Physician Hospital Organization (PHO) team members at Cape Cod Healthcare participated in the “Art of Communication” workshop last fall, part of a growing initiative aimed at strengthening collaboration and communication across CCHC.
EmpowermentU: Learning, Leadership and Recognition
A new hub brings development opportunities and team member recognition together across Cape Cod Healthcare.
Inside a first-floor conference room at 297 North Street, small groups of Cape Cod Healthcare employees gather around easel pads and whiteboards, jotting down ideas and discussing ways to strengthen teamwork across the organization.
Under headings like Empower, Connect, Care and Efficient, colleagues shared ideas and sparked lively discussion about how to better support one another. Suggestions included assigning work based on individual strengths, creating cross-training opportunities, improving meeting efficiency and finding more opportunities for teams to connect.
“It was great to see our team come together with such openness, insight and commitment to strengthening how we work together,” says Karin Sloan, MD, Vice President, Value-Based Care, CMO, Physician Hospital Organization (PHO). “This experience has created a strong foundation for deeper collaboration and continued growth.”
The workshop, part of the “Art of Communication: A Canvas for Creating Connections” program, brought members of the PHO together for a hands-on session focused on building stronger teams and improving how colleagues work together every day.
Led by Bridget Torres, organizational and professional development consultant for CCHC, the session is one of many growth opportunities available through EmpowermentU, a newly launched centralized destination that supports learning, strengthening leadership and celebrating the contributions of team members across the organization. In May, Torres will lead “Art of Communication” workshops with nursing teams on the Barbey Pavilion floors.
“Our goal is to create an environment where every team member feels supported, valued and empowered,” says Torres. "EmpowermentU makes development accessible, relevant and available to everyone, and is a critical part of our commitment to strengthening our culture.”
Left to right: Liz Bowes, Vicki Antonovitch, Kaylen Fulone, Geoff Opdyke and Agnes Duffany participate in the “Art of Communication” workshop.
EmpowermentU
For the first time in Cape Cod Healthcare’s history, elective learning is now available to all team members through EmpowermentU. Managers also have access to expanded leadership development, team workshops and organizational development support—all in one convenient location.
Through EmpowermentU, team members can now access:
- Interactive micro-learning programs (10–15 minutes)
- Comprehensive development programs and certification opportunities
- Webinars, podcasts and Blinkist book summaries
- Flexible, self-paced learning available anytime
These opportunities empower team members to strengthen skills, build confidence and grow in ways that support both their current roles and future development.
Physician Hospital Organization (PHO) team members share ideas and spark conversation during a collaborative brainstorming session.
Strengthening Teams: Connections Through Communication
This initiative began with President and CEO Michael Lauf and his senior leadership, followed by CCH nursing leadership teams led by Chief Operating Officer Lori Jewett and Chief Nursing Officer Mary Johnson. Since then, participation has expanded across oncology, CUDA, patient access, food services, MACC, Physician Hospital Organization, and teams on the Mugar floors, with more groups scheduled throughout 2026.
“Investing in our people is essential to strengthening our culture and achieving our mission,” said Lauf. “EmpowermentU ensures every team member has access to opportunities for growth, development and connection—supporting our vision of Cape Cod Healthcare as a great place to work.”
Under Elizabeth Dunton’s leadership, MACC became the first organization to fully embrace the Art of Communication program across all roles and levels. Their commitment, integrated into clinical summits and sustained workshop sessions, has paved the way for expansion across Cape Cod Healthcare.
STAR Showcase: A Place to Celebrate and Recognize Each Other
The EmpowermentU hub also serves as a central destination where team members can view STAR Recognition event photos, celebrate award winners and nominate peers who exemplify Service, Teamwork, Accountability, and Respect. This creates greater visibility and connection while reinforcing a culture of appreciation.
Voices from Our Leaders and Teams
“Bringing this program to MACC has been a meaningful experience. To provide exceptional care for our community, we must have effective, timely and respectful communication, both among team members and with our patients. Strengthening how we communicate with one another deepens relationships, improves efficiency, and enhances the overall experience. We were fortunate to bring this program directly to our teams to strengthen collaboration, build trust and support the exceptional care we deliver every day.”
— Elizabeth Dunton, NP, VP Physician Enterprise, Cape Cod Healthcare
“It was great to see our team come together with such openness, insight, and commitment to strengthening how we work together. This experience has created a strong foundation for deeper collaboration and continued growth.”
— Karin Sloan, MD, Vice President, Value Based Care, CMO, PHO
“Investing in our Nursing Leadership teams strengthens communication, teamwork, and the care we provide to our patients and families.”
— Mary Johnson, CNO
“I really enjoyed the communication class. It was positive, professional, and fun. I learned that if we change our perception, we change our direction.”
— Suzanne Baker, RN, Mugar 6
