University Medicine Foundation practices what it preaches: its three missions of patient care, teaching and research are fully integrated into the workplace.
What sets it apart from other internal-medicine practices in Rhode Island is the way in which its values and principles are inculcated into every aspect of how employees treat patients – and each other.
“Our ability to integrate the three missions of patient care, teaching and research into a ‘greater good’ is what gives University Medicine meaning and purpose,” said President Louis B. Rice.
The principles include promoting citizenship by providing care to disadvantaged populations, volunteering in local agencies, and promoting individual growth and professional accomplishments of all of University Medicine’s employees.
University Medicine makes adjustments and provides support – including training and flexibility – to engage with its older work force.
Many of the medical group’s physicians and staff are encouraged to regularly volunteer at community-based organizations.
In the workplace, University Medicine supports new hires with orientation and training – and through an ongoing process of listening to employee concerns.
There is also a mentoring program for physicians to enable them to advance in rank at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, as well as a program offering tuition reimbursement. (All of its physicians hold faculty appointments with Brown.)
The work culture is both warm and caring, and diversity in cultural and ethnic background is valued. The bottom line is that employees enjoy their work – and working environment, and appreciate the positive impact they have on others. •
