Quick Questions for the People in Charge | Phyllis Peoples

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Terrebonne General Medical Center, President and CEO

Q: What is the key to being successful in business?

I think the keys to success are passion, persistence and flexibility. You must love what you do every day and others will share your enthusiasm. Persistence and flexibility are also key because in the business of healthcare there is always a large level of unpredictability. Annually, we experience changes in technology, reimbursement coverage, regulatory requirements, and local economy, to name a few.

Q: How much has your industry changed from the time you started to now?


I started in healthcare over 33 years ago and since that time many things have changed and evolved. Thirty-three years ago, the majority of healthcare required a hospital stay, often lasting many days. Today, with changes in technology, healthcare has transitioned from providing care only in an inpatient hospital setting to offering outpatient services, or even services at home. Due to development of less invasive technology, patients may return home within hours of the procedure, or possibly the same day for a surgery.

Q: Did you see yourself in this position as a child?

Never! I knew I always wanted to help people and work in healthcare. I was around healthcare growing up with my grandfather and father both being pharmacists and my grandmother being a nurse. I saw how they loved what they did and I knew that was my goal, however leaving the bedside to run a hospital was never a role that I even knew existed as a child.


Q: What advice would you give any aspiring businessman looking to start a company?

Be sure to fully understand the time and demands that starting and running a company requires. Assuring the success of a company requires 24 hour availability and an immense amount of dedication; dedication to your business, dedication and support from your family, and dedication from your talented staff who share your passion and vision to grow a successful business.

Q: What is your greatest accomplishment as a businesswoman? 


My greatest accomplishment in business is pride in the doctors and team members at TGMC. TGMC has a very strong culture of family, and like families, there is an immense amount of compassion, support and pride portrayed in what they do each day. Being in healthcare is not always easy, but each person working in healthcare chose this profession to dedicate their time to help others feel better, which makes each of them unique and special to me. That commitment to caring for others everyday makes TGMC a very special place to work.   

Q: There are not many female CEOs statistically. How has the career of a woman in business evolved in your time on the job?

This is an interesting question for me because in my role as CEO for TGMC over the past 16 years, I have never felt any limitations due to my gender. The governing board, staff, and community have been very supportive since I started in this role in 2003 and I feel the same today, which is a testament to the progressive culture of our organization.


Q: What makes a good local hospital?

The doctors and staff of TGMC. Many hospitals will offer the same technology, services and expertise, however the staff at each hospital is unique to that organization. TGMC has been blessed with extremely talented, highly skilled staff who have committed their lives to caring for our local community. There is nothing more powerful than having a great group of staff members who never accept less than they are fully capable of and are willing to dedicate that for the care of others.

Q: What makes a good CEO?


My philosophy is that a good leader in any role needs good communication skills, understanding and the ability to listen. The ability to build relationships with your staff, customers and community is the core success of any business. And finally, not to be afraid to think out of the box and have the willingness to take calculated risks for anticipated company growth.

Q: If you could describe your hospital in one word, what word would you say?

World class ….. and innovative!


Q: What are your plans for the future at TGMC?

The future is bright for TGMC. The dedicated physicians and staff make it an amazing organization with staying power that our community can count on in times of sickness and in health. We continue to provide the people of our community the most innovative lifesaving technology and compassionate care, both inside and outside the walls of our hospital. From being a great community partner, to providing the most sophisticated advancements in healthcare that are available in the world, TGMC will be here taking care of our community today, and for future generations to come.