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Warner Thomas A Heart For Caring
W
hile Warner Thomas might have had some experience with healthcare through his work as an accountant at Ernst and Young after college, it wasn’t until he became Chief Operating Officer of Ochsner Clinic in 1998 that he truly understood the importance of healthcare in making the community a stronger place—and the way it could impact his own life in the process. “Healthcare is unique. It’s an industry that touches every single one of us, that attracts some of the world’s most talented and innovative minds, and that nurtures a unique drive and passion to change lives and make them better. It’s been gratifying to be part of that energy and sense of possibility,” says Thomas. To hear him tell about his own journey with Ochsner, it’s clear that he truly believes in what the organization is doing. “On my first day at Ochsner, I looked and felt different than I do today,” he says. “I was out of shape because I hadn’t previously focused on my health and fitness, but something prompted me to make a change on that very first day, and I started working out. I kept at it, every day. Only later, when I competed in my first Ironman Triathlon in 2010, did I realize just how far I’d come.” That personal triumph has had far-reaching effects. “My personal journey to becoming healthier has influenced my work at Ochsner. Whatever health issues are facing our patients and community—mental health, fitness, access to healthy foods—I firmly believe that we have the opportunity and responsibility to help people overcome those challenges.” Clearly, his passion for healthcare and making it more accessible to the local community has fueled his success in his career, and Thomas was appointed President and CEO of Ochsner Health in 2012. “My journey has taken time and persistence, and it’s been worth it,” Thomas says. “I saw how Ochsner was approaching healthcare and serving the people of south Louisiana, and I wanted to be a part of that work. I also saw opportunities for doing even more.” 20
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Healthcare is unique. It’s an industry that touches every single one of us, that attracts some of the world’s most talented and innovative minds, and that nurtures a unique drive and passion to change lives and make them better. It’s been gratifying to be part of that energy and sense of possibility.”
