Knowledge calms fear: Dr. David Pate on leadership during COVID-19

Dr. David Pate retired as CEO of St. Luke’s Health System in Boise, Idaho at the end of January. A couple of weeks into retirement, he received a call from the Governor asking him to serve on the state’s COVID-19 task force. Since then, he has been focused on what’s happening with the pandemic, how to deploy resources appropriately and where things might be headed next. Here, he discusses the critical need for strong leadership and clear communication from hospitals, health systems and healthcare leaders in the acute phase of this crisis. This is part one of a two part conversation.