David Isaacks journey to formally improve VA healthcare started in 2015 when he accepted a role as a facilitator and educator with the Just Culture and Continuous Improvement initiative over a 9-hospital network. He ultimately accepted roles of greater responsibility and established Just Culture as a force within the medical arena to diminish a culture of blame but instead one of problem identification and solving by maturing the Zero Harm safety forums and training.
Isaacks now serves as the chief executive officer and executive network director of the VA Sunshine Healthcare Network to transform the large healthcare organization to reach its goal of Zero Harm.
Located in Tampa, the VA Sunshine Healthcare Network is the nations largest system of hospitals and clinics serving a population of more than 1.5 million veterans spread across 79 counties. With an annual operating budget of $12 billion, VISN 8s seven healthcare systems include eight joint-commission-accredited VA medical centers and more than 100 large and small outpatient clinics, employing 36,000 full-time employees.
As a top leader within the organization, Isaacks effectively navigated the organization through the implementation and execution of the largest expansion of benefits to veterans and survivors through the PACT Act. He planned, resourced, and executed two very successful PACT Act events in the U.S. Virgin Islands, resulting in over 400 toxic exposure screenings and 56 new healthcare enrollments.
Isaacks was instrumental in partnering with the local Tampa Bay major league baseball organization and held a Vet Fest event which was attended by over 3,500 veterans. His leadership is evident in the networks results that includes trust scores increasing to 92% and the organizations ranking as a best pPlace to work in VHA.
Davids leadership is a breath of fresh air, said his staff. He engages problems with a beginners mind, thirsty for knowledge and an opportunity through learning so that he does not manage by past tradition or preconceived notions, but through innovation and excellence.
Isaacks leadership has led to significant honors, including the Missouri Hospital Association distinguished service award, the Bob Harvey award by the Missouri Veterans Commissions, and recognition as a top 20 under 40 business professional by the Columbia Business Times.
Innovative organizations like mine thrive on diversity of thought and creativity, said Isaacks. As a leader, Ive come to see cognitive empathy as a superpower a skill that took time to develop but has been crucial in embracing diverse perspectives and encouraging team members to think outside the box.
