social factors that affect health. I keep this perspective at the forefront as I engage with our patients.

I also hold a medical license and plan to stay involved in direct patient care at the Department of Neurosurgery and Huntsman Cancer Institute. Staying clinically active allows me to understand our healthcare system from both sides and maintain valuable relationships with my patients.

A Sustainable Path Forward

Academic health centers are currently facing many challenges. Some are cutting back on research and reducing staff, which concerns me. I want to ensure that we find a sustainable way forward so that we can succeed in all aspects of our mission.

Our academic health system plays a crucial role in the University of Utah’s goal of becoming a leading public university with a profound societal impact. Growing to meet regional needs will challenge us, but if we do it sustainably, we will become stronger and more resilient. This approach helps us provide better health services to our patients and broader communities.

Finally, I want to express my gratitude to Dr. Michael Good for his transformative leadership over the past six and a half years as Senior Vice President for Health Sciences and CEO for U of U Health. He significantly expanded our resources, nearly doubled our budget, and increased patient visits by 25 percent. Most importantly, Dr. Good cultivated a culture of respect within U of U Health, a legacy I aim to honor as we move forward.

Thank you, Dr. Good, for your leadership in setting us on a promising path for the future!