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There are times when a high-emotion, high-impact term is used too casually and commonly. Think about how many times you have heard “crisis” or “disaster” just today. The word "legacy" can fall into this category.
It's a high-impact and high-emotion term, but used casually and commonly. The basic dictionary definition of legacy is something that is passed on. For me, a legacy assumes much more depth including that which is passed on is substantial, lasting (let’s say 20 years or more) and is the result of the dedicated work of many.
This year, I have the opportunity to join celebrations of three true Tulsa legacies — two new and one well-established — where those in need have been the benefactor of something substantial from the dedicated work of many, now over two decades. In June, the University of Oklahoma’s IMPACT Team marked 20 years of outreach psychiatric service to those with severe and persistent mental illness. This team dramatically reduced psychiatric hospitalizations, while increasing independent living for more than 75 Tulsans at a time.
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A clinic that initially cost about $600,000 per year to operate, saved more than $6 million per year in deferred costs of care at area emergency rooms; keeping those emergency rooms less crowded and better able to rapidly meet critical care patient needs. In October, Good Samaritan Health Services will mark 51 years of outreach health care across the Tulsa region. Operating 6 days per week with more than 300 volunteers and 40 local churches as partners, our region’s many health deserts have ready access to primary care through their Little Sam and Big Sam mobile clinics.
Each of these health services adds to their legacy by serving as teaching sites for medical, nursing, pharmacy and social work students and resident physicians. After graduation, these trainees are inspired to continue to support these legacies as they practice in Tulsa. Young physicians often ask: What are the key aspects of leadership? I have always emphasized that strategic planning was the easy part, whereas execution of that plan is the difference maker — you know, actually getting things done.
More recently, I have added sustainability to this leadership formula. Leaders keep things going despite the ups and downs over the decades. In doing so, the result is a legacy of service to others.
Let’s salute all those that have made the IMPACT team, the Bedlam Clinic and Good Samaritan Health Services three of Tulsa’s true legacies..
