Time out with T.O. – Meeting the chancellor

So, who exactly is this new chancellor?

Last week, I was fortunate to spend some time with Jeffery P. Gold, M.D., as he did his first media interviews since coming to UNMC. It was quite enlightening.

Here — in no particular order — are some random personal observations that might help introduce you to the ninth chancellor in UNMC history.

He’s a leader.
“I’m a student on leadership. Being a strong leader is all about building trust across the organization. The faster you can build trust, the better. I believe it’s important to keep a steady hand on the tiller and not make abrupt course changes.”

Audio: Dr. Gold on his vision for excellence

He’s a team builder.
“My job is to align the missions of the medical center … to take the silos of research, education and clinical care and weave them all together. Building relationships regionally, nationally and globally will get us where we want to go.”

He’s a good listener.
“My door is always open. I need to hear what people are thinking.”

Audio: Dr. Gold on the community.

He’s a communicator.
“You must have a clear vision and then communicate that vision to the people rowing the boat.”

He likes to get out of his office.
“I love walking around the campus after hours. You’ll see me walking the halls, in the library, in the ER. I like to meet new people and especially enjoy interacting with students. It’s just me.”

Audio: Dr. Gold on meeting people

He’s a national player.
Dr. Gold holds many key leadership positions with the American Medical Association, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, and the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education. He serves on countless other national organizations and boards.

He believes in diversity.
“Diversity makes institutions stronger. It comes in many forms — racial, cultural, religious, urban, rural — and is vital to success.”

He’s a giver.
“I’m at the point of life where you measure your success by what you give back.”