As healthcare organizations across the country recognize Healthcare Quality Week, October 18–24, Pershing Health System is highlighting its ongoing commitment to safe, high-quality care and welcoming Brooke Smith as the new PHS Director of Quality and Risk Management.
Healthcare Quality Week recognizes the professionals and teams who work every day to improve patient outcomes, strengthen safety and continually look for better ways to deliver care. Much of that work happens behind the scenes, but its impact can be seen throughout a patient’s healthcare experience.
It is work Smith knows well.
She joins Pershing Health System with 12 years of experience at Children’s Mercy Kansas City, including the past eight years in leadership roles focused on improving outcomes for vulnerable patient populations. Throughout her career, Smith has developed a passion for quality improvement, patient safety and helping healthcare teams strengthen processes to provide the best possible care.
For Smith, joining PHS also represents an opportunity to come home.
“My family and I wanted to come home and raise our kids in a close-knit community,” Smith said. “Pershing Health System’s commitment to providing high-quality care close to home really stood out to me. I’m excited to be part of an organization that serves its community so well and understands the important role rural healthcare plays in people’s lives.”
What Does Quality and Risk Management Mean for Patients?
As Director of Quality and Risk Management, Smith will help oversee PHS initiatives related to quality improvement, patient safety, risk management and regulatory readiness.
She will work closely with leaders, providers and staff throughout the organization to review processes and outcomes, identify potential risks and opportunities for improvement, and support efforts that help PHS continue providing safe, reliable and effective care.
“At the end of the day, these efforts are all about ensuring patients receive safe, reliable and effective care,” Smith said. “Strong quality and safety programs help reduce the risk of harm, improve outcomes and build trust between healthcare organizations and the communities they serve.”
One of Smith’s priorities will be strengthening quality improvement efforts and refining the metrics PHS uses to measure performance and patient outcomes. Just as importantly, she wants to recognize what is already working well.
“I’m looking forward to working alongside teams throughout the organization to identify opportunities for growth and celebrate the great work that’s already happening,” she said.
The Work Patients May Never See
Healthcare Quality Week provides an opportunity to recognize an important part of healthcare that patients and families may not always see.
Behind the care provided each day are teams reviewing data, evaluating processes, monitoring safety, meeting regulatory standards and looking for opportunities to make care even better.
“There is a tremendous amount of work happening behind the scenes every day,” Smith said. “Healthcare teams are constantly reviewing data, evaluating processes, identifying risks and looking for ways to improve. Patients may not always see that work, but it’s an ongoing commitment to providing the safest and highest-quality care possible.”
For Smith, that commitment to continuous improvement is not the responsibility of just one department. It requires people throughout the healthcare system working together with a shared focus on the patient.
She said one of the things she is most looking forward to at PHS is building those relationships.
“I’m looking forward to building relationships with staff and providers across the organization and working together on initiatives that make a meaningful difference for our patients, families and community.”
Experience and Education
Smith earned a Bachelor of Health Science in Respiratory Therapy from the University of Missouri and later completed a Master of Healthcare Administration.
While her education provided a strong foundation for her career, Smith said much of what has prepared her for this position comes from hands-on experience leading quality initiatives, working with multidisciplinary teams and adapting to an ever-changing healthcare environment.
Her experience at Children’s Mercy Kansas City, particularly in leadership roles focused on vulnerable patient populations, has given her an understanding of how thoughtful processes, teamwork and a commitment to continuous improvement can make a meaningful difference in patient outcomes.
Coming Home
Outside of work, Smith enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially at the lake and supporting their favorite sports teams. She and her husband have three boys who keep them busy and active.
The family also enjoys traveling and experiencing different cultures, scenery and food. One of their favorite recent adventures was a trip to Italy, and Smith admits she still misses the pasta and wine.
Now back home and beginning a new chapter at Pershing Health System, Smith says she is honored to have the opportunity to serve the community and support the work taking place throughout PHS.
“I care about the people we serve and am committed to ensuring every patient who walks through our doors receives safe, high-quality care,” Smith said. “I believe the best outcomes come from listening, working together and continually looking for ways to improve.”
“I’m honored to join Pershing Health System, excited to build relationships within the community, and look forward to supporting the important work our team does every day to care for our patients and their families.”
