VIProfile: Warner Thomas

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

A Heart For Caring

While 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.”

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.”

For Thomas, the desire to do more wasn’t just something to talk about— it was something to actually do, and he’s proud of what that’s brought about over the past 22 years he’s been part of the Ochsner team. “Ochsner helped reignite the healthcare economy here following Hurricane Katrina, significantly grown our footprint, become a national leader in healthcare innovation and made lasting, significant investments in our communities. What’s most exciting to me now is our focus on the future. I’m privileged to lead a team of physicians and administrative leaders that is always looking for opportunities and innovations to drive better healthcare quality, reach more people who need us, and focus on wellness and prevention. We’ve made incredible progress over the years, but as we welcome a new decade, there’s so much to be done. It feels like we’re just getting started.”

"We’ve made incredible progress over the years, but...it feels like we’re just getting started.”

As President and CEO, Thomas bears the weight of many responsibilities on his shoulders, but he seems to thrive in his role. “In my position, I lead overall strategy and growth for Ochsner, and one of the most important aspects of my job—and one that I’m very proud of—is attracting, developing, and sustaining the right team so that we can deliver the highest quality of care, the best experience, and the necessary resources to help our patients and communities. Our growth and expansion into

new aspects of health simply would not be possible without talented, passionate, and dedicated physicians and employees who believe in our vision. We’re here to change and save lives, and I’m fortunate to be surrounded by incredible people who aren’t afraid to think differently,” says Thomas. “I also work hard to stay ahead of changes in our industry. Healthcare is changing rapidly, and, to be a leader in the industry, we must change with it. The success of our organization reflects our amazing physicians, providers, nurses, and staff who make amazing things happen every day.”