Vital Signs

In 1975, Mylia Christensen was a self-described “baby nurse.” One night, after the emergency department erupted into chaos, a switch flipped, and she knew her life’s calling would be health care. Some 30-odd years later, Christensen found herself on her first day of work for Oregon Health Care Quality Corporation. This patient’s vital signs were good: a spunky, 10-year-old organization with a great genetic blueprint, but in need of a treatment plan. Together, the staff and the board set about improving the quality of health care for all Oregonians. “These patients, our organizations, are never discharged,” Christensen said.