Formalizing Patient Empowerment–Meet Thomas Linton at Laser Spine

Thomas Linton, who brings 20 years of executive roles from companies such as AT&T, Bank of America and General Electric, is the new Chief Patient Empowerment Officer at Tampa-based Laser Spine Institute LLC. Linton is the company’s first person to be in this role.

“We look forward to leveraging Thomas’ expertise to further facilitate the delivery of exemplary experiences for our patients during every step of their care journey,” said company President and CEO Roger Cary in the February 28, 2018 news release. “Creating this position and adding someone with Thomas’ track record is a testament to our commitment to patient-centered care.”

As the company wrote in the news release, “As Chief Patient Empowerment Officer, Linton will have oversight of the organization’s patient-facing teammates who serve as the first touch in the patient experience, those who are the patient’s main contact throughout their journey and liaisons with physicians in local markets. Linton will also help identify patients’ interactions, which are critical moments of truth, to improve their overall experience.”

“Linton received his Master of Business Administration in marketing and strategic planning from the Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering and a Master of Engineering from the University of Louisville. He serves on the Board of Directors for the George M. Hughes Foundation, which provides college scholarships to deserving high school seniors.”

“I’m thrilled to be joining a purpose-driven organization and to play a part in continuing Laser Spine Institute’s mission to provide exceptional patient experiences and care,” Linton said. “We are known as the leader in minimally invasive spine surgery for a reason, and the impact our teammates and innovative medicine plays on our patients’ lives was instrumental in my decision to join the organization.”

Asked what patient empowerment means to him, Linton told OTW, “Our patients have often endured years of debilitating pain. Patient empowerment means educating them on all options available to help alleviate their pain. We empower patients through all aspects of their journey with us. Empowerment begins with exceptional care and is strengthened through personalized and streamlined experiences leading to optimal outcomes and satisfied patients.”

“My role was designed to oversee and improve every aspect of the overall patient experience. My initial focus will be on collaborating with our patient-facing teammates, informed by feedback from our patients themselves, to further our commitment to quality and exceptional care.”