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CASA’s Annual Conference opened this week at the Sheraton San Diego with a packed ballroom and an inspiring first general session: “From Service to Strategy: Lessons in Leadership from Veteran ASC Leaders.”
Moderator Chuck Meisel led a dynamic conversation with panelists Matt Luke, Stephanie McIntosh, and Dr. Kyle Michaelis, who shared how their military experiences shaped their leadership in today’s ASC environment.
Each brought a unique perspective, and all agreed that the lessons learned under pressure prepared them for success in ASCs. Dr. Michaelis described how doing surgery while in military hospitals taught him to “operate on an island” – anticipating needs, adapting quickly, and leading under stress.
Luke emphasized his guiding principle, “Mission First, Marines Always.” He explained how this mindset translates to ASC operations: achieving the mission with excellence, whether in infection control or patient care, while also ensuring that team members feel motivated and supported.
McIntosh highlighted parallels between military structures and ASC operations, from the use of standard operating procedures and checklists to communication practices that mirror situation and after-action reports. She reminded attendees that true leadership is about leading from the front – earning trust by pitching in to tackle different tasks and making sure leaders and staff members feel part of the same team working together on a common goal.
Across the panel, themes of respect, adaptability, teamwork, and mission-driven leadership resonated. As Dr. Michaelis put it, “Every day I make sure every person on the team knows they are important and we can’t do it without you.”
Attendees were inspired by the opening session and the conference atmosphere:
- “At the CASA Conference there are always so many new ideas and inspiration to bring back to your center – it adds a fresh burst of creativity to take home,” said Wendy Browning, Sierra Endoscopy Center / Grass Valley Surgery Center.
- “From the Veterans military panel, the lead-by-example message resonated with me. I also connected with the idea of ‘Mission First, and Marines Always.’ At Sutter, our motto is ‘Patients First, People Always,’ so it felt like a natural connection. I love attending these conferences – they’re educational, diverse, and bring together so many attendees,” said Jennifer Fox, Sutter Health.
- “This conference is always inspiring. From listening to the speakers to connecting with my peers, I walk away rejuvenated and ready to succeed,” said Calei Ruggels, Santa Rosa Surgery and Endoscopy Center.
The panel set an energizing tone for the sessions ahead and reinforced the value of CASA’s Annual Conference as a place to learn from inspiring leaders, share experiences, and take away lessons that elevate ASC operations.
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