To Whom It May Concern:

I am a cardiothoracic surgeon with the Hattiesburg clinic, P.A., a 180 physician multispecialty practice providing patient care throughout southern Mississippi. I have been on medical staff both at Forrest General Hospital and at Wesley Medical Center since July 2001. Prior to moving to Hattiesburg, I spent seven years at the Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans, Louisiana, where I completed training in both General and Cardiothoracic surgery.

My arrival in Hattiesburg coincided with a period of great transition in the cardiothoracic services provided by the Hattiesburg Clinic at Forrest General Hospital. Two senior cardiothoracic surgeons had left the program and where replaced by two new surgeons, including myself. Patient care services suffered due to the uncertain future of the program. The situation was also complicated by the commencement of another cardiothoracic service in a competitive hospital less than five miles away. Nursing and specialty services where especially affected, experiencing many problems that included low morale and a high turnover rate. Particularly hard hit were operating room services.

In an effort to salvage the program, Forrest General Hospital made many administrative changes and appointed a new Director of Operating Room Services. The hospital also appointed outside consultants as the situation in the operating room deteriorated. Despite these efforts, the quality of patient care continued to suffer and some even began to question the viability of the program.

After other consultants failed to improve the situation, Forrest General Hospital turned to Wilma Gazaway in February of 2004. She immediately faced numerous organizational and personnel challenges which her predecessors had been unable to correct. Within a few short months, Wilma was able to identify several core problem areas and offer suggestions for their corrections. The end result after nine months is an Operating Room Department, which has become highly organized, streamlined and efficient with competent personnel who are noticeably happier in their work.

There is no doubt the change at Forrest General Hospital is the result of Wilma Gazaway’s ability to recognize problems and offer solutions. She has provided similar services at other institutions and because of this experience was able to offer an invaluable outsider’s perspective on a very complex problem. Much of Wilma’s success can also be attributed to her easygoing personality and her ability to forge friendships with just about anyone.

I have no hesitation recommending Wilma in her next endeavor as it has been a great pleasure of mine to have made her acquaintance. Please feel free to contact me directly should you have any further questions.

Sincerely,

James B. Kot, M.D,
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Hattiesburg Clinic, P.A.