Gordon L. Chen, MD

The U.S. health care system’s revenue structure includes payment models that are incompatible with each other and the needs of consumers: the transactional fee-for-service model and variations of value-based and outcome-based care models. While provider organizations struggle to function in these environments, physician leaders at ChenMed contend delivery systems can move beyond these confusing and ineffective models of care and embrace a transformative care model. Transformative care combines… Show more

The U.S. health care system’s revenue structure includes payment models that are incompatible with each other and the needs of consumers: the transactional fee-for-service model and variations of value-based and outcome-based care models. While provider organizations struggle to function in these environments, physician leaders at ChenMed contend delivery systems can move beyond these confusing and ineffective models of care and embrace a transformative care model. Transformative care combines a capitation payment model and a primary care delivery approach that emphasizes care team accountability for patient care and requires care team members to develop the trust-building and influencing skills necessary to modify patient behavior and create better health outcomes. The success of the model is based on scaling and sustaining outcomes-based care and supporting clinicians in their mission to focus on quality patient care and positive health outcomes. Key components of the model include: robust data and technology to understand patient needs and to measure progress; prioritized physician/patient relationships and a mindset of accountability to ensure the necessary time and resources are invested in developing the trust and influence with patients required to improve outcomes; and personal development programs that start in medical school, continue at the clinic level, and emphasize self-evaluation, behavior modification, mentorship, peer-to-peer feedback, expanding care capacity through the development of others, and a daily commitment to maintain and pursue excellence. Show less

In corporate America in publicly traded companies, people are always watching their backs. Things typically move very slowly, with lots of bureaucracy, misalignment, missing purpose, and lack of trust. It’s very rare when these elements aren’t present. But we have none of those in our family, and we don’t allow them to infiltrate ChenMed.

Why it took us by surprise that our children felt bullied by racial taunts and slurs.

A CT scan revealed Dr. James Chen, a Miami physician, had a cancerous, inoperable, tumor behind his nose. The prognosis was bleak. Dr. Chen had eight weeks to live.

Dr. Chen and his sons, Chris and Gordon, looked for a miracle. Chris was completing a cardiology fellowship. Gordon was finishing medical school. They knew what they were up against. Even still, they were shocked when a local oncologist told them, “The first available appointment is in six weeks.”

James and his sons… Show more

A CT scan revealed Dr. James Chen, a Miami physician, had a cancerous, inoperable, tumor behind his nose. The prognosis was bleak. Dr. Chen had eight weeks to live.

Dr. Chen and his sons, Chris and Gordon, looked for a miracle. Chris was completing a cardiology fellowship. Gordon was finishing medical school. They knew what they were up against. Even still, they were shocked when a local oncologist told them, “The first available appointment is in six weeks.”

James and his sons were suddenly patients, forced to look at the healthcare system from the other end of the stethoscope. They didn’t like what they saw—expensive, uncoordinated, and ineffective care. At one point James asked his sons, “If a family of doctors with connections can’t navigate this system, what chance do my patients have?”

The Chens found their calling. Together with James’ wife Mary, Chris’s wife Stephanie (an attorney), and Gordon’s wife Jessica (another doctor) they created ChenMed, a physician-led company that serves the underserved­­. ChenMed puts their patients from forgotten communities first and focuses on accountable, compassionate care that improves health.

In The Calling, Chris and Gordon share how the family succeeded beyond their wildest expectations through a combination of determination, data, family, and faith. They turned what could have been a tragedy into an opportunity that will revolutionize healthcare delivery for years to come. The Calling will give you hope. Show less