Robert L. Meyer

Q: What most notably stands out about your organization as an innovation, opportunity or service that improves or better delivers healthcare to Arizonans?

As the only pediatric health system in Arizona, Phoenix Children’s is dedicated to consistently improving the care we provide and developing programs that positively impact the physical, social and emotional health of our patients.

Given that suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth aged 10–24, Phoenix Children’s launched a comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program. This initiative screens all children for suicide risk and utilizes Amazon Alexa technology for real-time intervention. Operating across all outpatient clinics, the program has conducted more than 72,000 suicide screenings since it launched, identifying more than 1,500 youth in need of intervention.

Every child who visits a Phoenix Children’s clinic — for any reason, from well-child checkups to minor injuries — receives a standardized mental health screening. If a child’s responses indicate mental or emotional distress, physicians use Amazon Echo Show devices, located in every clinic room, to immediately connect with a licensed therapist before the patient leaves the office, saving precious time and lives.

Specially trained therapists were added to the staff to work exclusively with this population. The initial visit aims to evaluate the child’s mental state, ensure their safety and determine appropriate next steps.

Q: Tell us about your known style of leadership or philosophy on being a strong leader for your organization. Tell us about a specific program, leadership policy or practice that has directly benefited healthcare outcomes in Arizona.

Phoenix Children’s has expanded to keep pace with the population growth in Maricopa County, specifically matching the geographic spread that was historically in the East Valley to its shift to the West Valley. My philosophy is to ensure that our expansion meets families where they are, providing necessary healthcare closer to home. While many of our complex care programs like organ transplant are based at the Thomas Campus, we’ve integrated specialty services into our sites of service throughout Arizona.

I’m proud to say Phoenix Children’s was the first pediatric health system to establish patient and family advisory councils. These 12 councils provide patient families, including former patients and siblings, the opportunity to directly impact the health system. Members consistently remind leadership and staff of the needs of children and teens, ensuring that patient- and family-centered care is at the core of everything Phoenix Children’s strives to achieve.

Q: What do you feel a healthy Arizona workforce and families can mean for Arizona’s growth?

A healthy Arizona workforce depends on a sizable, well-run children’s hospital. A quaternary children’s hospital that offers this level of specialty care and trauma services makes Arizona an ideal location for large organizations looking to bring their employees here. A Tier 1 pediatric healthcare system is a significant business driver for the state of Arizona, and having healthy Arizona children means families and business can grow here.

Phoenix Children’s research collaborates with academic institutions, contributing to medical research, education and innovation. This also enhances the state’s reputation as a hub for medical excellence. High-quality healthcare services for children is a crucial factor for families when choosing where to live and work. Employers attract and retain top talent by offering access to superior pediatric care.

Q: What is on the horizon for your organization?

It’s been an honor to guide Phoenix Children’s through tremendous change for the past 22 years, including expanding clinical services and completing a new community hospital, with a second on the way. The West Valley embraced the new Arrowhead hospital, and we anticipate the same for our East Valley location opening in the next year. A new hospital benefits the entire community — an emergency department closer to home enables first responders to provide faster service and return to the community more quickly.

Phoenix Children’s is also in a strong fiscal position, thanks to thoughtful planning and the support of our community. This allows us to hire more medical professionals, lead vital research and innovate for the future. We will continue our strong partnerships with municipalities to meet the growing population’s needs. We remain committed to serving our growing pediatric population and addressing the increasing behavioral and mental health needs of our community.