Ada Blair: Leading with care, from bedside to boardroom
In the latest episode of How Health Systems Work, hosts Jim Burke and Steve Pratt sit down with Ada Bair, CEO of Memorial Hospital in Carthage, Illinois — one of the most successful rural and critical access hospitals in the U.S. Bair, who began her career as a night-shift nurse, shares her remarkable journey from bedside care to executive leadership. Under her guidance, Memorial has achieved six consecutive years as a CMS five-star hospital — even through the challenges of COVID-19. Her leadership philosophy centers on empowering frontline staff, fostering a mission-driven culture, and celebrating everyday wins to strengthen engagement and excellence.
A key theme in the conversation is Memorial’s deep investment in its community. Facing staffing shortages, Bair’s team launched “grow your own” initiatives — from funding CNA training to engaging high school students in healthcare pathways. Their innovative teaching kitchen and school partnerships go beyond healthcare, teaching teamwork, math, and life skills. This grassroots approach not only solves workforce gaps but builds a lasting connection between the hospital and the community it serves.
The discussion also highlights how Memorial tackled two of rural healthcare’s biggest challenges: obstetrics and behavioral health. After closing its labor and delivery unit, Bair ensured continuity of care through partnerships with regional hospitals. Meanwhile, her team expanded behavioral health access through mobile units serving local schools — cutting no-show rates dramatically. By combining community support, flexible leadership, and smart operational models, Bair demonstrates how purpose and innovation can sustain rural health systems and inspire a new generation of healthcare leaders.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Healthcare Leadership
02:08 Ada Bair's Journey in Healthcare
04:29 Building a Culture of Excellence
06:12 Engaging Physicians in Hospital Culture
08:30 Innovative Recruitment Strategies
10:08 Community Outreach and Education
11:34 Effective Governance in Healthcare
13:51 Recruiting and Retaining Healthcare Leaders
15:56 Navigating Challenges in Rural Healthcare
16:50 Adapting to Changes in OB Services
19:38 Addressing Mental Health Needs
21:23 Sustainable Behavioral Health Services
24:04 Lessons for Future Healthcare Leaders
