For Karen Springer, caring for those in need has been a lifelong commitment that began during her Indiana childhood. “I was the youngest of four children with two of my siblings living with Muscular Dystrophy … this provided me with an insight and compassion that grew within me,” explained Springer.
Seeing how her siblings were treated differently left a lasting impression and propelled Springer toward a profession serving others. After marrying high school sweetheart Brad, the couple moved to Virginia for his work as a Marine. It was there she earned her nursing degree and took her first clinical post.
“If you do this work the most passionate way you can, it is both an intimate and professional relationship. What a gift that is,” she said of caring for patients.
That dedication wasn’t lost on others. “Early in my career, there was a nursing leader who was the first person to point out that I was an effective leader,” Springer recalled. “She was my boss, but she always asked for my input and opinions.”
While she clearly relished her bedside role, Springer also came to see she could make a difference … and perhaps a much bigger one … by taking on increasing operational oversight.
Having returned to Fort Wayne, Ind., Springer was named clinical director of Lutheran Hospital’s ICU. There she met Mike Schatzlein, MD, who was head of cardiac services at the time. They found their mission-oriented leadership styles worked well together. Within a decade, the duo had been tapped to launch a $52 million acute care hospital with Springer serving as both COO and CNO for the new Dupont Hospital.
Her next challenge was to take the helm of a regional medical center in Las Cruces, N.M. before returning to Fort Wayne as part of Lutheran’s executive leadership where Schatzlein was now system CEO. A few years later, her friend and mentor moved to Nashville to lead Saint Thomas Health. Schatzlein invited the Springers to a Titans-Colts game. “I talked to lots of people and told my husband, ‘I think I’m being interviewed, but I’m not sure for what,’” she recalled with a laugh.
It didn’t take long to figure out. Springer moved to Nashville as COO of Saint Thomas Health in March 2011 and was named president and CEO of the growing health system last summer. “I’ve always had a passion to help those persons who have been set aside, but I think it became my calling when I joined Saint Thomas Health and Ascension Health,” she said.
Springer is both vexed and challenged by the brokenness of the nation’s healthcare system, noting the industry has been talking about reform for two decades. “We should be transformed by now,” she states flatly. “So much of what gets attention in healthcare is about money. We need to remember we’re about people.”
Her clinical experience keeps her focused on the larger picture. “I can remember my first transplant patients, their families,” she remarked. “Those memories help to drive what you want the new experience to be as we transform healthcare in our country.
“As a leader, I’ve grown to love the fact that I can impact people I never see,” Springer continued. “When I hear that something I’ve said or done impacts one of our 7,500 associates, I consider it an honor and a privilege.”
Her other great passion is her family. She and Brad have been married 36 years. Although the family only lived in Las Cruces for a couple of years, it was long enough for the couple’s only child Bradley to fall in love with the area … and a young woman. Today, the Springers travel to New Mexico as often as possible to visit their son, daughter-in-law and two grandsons who are now five and six. “There’s nothing better than grandchildren,” Springer says with a grin.
While workdays can be long and stressful, its clear Springer is up for the challenge. “As part of Ascension, I feel that we have both the responsibility and ability to improve healthcare and create access for everyone who needs it.”
Nothing shall be impossible.