MDigital Life Profile Underscores the Value of Communication

By David C. Pate, M.D., J.D.
In Best Practices, In the News, Innovation, What to Watch
01/05/13 at 10:41
4 Comments

MDigital Life Profile Underscores the Value of Communication

I recently wrote about my blog’s one-year birthday and all the unexpected successes it has enjoyed, and most importantly, how it has permitted me to communicate with employees and physicians in ways that would be hard to accomplish otherwise, through text, photos, video, and questions and answers shared with all readers.

Through my blog, I have tried to provide:

A deeper understanding of our mission, vision, values, and strategies.
A clearer understanding of the projects, initiatives, and programs we have implemented or are in the process of implementing.
A balanced view and deeper discussion of issues attracting state and federal media attention so that you can be better informed and determine your own position on these issues and be prepared to answer questions from family, friends, neighbors, and others that know of your relationship with St. Luke’s.

A couple of months ago, Greg Matthews, the group director of interactive and social media for WCG, contacted me to see if he could interview me for a story he was writing for MDigitalLife on physicians who use social media. I spoke to Greg and nearly forgot about it when he indicated that his interview was completed and would be published last week.

I’ve taken part in many interviews, but was especially impressed with the background research and balance that went into Greg’s report, so I asked him if I could republish his interview. He agreed, and here is a link to his report:

http://blog.wcgworld.com/2013/01/david-pate-m-d-j-d-the-mdigitallife-interview

Tags: Dr. David Pate, Dr. Pate, Idaho, st. luke's, St. Luke's Health System

- By Agostino Bonaminio
- 01/08/13 at 16:34
Dr. Pate,

Though I don’t follow you consistently on your blog, I do enjoy it when I read it. I find you as fair and as objective as one can be. I commend you for putting yourself out there. Following the link to the WCG interview, then to the NYT story, shows both the good and the bad of media and how meanings can be warped.
- By Jane
- 01/08/13 at 16:36
I have read through many of your blogs and the FAQ on the new St. Luke’s health plan but have not found information about whether this plan will be available for less than a FTE .4 or for flex employees. I will be changing to a flex position this summer or fall, and I’m not sure what my health insurance options are going to be.

I am very excited about having affordable insurance available. Two of my young adult children here in Idaho don’t have insurance available in their present employment situations, so I’m hoping it will be available very soon.
- By David C. Pate, M.D., J.D.
- 01/09/13 at 10:56
Hi, Agostino (cool name, by the way!).

Thanks for your comment. I really appreciate that.

Yes, one of the things that this whole process has taught me is that just because some media are well-known and prominent does not mean that the reporters and/or editors will be fair, balanced, or accurate. Conversely, great reporting can come out of media that are much less well-known and from people who are not conventional reporters, such as this WCG interview.

Thanks for your comment and thanks for following the blog when you can!
- By David C. Pate, M.D., J.D.
- 01/09/13 at 12:10
Hi, Jane.

Thanks for your question. The answer is that there will be no change to that aspect of eligibility. The insurance coverage is offered to employees who are 0.4 FTE or greater.

Thanks for your question and for following the blog.