By Lois Thomson
As associate vice president for the cardio and vascular service line at Broward Health, Corinne Clauss works closely with physicians across the system to understand what they need to operate effectively while helping ensure patients throughout Broward County have timely access to high-quality care.
That partnership can involve evaluating new equipment, implementing technology, or identifying opportunities to modernize operations. But for Clauss, effective healthcare operations go beyond processes and technology. It starts with listening.
“Working in operations and supporting the physicians means hearing them out – what are patients’ needs and how can physicians best feel supported,” Clauss said.
That patient-centered approach is central to her work across Broward Health, where she partners with four hospitals to help ensure patients can access care in a timely manner, while enabling physicians to be most successful.
Building a Career in Healthcare Operations
Clauss’ career has been rooted in hospital operations and driven by a desire to help others.
Originally from South Florida, Clauss began her career in New York, where she worked at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Her experience at one of the nation’s leading cancer centers provided an important foundation for her career in healthcare operations and leadership.
After several years in New York, Clauss returned to South Florida in 2023 to be closer to family and continue building her career in the region.
One of the things Clauss likes best about her work is that every day is different. “Every day brings something new, and that’s what makes healthcare so amazing and has kept me in it for so long,” Clauss said. “My day is never the same. You have to be decisive and think critically. But at the end of the day, you feel as if you’ve been able to accomplish something.”
Finding Community Through ACHE
In addition to her busy work schedule, Clauss maintains a membership in ACHE, the American College of Healthcare Executives. She was introduced to ACHE while working at Memorial Sloan Kettering, and when she returned to South Florida, she saw ACHE as an opportunity to continue learning while making new connections.
She started by attending events and virtual courses. “Going to events in person – that’s really where I met a lot of my current colleagues and friends.” Those connections have given her a different perspective on healthcare organizations throughout South Florida. “I didn’t realize how interconnected the organizations are; you see them as competitors but really, they’re your friends.”
Clauss admitted that this was not what she anticipated from ACHE. “No,” she said with a laugh, “I did not expect this. I wanted to learn about the latest and greatest in healthcare, but I met some really great friends, and I’ve also been able to mentor some people.”
She believes the mentorship part came about organically, because part of the reason she wanted to work in healthcare was to help others. “I want to help people grow in their roles professionally or help them talk through situations they are experiencing at work.”
As for urging others to get involved, Clauss said, “Absolutely! One of my former colleagues from Memorial encouraged me to join, and she is now working toward becoming a Fellow of ACHE, or FACHE.”
She understands that walking into an event filled with unfamiliar faces can be intimidating. Her advice is simple: introduce yourself. “That’s why I always try to introduce myself, because I know what that’s like. Everyone is very welcoming.”
For Clauss, that willingness to connect with others has become one of the most rewarding parts of her ACHE experience, and an extension of the same ideology she brings to her work in healthcare: listen, build relationships, and help others succeed.
