The Ombuds Team: An Independent and Confidential Resource for Sutter Health

Independent. Impartial. Informal. Confidential.

If you experience any kind of workplace issue and you are not sure what to do or who to talk to, the ombuds team is here for you!

We can help with any workplace issue, including:

Communication challenges
Abrasive behavior
Unethical behavior
Microaggressions
Perceived unfair treatment
Perceived harassment/discrimination

Challenging group dynamics
Accusations against you
Fear of speaking up
Confusing/concerning processes or procedures
Any other concern, big or small

In a confidential, off-the-record meeting, we will listen, explore different options for addressing your concerns, help you navigate relevant organizational resources, and coach you through how to effectively communicate your concerns to others should you choose to do so. We can also help facilitate discussions between two or more people when appropriate.

What is an ombuds? The term “ombuds” (pronounced “ahm–buhds”) comes from a Swedish term meaning “a person who has an ear to the people.” The ombuds team is an independent, impartial, informal, and confidential resource for the Sutter Health. The Sutter Health’s ombuds team has three ombuds (Ralph Johnson, Maureen Brodie, and Ellen Reardon, see bios below), who are available to work with physicians and physician assistants to effectively manage, address, and surface work-related issues. The ombuds team supplements and does not replace Sutter Health’s formal administrative channels.

Video coming soon.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the ombuds team:

About the ombuds team at Sutter Health:

Sutter Health physicians and physician assistants should contact one of the following ombuds below to discuss options for resolution.

Ralph Johnson (ralph-ombuds@mwi.org and 216-408-8143) is an experienced ombuds and trainer with MWI. He served as the America Ombuds for 10 years at McKinsey & Company, a global management consultancy, where he helped colleagues address workplace conflicts, including claims of harassment and/or discrimination, career advancement, and personal challenges. He was an active member of the International Ombuds Association and served as a core faculty member for the Foundations of Organizational Ombuds Practice course. Ralph began his career at General Motors where he worked as an engineer, manufacturing foreman, and general foreman. He managed several machining and final assembly departments with 44 hourly (UAW) employees under his supervision. He spent most of his career at McKinsey where he was a management consultant, left the firm for three years to head the Cuyahoga (Cleveland) County Welfare Reform Department, then returned to be people leader for McKinsey’s Operations Practice and people/administrative leader for McKinsey’s Social Sector Office, executive coach in McKinsey’s Black Executive Leadership Program, and senior member of the global McKinsey Black Network. After a 26-year career at McKinsey, he recently served two years as CEO of Breakthrough Public Schools, a network of public charter schools educating over 3,000 elementary students in Cleveland. He holds an MBA from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, a BS in Industrial Engineering from Kettering University, and a BS in Business Administration from Aquinas College. Schedule a time to talk with Ralph by sending an email to ralph-ombuds@mwi.org or by calling 216-408-8143.

Maureen Brodie (maureen-ombuds@mwi.org and 530-902-7523) is an outsourced organizational ombuds with MWI. She has particular expertise in understanding the culture and addressing challenging dynamics in a healthcare environment, having worked at UC San Francisco for 14 years as an organizational ombuds. As a clinician-trained ombuds with a background in communication, Maureen has a unique perspective and appreciation for the increasing demands in the ever-changing landscape of healthcare delivery. She is an active member of the International Ombuds Association and a Certified Organizational Ombuds Practitioner (CO-OP), adhering to the Standards of Practice in the field. While providing services in an impartial manner, Maureen is an advocate for respect, fairness, and inclusion for all members of an organization. Prior to her work at UC San Francisco, Maureen served as the Senior Mediator at UC Davis for 14 years, providing mediation training and services to campus and health system faculty, clinicians, trainees, and staff. Throughout her career as an ombuds, Maureen incorporates collaborative coaching and learning to normalize conflict with the goal to achieve productive, self-determined outcomes. Schedule a time to talk with Maureen by sending an email to maureen-ombuds@mwi.org or by calling 530-902-7523.

Ellen Reardon (ellen-ombuds@mwi.org and 858-769-9802) is an outsourced organizational ombuds with MWI. She has specialized in hospital settings and the corporate world since 2009. With a Master’s degree in Psychiatric Nursing from Case Western Reserve University, she brings a unique perspective and deep understanding to her work. Ellen’s experience in healthcare organizations, including her tenure at Kaiser Permanente in San Diego, has provided her with valuable insights into the complexities of these environments and honed her ability to navigate challenging situations effectively. Ellen’s commitment to her field is evident through her active membership in the International Ombuds Association (IOA) and her certification as a Certified Organizational Ombuds Practitioner (CO-OP). Her proven track record, combined with her empathetic approach, positions her as a valuable asset to organizations seeking to enhance communication, resolve conflicts, promote inclusivity, and foster resilience in the workplace. In addition to her role as an Organizational Ombuds, Ellen excels in executive leadership coaching, supporting corporate leaders and faculty in reaching their full potential. Ellen’s dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion is a hallmark of her work. She assists organizations in developing strategies and practices that foster a culture of respect, ensuring that every member feels valued and heard. Ellen introduced and developed the role of Ombuds at the Salk Research Institute, and provided Ombuds services to a diverse range of individuals, including faculty, postdocs, graduate students, staff, and administrators. Schedule a time to talk with Ellen by sending an email to ellen-ombuds@mwi.org or by calling 858-769-9802.

Contact

Email: Email any member of Sutter Health Ombuds Team at the email addresses provided here – ralph-ombuds@mwi.org, maureen-ombuds@mwi.org or ellen-ombuds@mwi.org
Confidential web form: If you have a concern at work and would like to raise it in confidence, please feel free to fill out the web form below.
Phone: Contact Ralph at 216-408-8143, Maureen at 530-902-7523 or Ellen at 858-769-9802 (direct and confidential phone and voicemail).

Any ombuds team member will get back to you within one business day.

Sutter Health Ombuds Team was established under a charter approved by Sutter Health Chairman. A copy of that charter will be available here soon. The charter incorporates by reference the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the International Ombuds Association (IOA) and requires that Sutter Health Ombuds Team adhere to the IOA Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. The charter, as well as the IOA Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, contain important information about Sutter Health Ombuds Team and the manner in which it functions.

Due to the independent, impartial, informal, and confidential nature of the ombuds function, communication with an ombuds team member does not constitute formal notice to Sutter Health.