Five Questions With: Dennis Keefe

CARE NEW ENGLAND President and CEO Dennis Keefe said CNE joining Partners HealthCare of Massachusetts
CARE NEW ENGLAND President and CEO Dennis Keefe said CNE joining Partners HealthCare of Massachusetts "is a tremendous opportunity for both organizations to further advance their commitment to high-quality health care." / COURTESY CARE NEW ENGLAND

Since August 2011, Dennis Keefe has served as the president and CEO of the Care New England health care system based in Providence. In November, Keefe was named March of Dimes 2016 Citizen of the Year for his interest in and support of the organization’s mission to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

PBN: Earlier this year you were named March of Dimes 2016 Citizen of the Year. What does this honor mean to you?

KEEFE: I am extremely grateful to the March of Dimes, this was humbling and a tremendous honor. It is critically important we do all we can for those who are in need and at risk. From research to advances in clinical care, I am so proud to be part of this good work both with the March of Dimes and through the progress Care New England is helping to make every day.

PBN: As president and CEO of Care New England, what do you think are the greatest health care hurdles facing Rhode Islanders today?

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KEEFE: I would say the challenges with health care reform and the shift toward population health. We’re moving away from the fee-for-service payment system that a lot of people think was the key reason for medical costs spiraling out of control. The fee-for-service system rewards volume – the more of whatever you do, the more you get paid. It doesn’t necessarily translate into better outcomes, better care, better quality or even better patient satisfaction. What it does translate into is a lot of expense and, over the years, unfettered growth, expansion and expense.

We are moving toward a system that rewards value, where health care systems provide highly patient-centered, coordinated, efficient, effective quality care at a reasonable cost. That’s the value proposition where the health care system is headed.

PBN: How can philanthropic giving, to organizations including the March of Dimes, help residents overcome those hurdles?

KEEFE: Anytime we can make health care more accessible for our community, we are making great progress. With this progress must also come access to affordable and cutting-edge treatment. Our community members want to know they can receive advanced care right around the corner with doctors who know them and can provide the best clinical options.

PBN: Why is philanthropy an important fund generator in the health care industry and what role does it play in the industry’s day-to-day operations?

KEEFE: Philanthropy is a key driver fueling the engine of research and clinical advances. It is also an essential component in helping our hospitals acquire the latest technology and equipment ensuring patients receive the best care close to home through the generosity of others who strongly believe in our mission.

PBN: What role does philanthropy play in your personal life?

KEEFE: For me personally, it is essential. I believe we all have a responsibility to give back in order to help make our community be a better place. When we embrace this idea, the stake we have in making a better future for our families, friends, neighbors, and our community as a whole, becomes abundantly clear.

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