Meridian’s Moliterno: ‘Focus on Things You CAN Control’

Larry Moliterno, president and chief executive officer at Meridian Healthcare, is hanging tough. You can learn more about him and the organization at its website.

What are some ways the COVID-19 outbreak has changed your work life?

At Meridian, we have become very reliant on teleconferencing with our management team. In addition, we have expanded the use of tele-health for our behavioral health services and tele-medicine for our primary health. We expect this to be an ongoing option for some patients, where transportation or social anxiety is a barrier to them receiving appropriate care.

How about your personal life?

I think I have a new appreciation for all the small things that I used to take for granted. My wife and I always enjoyed going out to dinner or visiting with friends each weekend and now we are having those visits via Zoom, which just isn’t the same. However, on the positive side, I’ve really been enjoying spending more time with my kids and getting to cook more! I’m a huge foodie so trying out new recipes and cooking for the family has really been nice. I am also trying to get outside and go for walks whenever the weather permits.

What steps are you taking to hang tough?

While trying to deal with the stress that comes with work, I have tried to focus on a few key concepts:

• Plan for the worst, but hope for the best.
• Make decisions based on probabilities not possibilities.
• Don’t sacrifice long-term success with short-term decisions.
• Remember that your staff is watching how you respond to the stress.

 What advice are you sharing with the people you love?

• It’s OK to acknowledge your fear.
• Don’t allow yourself to be consumed with stressing over things you have no control of.
• Use your energy to focus on things you CAN control.
• Try as much as you can to keep a positive attitude.
• Laugh.