Op-Ed: Access, Engage and Transform: Our Path Forward at Jefferson Health

This article is by Dr. Baligh Yehia, President, Jefferson Health.

One of the most challenging moments a person can face is when they receive a difficult confirmation of a feared diagnosis. For many, the shock of the diagnosis is coupled with uncertainty over treatment options. No one should have to wait weeks to learn about the choices that lie ahead, and no one should have to wait to begin treatment.

For cancer patients, confusion over options is why immediate access to oncologists is essential. This need led Jefferson Health to launch the Same Day/Next Day Cancer Program with a bold goal. Patients with new cancer diagnoses can see specialists within 48 hours. So far, more than 800 patients have benefited from this program — and we’re just getting started.

Same Day/Next Day is a prime example of our response to a fundamental question: how does Jefferson evolve to meet the needs of our communities today and tomorrow? The answer lies in three powerful words that define our strategy: Access, Engage and Transform.

Access: Care Without Barriers

Access is more than a buzzword. It’s a promise. When I talk to patients, families, and even our own colleagues, I hear the same concern: it takes too long to get care in our country. Whether it’s waiting weeks (or longer) for a specialist or hours in the ER, these delays are real and frustrating. That’s why we’re committed to becoming the most accessible health system in the region.

We’re making it easier to schedule appointments online, whether it’s for primary care, specialty visits, or urgent care. We expanded virtual primary care. We introduced smart waitlists that automatically offer earlier slots when cancellations happen. These may seem like small changes, but they make a big difference in people’s lives.

Access isn’t just about speed—it’s about inclusivity. That’s why we’ve significantly enhanced our interpretation services across the system, ensuring that language is never a barrier to receiving uncompromising care.

Transform: Evolving for the Future

Healthcare is changing fast. From policy shifts in Washington to rising costs and new technologies, we’re facing headwinds that demand transformation—not just in how we treat patients, but in how we operate as a high-performing system.

At Jefferson, we’re embracing this challenge. As an academic medical center, staying on the cutting edge of medicine means investing in our colleagues, our campuses, our research and our facilities so we can transform patient care by offering the latest therapies and innovations.

But transformation also means rethinking our business model. We need to ensure that Jefferson is sustainable, not just for the next few years but for the next two centuries. We are committed to streamlining operations and staying nimble in the face of change.

Engage: Empowering Our People

Of all our priorities, engagement is the one closest to my heart. We’re a not-for-profit organization, which means every dollar we earn goes back into our mission. And at the heart of that mission are our 65,000 colleagues.

Our goal is to make sure every team member knows they are an essential part of Jefferson. That means removing barriers, reducing friction between payors and providers, and giving people the tools they need to do what they do best – care for others.

We’re investing in leadership development across the board, from nurses and physicians to advanced practice clinicians and managers. Because at the end of the day, our greatest asset isn’t our buildings or our technology, it’s our people. And when we empower them, we empower Jefferson to deliver on its mission to improve lives.

These three pillars — Access, Engage, Transform — aren’t just strategic goals. They’re a reflection of who we are and who we aspire to be. These pillars ensure that every single person under Jefferson’s care receives comprehensive and equitable treatment. Together, these pillars form the foundation of a healthier future for all the communities we’re privileged to serve.