Today, one Birmingham hospital can deliver an additional 1,400 babies per year—and provide better care to mothers close to home—thanks to a transformation of the women’s services department. That project was overseen by Austin from both a physical infrastructure and a physician staffing perspective. Separately, he developed an expansion of inpatient and outpatient gastroenterology service lines there, including physical infrastructure and the recruitment of physicians. As a result, patient volume grew by nearly 50% in 18 months, leading to more diagnostic findings and better clinical outcomes for patients. He also managed more than $175 million in major capital projects. Austin is a former board member for the Boys and Girls Club and an executive sponsor for both the Capital Area United Way and the American Heart Association.
Personal motto:
A Japanese yojijukugo–ichigo ichie–which translates into “one time, one meeting.” A concept of treasuring the unrepeatable nature of a moment.
Most important quality for a leader:
The ability to listen more than you speak. Only after listening and seeking to understand what is important to those around you, can you begin to inspire confidence in those you are hoping to lead.
I’d like to have dinner with:
Bob lger. It’s rare that someone comes back from retirement to “rescue” their former company.
Meet the rest of Business Report’s 2024 Forty Under 40.
