Addressing the Challenge of COVID-19: One Health Care Site’s Leadership Response to the Pandemic

Abstract The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic created an extremely disruptive challenge for health care leaders that required a rapid, dynamic, and innovative response. The purpose of this manuscript is to share the leadership actions and decisions at Mayo Clinic in Florida during the first 6 months of the pandemic (February to July 2020). We note 4 strategies that contributed to an effective response: 1) Leverage experience with disaster preparedness and mobilize regional and national networks; 2) utilize surge models to anticipate and address supply chain issues as well as practical and financial effects of the pandemic; 3) adapt creatively to establish new safety and procedural protocols in various areas for various populations; and 4) communicate timely information effectively and be the common source of truth. Mayo Clinic in Florida was able to address the surges of patients with COVID-19, provide ongoing tertiary care, and restore function within the first 6 months with new, strengthened practices and protocols.