AMSURG Introduces New Company Values to Strengthen Culture and Commitment to Excellence

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NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 13, 2025 — AMSURG, a national leader in ambulatory surgery center (ASC) management and healthcare services, today announced the introduction of its new company values, reinforcing its commitment to integrity, collaboration, excellence and patient-centered care. These values are the foundation for AMSURG’s culture and will guide the organization’s decision-making, interactions and service delivery across its network of more than 250 surgery centers nationwide.

The new values—Care Deeply, Cultivate Integrity, Champion Excellence and Celebrate Teamwork—reflect AMSURG’s dedication to providing high-quality, patient-focused care while fostering a workplace culture of accountability, continuous improvement and collaboration.

“At AMSURG, our values define who we are and how we serve our patients, partners and communities,” said Jeff Snodgrass, President and CEO of AMSURG. “These updated values reflect our unwavering commitment to clinical excellence, ethical leadership and a culture where every team member is empowered to make a difference.”

Values Rollout and Implementation

AMSURG is launching an organization-wide initiative to integrate these values into daily operations, leadership expectations and employee engagement. Key components of the rollout include:

  • Leadership Alignment: Company leaders will model these values in decision-making and strategic planning.
  • Employee Engagement: Internal events, workshops and communications will provide employees with opportunities to embrace and incorporate the values into their roles.
  • Recognition Programs: AMSURG will introduce new ways to celebrate employees who exemplify these values in their work.
  • Patient and Partner Commitment: The values will be reflected in the company’s approach to patient care, physician collaboration and community partnerships.

“We are excited to roll out these values in a meaningful way, ensuring that they resonate with our teams and enhance our culture,” said Susan Byrd, Chief People and Culture Officer. “These principles will guide us in delivering exceptional care and strengthening our partnerships.”

AMSURG remains committed to upholding these values in all aspects of its business as it continues to support high-quality surgical care nationwide.

About AMSURG

AMSURG is an independent leader in ambulatory surgery center services, operating a network of more than 250 surgery centers nationwide. In partnership with physicians and health systems, the organization delivers high-quality patient care across a diverse spectrum of medical specialties, including gastroenterology, ophthalmology and orthopedics. With a focus on strategic growth and innovation, AMSURG is committed to transforming the future of ambulatory surgery center care and services. To learn more about AMSURG, visit www.amsurg.com.

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Media Contact:

Anna Peacock

Manager, Public Relations

AMSURG

Anna.Peacock@AMSURG.com

Filling a Healthcare Need: How Ambulatory Surgery Centers are Poised for Continued Growth

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By Jeff Snodgrass, President and Chief Executive Officer of AMSURG

As healthcare costs continue to rise in the U.S., addressing the drivers of unnecessary costs while improving the quality of care for patients is crucial. Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), which offer outpatient surgery services, are increasingly appealing options for physicians and patients. ASCs deliver outstanding patient outcomes from a growing list of surgical procedures while offering lower costs for patients and payers, including the federal government.

ASCs are tackling some of healthcare’s most significant challenges in major ways.

Reducing Costs for Patients and Payers

More than 80 percent of surgeries are now performed in an outpatient setting, according to the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA). ASCs are highly regulated, freestanding medical facilities that offer high-quality, high-value, same-day preventive services and surgical procedures focusing on patient experience.

For patients and procedures that qualify, a procedure performed at an ASC is a viable, cost-saving option. By choosing an ASC, patients’ out-of-pocket costs may be significantly lower for some procedures, as they don’t incur the higher fees associated with a hospital setting. Instead, the patient is discharged from the facility the same day as the procedure to safely recover at home.

For example, compare three popular procedures’ costs using a national average at an ASC vs. a hospital outpatient department (HOPD) based on data:

ASCA reports that non-Medicare patients choosing ASCs for procedures create $42.2 billion in annual savings in healthcare spending. Medicare patients being cared for in an ASC setting resulted in $4 billion in annual Medicare savings.

Technology is a Driver for ASCs

New advanced technology and techniques have made outpatient surgery safer, more comfortable, and more cost-effective overall.

Physicians at ASCs have added minimally invasive, robotics-assisted joint replacement systems at some ASCs. Advantages to undergoing this procedure include a reduced risk of infection and complications and less pain after surgery, reducing the need for pain medication. Patients experience faster recovery times, translating to quicker return to their daily routine.

Tristan A. Altbuch, MD, an AMSURG partner physician, performs robotics-assisted joint replacements at The Orthopedic Surgery Center of Gainesville in Florida. He said procedures at ASCs benefit patients and their recovery.

“Ambulatory surgery centers are designed for rapid recovery,” Dr. Altbuch said. “They’re designed for patients to easily transition from the pre-operative area to the surgical suite, to the post-operative area, to home, and they are experts at it. At our facility, we have an expert team of nurses, anesthesiologists, surgical techs, and recovery room nurses to help our patients get through this process seamlessly.”

In addition, some ASCs are integrating state-of-the-art technology using Artificial Intelligence in colon cancer screenings. This tool improves the findings of a colonoscopy by assisting our doctors in identifying polyps that can lead to colon cancer. The system also provides real-time analysis to enhance the Adenoma Detection Rate.

Doctors remove precancerous polyps during the same procedure, reducing the risk of cancer development, minimizing the need for subsequent procedures, and empowering patients to receive timely interventions, leading to improved long-term survival rates.

The future is bright for ASCs as we work to address patients’ and physicians’ needs while lowering the cost curve for healthcare spending in the U.S.

Jeff Snodgrass is President and CEO of AMSURG, an independent leader in ambulatory surgery center services. The company operates a network of approximately 250 surgery centers nationwide.

 

[1] “Procedure Price Lookup for Outpatient Services.” Medicare, medicare.gov, https://www.medicare.gov/procedure-price-lookup/cost/29873. Accessed 28 June 2024.

[2] “Charted: How the cost of 6 common procedures varies by setting.” Advisory Board, 18 September 2023, https://www.advisory.com/daily-briefing/2023/09/18/procedure-costs. Accessed 28 June 2024.

[3] “Charted: How the cost of 6 common procedures varies by setting.” Advisory Board, 18 September 2023, https://www.advisory.com/daily-briefing/2023/09/18/procedure-costs. Accessed 28 June 2024.

Celebrating Women in Medicine Month

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We are proud to represent the country’s diversity in our teams and the patients we serve. The women throughout our AMSURG network play an essential role in providing high-quality care to patients, supporting our teammates and creating healthier communities. This Women in Medicine Month, we thank them for their many contributions. Join us as we celebrate some of the women at AMSURG and all who are making a difference in medicine.

Abbey Vandersall, MD, MS

Dr. Abbey Vandersall is Vice President of Quality and Clinical Services for AMSURG. She joined AMSURG from Envision, where she was Chief of Staff to the President of the Medical Group and Chief Medical Officer before serving as Vice President of Clinical Strategy and Head of Envision’s Clinician Value Institute. As Vice President of Clinical Strategy, she defined the organization’s near- and long-term clinical strategies, while supporting Envision clinicians.

“My path in medicine has been unique, choosing to dedicate my career to supporting my fellow clinicians and fighting to improve the chronic, pervasive challenges within our healthcare system. While this was an unconventional move questioned by many, I was surrounded by female colleagues who believed in me and propped me up along the way. I am extremely grateful for these women who played such a pivotal role in my life and feel incredibly honored to be able to now pay it forward.”

Trupti Shinde, MD

Dr. Trupti Shinde is a board-certified gastroenterologist and partner at Citrus Endoscopy and Surgery Center and Suncoast Endoscopy, two AMSURG centers in Western Florida. In 2023, she received a SCOPY Award for clinical outreach and excellence from the American College of Gastroenterology.

“’Each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women,’ is a quote I love by Maya Angelou. I hope that all my sisters in medicine will have the strength to stand up for what is right and fight against evil. Not only will this improve patient care, but it will also open the door for more women to enter this exciting field.”

Elizabeth Egan, MD, PhD

Dr. Elizabeth Egan is a board-certified gastroenterologist and partner at The Endo Center at Voorhees, an AMSURG center in Southern New Jersey. She has earned Top Doctor honors from multiple publications in New Jersey and nearby Philadelphia, including SJ Magazine (2011), South Jersey Magazine (2014-15) and Philadelphia Magazine (2018-23). “I cannot imagine having a more satisfying career. I love connecting with my patients. Being invited into their world and helping them meet their needs is such a privilege. I take joy in listening to them and providing them with guidance, warmth and reassurance. My patients are people I care about. They are family. I will go the extra mile to ensure nothing’s been missed and they get the best care possible.”

Lila Tarmin, MD

Dr. Lila Tarmin is a board-certified gastroenterologist and partner at the EndoCentre of Baltimore, an AMSURG center in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Tarmin’s research in gastrointestinal oncology and inflammatory bowel disease has appeared in several professional journals.

“My legacy as a woman in medicine will be that my patients know that I listened and cared. I chose GI because my father had colon cancer at an early age, and I knew that this disease was preventable with tools, such as colonoscopies.”

Envision Healthcare’s 2022 Clinical Impact Report

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Envision Healthcare’s 2022 Clinical Impact Report Illustrates the Many Ways Teams Cared for and Positively Impacted Millions of People

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Today, Envision Healthcare, a leading national medical group, released its 2022 Clinical Impact Report, detailing the many ways Envision teams continue improving healthcare for millions of people by providing care when and where it’s needed most. The full report is available at ImpactReport.EnvisionHealth.com.

“In 2022, Envision clinicians and clinical support teammates remained steadfast in providing the highest quality of patient-centered care,” said Jim Rechtin, Chief Executive Officer of Envision Healthcare. “While continuing to make patients our top priority, we focused on creating programs and services to support the well-being of the clinicians that care for those who need it most. We made investments and improvements to support our team members and the communities we serve. From advancing clinical quality standards and building communities of clinicians to championing philanthropic ventures that uplift patients across the globe, our 2022 Clinical Impact Report provides a glimpse into the incredible work Envision teammates do daily.”

Envision’s second annual Clinical Impact Report illustrates the organization’s significant contributions to the healthcare community by highlighting its innovations in care and dedication to patients. The report details Envision’s work within the pillars of Care, Connection and Community, showcasing everything from colon cancer prevention initiatives to patients’ testimonials of Envision clinicians providing extraordinary care.

Delivering Safe, High-Quality, Patient-Centered Care

Envision clinicians provide integrated, high-quality care to patients throughout their care journey. In 2022, they treated patients in communities throughout the United States through the following:

  • 29 million patient encounters
  • 16 million emergency department and inpatient encounters
  • 8 million radiology reads
  • 4 million anesthesia cases
  • 1 million colonoscopies
  • 182,000 cataract surgeries
  • 144,000 newborn deliveries supported
  • 87,000 orthopedic surgeries

Care

Envision is empowering clinicians to provide safe, reliable care and advance clinical quality by optimizing the transition of care through evidence-based practices and nationally recognized standards. In 2022, Envision clinicians continued outperforming national quality benchmarks while treating complex medical conditions and authoring two Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services-approved national clinical quality measures. Through programs like Emergency Triage, Treat and Transport (ET3), Envision teams provided patients the right care at the right time and in the right place. They also contributed to healthcare advancements. In 2022, the Research Institute team conducted clinical trials and published 161 research publications, helping Envision earn a top three award at the prestigious Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine World Congress in London.

Connection

Envision is providing clinicians with the tools and resources they need to treat patients without distraction, furthering its commitment to investing in teammates and empowering them to thrive professionally and personally. In 2022, Envision redefined its organizational structure to build a transformative care experience for patients and drive clinical innovation. Envision focused on programs and services that inspire, protect, empower and engage physicians and advanced practice providers to prioritize their wellness. Envision’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts led to the launch of four employee resource groups, helping foster community. In addition, Envision helped care for patients and teammates during times of devastation. Following Hurricane Ian, Envision provided medical supplies and financial resources to help individuals.

Community

The Envision Healthcare Charitable Fund supports Envision’s philanthropic efforts, working to make a difference in people’s lives at the local, national and global levels. In 2022, the Charitable Fund donated $4 million to more than 50 community organizations, providing awareness, education and support to a variety of causes. Envision worked with United Way to assemble hygiene and smile kits for 4,000 individuals and supported the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation to reduce clinician burnout and promote well-being. In collaboration with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, AMSURG, a leading provider of colonoscopies, continued to educate the public about the importance of timely screenings to prevent and detect colorectal cancer. Envision also collaborated with Operation White Stork to deliver first aid kits to those on the frontlines in Ukraine. As part of their passion for improving healthcare worldwide, Envision clinicians and clinical support teammates cared for communities in need through Envision’s Global Health Initiative. They provided 495 patient consults in the Dominican Republic and performed 38 surgeries and 245 consults in Honduras in 2022.

To download and read the report, visit ImpactReport.EnvisionHealth.com.

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About Envision Healthcare Corporation
Envision Healthcare Corporation is a leading national medical group that delivers physician and advanced practice provider services, primarily in the areas of emergency and hospitalist medicine, anesthesiology, radiology/teleradiology and neonatology. As a leader in ambulatory surgical care, AMSURG holds ownership in more than 250 surgery centers in 34 states and the District of Columbia, with medical specialties ranging from gastroenterology to ophthalmology and orthopedics. In total, the medical group offers a differentiated suite of clinical solutions on a national scale with a local understanding of our communities, creating value for health systems, payers, providers and patients. For additional information, visit www.envisionhealth.com.

AMSURG Centers Recognized by Press Ganey for Commitment to Patient Experience

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Several AMSURG centers were recognized for their exceptional patient care as recipients of the 2022 Press Ganey Human Experience Awards. The awards are part of Press Ganey’s annual ranking of the country’s top hospitals and health systems according to patient and employee experience performance.

“We congratulate the excellent work that our AMSURG centers and teams are doing in providing high-quality, evidence-based, compassionate care,” said Nina Goins, MSN, RN, CPPS, Vice President of Quality and Clinical Services for AMSURG. “Receiving the award is a testament to the centers’ commitment to enhancing the patient experience and advancing the delivery of care.”

When patients complete their outpatient care, they are invited by Press Ganey to complete a survey about the experience with questions about the Likelihood to Recommend, Overall Rating and Teamwork. Using this feedback, hospitals and centers improve their processes and training to provide a high-quality care experience.

2022 Pinnacle of Excellence Award

This award recognizes the top performers in each category based on the performance of designated award survey measures for the 3-year award period. Winners are identified based on performance data from April 2019 to March 2022.

2022 Guardian of Excellence Award

The Guardian of Excellence Award recognizes centers with 95th percentile or higher scores on survey measures. The award is given annually to organizations with sustained performance within the top 5 percent for the reporting period from April 2021 to March 2022.

Congratulations to these teams on a job well done.

Video: Dr. Sundararajan Says Colonoscopy, Early Detection Crucial to Preventing Colorectal Cancer

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Subha Sundararajan, MD, a gastroenterologist at the Endoscopy Center of Red Bank, knows most patients don’t look forward to their colonoscopy. But experience has taught her that patient education and compassionate, quality care go a long way.

“No one ever comes to the office saying, ‘Doc, I’m super excited to get my colonoscopy,’” Dr. Sundararajan said. “But once you explain to them that a colonoscopy is one of the most effective modalities we have out there for preventing colon cancer … and you show them how effective it is with the data and statistics, it really helps reassure people.”

The American Cancer Society and U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommend that patients at average risk for colorectal cancer (CRC) begin screening at age 45. Dr. Sundararajan says that decision comes down to detecting CRC as early as possible.

“So, the earlier it’s diagnosed, the more curable it is,” she said.

“So, go get your colonoscopy. I like to say, ‘Let’s make your butt beautiful, inside and out.’”

Video: Everyone Needs a Nurse Bonnie

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Bonnie Woodward, RN, affectionately known as “Nurse Bonnie,” lost her mother to colon cancer at a young age due to a misdiagnosis. She has since dedicated her life to helping save other people’s lives.

Nurse Bonnie cares for her community at the Endoscopy Center of Red Bank, an AMSURG-affiliated ambulatory surgery center in New Jersey. Through her work, she honors her mother and the countless patients she has helped prevent and overcome colorectal cancer diagnoses. One of those patients is Michele Battista, an 11-year Stage 3 colon cancer survivor who calls Nurse Bonnie her sister in blue.

“Everyone should have a Nurse Bonnie,” Michele said. Nurse Bonnie has helped care for Michele during her cancer journey, and in the process, they have become close friends.

“Colorectal cancer is beatable, treatable and preventable. Get your colonoscopy screening; it can save your life,” Bonnie said.

AMSURG Advocates for Timely Colorectal Cancer Screening and Education

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — AMSURG, a division of Envision Healthcare and a national leader in outpatient care, is spreading awareness about colorectal cancer prevention and advocating for opportunities to improve screening rates and the health of communities across the country. As part of its efforts, AMSURG teams are engaging with legislators and industry leaders in Washington, D.C., March 10 and March 12-14.

John Popp, MD, AMSURG Medical Director, has been invited to attend the Cancer Moonshot Colorectal Cancer Forum hosted by the White House on March 10. He will join industry leaders in addressing ways to improve colorectal cancer screening. The event follows the Biden-⁠Harris Administration’s recent announcement that it is reigniting the Cancer Moonshot, which in part aims to increase colorectal cancer screening for people aged 45 to 75. The forum is scheduled from 3-5:30 p.m. ET, and a livestream can be viewed here.

“I’m honored to participate in the forum and collaborate with so many leaders dedicated to preventing and treating cancer,” Dr. Popp said. “We are at a pivotal moment in healthcare. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., and it’s on its way to becoming the leading cause. Fortunately, physicians are able to help people prevent colorectal cancer and identify it early, giving them a greater opportunity to survive and thrive. Our AMSURG team has been at the forefront of that initiative, providing colonoscopies to patients and educating people about timely screenings beginning at age 45 for average-risk individuals.”

In addition, Brenda Thompson Green, a colon cancer survivor and AMSURG teammate, and Patrick Velliky, Vice President of Government Affairs for Envision Healthcare, along with a few AMSURG teammates, will be on Capitol Hill March 12-14, participating in Fight CRC’s Call-on Congress. They will help install flags on the National Mall, speak on AMSURG’s colorectal cancer initiatives and talk to members of Congress.

“The colorectal cancer facts are staggering – this year alone, 52,550 people are predicted to die from it,”  Velliky said. “That’s someone’s family member, colleague, neighbor or friend, and we, as a nation, have the unique opportunity to help them live. Cancer survivors and champions help put a name and face to the disease and are essential to spreading awareness and impacting the future of thousands of people. Engaging with policymakers on enhanced screening efforts is an important part of the ongoing fight against colorectal cancer.”

AMSURG and its national network of gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons performed more than 1 million colonoscopies in 2022, helping people prevent, detect and overcome colorectal cancer. A colonoscopy is the most accurate and effective screening method. Colon cancer survivors and AMSURG leadership recently talked about the importance of colonoscopies in the following videos:

  • Michele Battista was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer at age 50 after a colonoscopy and has been treated by the medical team at an AMSURG-affiliated ambulatory surgery center throughout her care journey. As she celebrates 11 years as a survivor, she continues encouraging people to receive timely screens.
  • Keith Lyons is a 22-year colon cancer survivor and endoscopy technician at an AMSURG-affiliated ambulatory surgery center. After being diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer at age 32 following a colonoscopy, he has been dedicated to helping save the lives of patients, friends and community members.
  • Jeff Snodgrass, President of AMSURG, recently talked with Jim Rechtin, Chief Executive Officer of Envision Healthcare, about colonoscopies and all that AMSURG teams do to care for patients and communities nationwide.

To learn more about colorectal cancer, visit StopColonCancerNow.com.

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About AMSURG
AMSURG acquires, develops and operates ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) in partnership with physicians throughout the United States. AMSURG owns and operates more than 250 ASCs in 34 states and the District of Columbia with medical specialties ranging from gastroenterology to ophthalmology and orthopedics. To learn more about AMSURG, a division of Envision Healthcare Corporation, visit www.amsurg.com.

About Envision Healthcare Corporation
Envision Healthcare Corporation is a leading national medical group that delivers physician and advanced practice provider services, primarily in the areas of emergency and hospitalist medicine, anesthesiology, radiology/teleradiology and neonatology. As a leader in ambulatory surgical care, AMSURG holds ownership in more than 250 surgery centers in 34 states and the District of Columbia, with medical specialties ranging from gastroenterology to ophthalmology and orthopedics. In total, the medical group offers a differentiated suite of clinical solutions on a national scale with a local understanding of our communities, creating value for health systems, payers, providers and patients. For additional information, visit www.envisionhealth.com.

Video: Colon Cancer Survivor Advocates for Timely Screenings

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With more people being diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) at a younger age, it is now recommended that those at average risk for CRC begin screening at age 45 instead of 50.

It’s possible that Michele Battista’s life could have been different had the recommended first-time screening age been lowered sooner. Still, her decision to be screened at 50 was lifesaving.

Without any CRC symptoms, Michele scheduled a screening colonoscopy at the Endoscopy Center of Red Bank in New Jersey. She followed her prep and arrived at the center on Valentine’s Day.

“I wasn’t expecting anything,” Michele said.

Her physician discovered a peach-sized tumor during her colonoscopy. She was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer. Michele underwent surgery and 12 rounds of chemotherapy and is now celebrating her 11-year cancerversary®.

She has become a fierce advocate for early CRC detection, sharing her story and encouraging people to receive timely screenings.

“If I can get one person to go get their colonoscopy based on my story at 50, then I’m happy.”

Candid Conversations: Colorectal Cancer Awareness With Jeff Snodgrass

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In this Candid Conversations episode, Jeff Snodgrass, President of AMSURG, talks about colorectal cancer (CRC) awareness and all that our teams do to save people’s lives. As a leading provider of colonoscopies (our teams provided more than 1 million colonoscopies in 2022), AMSURG helps patients prevent and detect CRC. We are uniquely positioned to continue contributing to research, education and advocacy that advances screening practices and the health of communities. Take it from us — timely colonoscopies are important in maintaining your health, and the colonoscopy process isn’t all that bad.


As we recognize Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month this March, here are some key facts to know and share with family and friends:

  • CRC is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.
  • CRC is one of the most preventable cancers
  • More people are being diagnosed with CRC at a younger age
  • People at average risk for CRC should receive their first screening colonoscopy at age 45 instead of 50, which was the previous recommendation
  • Those with a family history of CRC are at a greater risk of developing CRC and should be screened earlier and more frequently
  • A colonoscopy is the most accurate and effective screening method, as a physician can remove a polyp before it becomes cancerous and can detect and sometimes remove cancerous polyps
  • The sooner CRC is detected, the more opportunity someone has to survive
  • To learn more about CRC prevention and where to receive a colonoscopy, visit StopColonCancerNow.com

About Candid Conversations
The video series features Envision teammates in endearing and curiosity-fueled interviews. We share stories about our lives and work caring for our communities. We also learn about the qualities that make us unique and find common ground on the ones that make us all human. While these videos are snapshots of our interactions, I hope they bring us closer together and inspire you to create similar meaningful moments with your teams.

Look for more videos here and engage with teammates.