Curtis Hanson, M.D., Talks Value, Culture, and CAR-T with Healthcare Analytics News

By Kelley Luedke • October 4, 2017

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Curtis Hanson, M.D., hematopathologist and chief medical officer of Mayo Medical Laboratories at Mayo Clinic, was interviewed by Healthcare Analytics News to discuss the evolving role of chief medical officers (CMOs), the culture of the prestigious medical practice and research firm, and new and novel treatments.

When asked about how the role of CMO is changing, Dr. Hanson said, "In the context of a referral laboratory, it really is changing. I think it’s due to changing technologies, changing expectations of providers, more involvement of payers into the work of laboratories. The CMO really comes down to making sure that, strategically, the organization is aligned appropriately with medicine, medical care—also assuring that there is an appropriate connection between the business and the practice. That’s a heck of a lot harder than it used to be."

Dr. Hanson also discussed the attitude and culture of Mayo Clinic and its ability to innovate. Dr. Hanson said, "It’s the commitment from top to bottom. A lot of times you go into organizations and you might have commitments at the top level, but you don’t have it all the way down through the workforce. Everybody has smart doctors. It’s the commitment of the allied health staff to take those values to action, in believing in what Mayo does. I don’t know that it’s really a Midwest thing, but I think it helps being in a small town. There’s less distractions here."

When questioned about complex medical treatments and testing and if they represent the concept of value-based care, Dr. Hanson replied, "When it comes to value-based care, though, it’s ultimately about outcomes. You can have fantastic technology, but if it doesn’t affect outcomes, that’s where value-based care kicks in. Whether CAR-T or gene editing become part of routine medicine will ultimately depend on outcomes. I know it sounds basic. Does it decrease hospitalizations. Does it prolong life? What are the measures that make it a value proposition?"

Read the full interview.

Kelley Luedke

Kelley Luedke is a Marketing Channel Manager at Mayo Clinic Laboratories. She is the principle editor and writer of Insights and leads social media and direct marketing strategy. Kelley has worked at Mayo Clinic since 2013. Outside of work, you can find Kelley running, traveling, playing with her kitty, and exploring new foods.