“From $20 Million in the Red to a Vision for Memphis Healthcare” Dr. Reginald Coopwood

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Reginald Coopwood, CEO of Regional One Health, to talk about how he and his team led one of the most significant healthcare turnarounds in Memphis history. He shares what it took to step into a hospital losing $20 million a year and rebuild it—without ever losing faith in the people who showed up every day to serve. From personal tragedy to civic vision, Dr. Coopwood offers a powerful look at leading with purpose.

Episode Highlights

• A Hospital in Crisis: What Dr. Coopwood walked into in 2010—and the staff resilience that surprised him.
• Culture Over Cuts: Why he refused to slash his way to survival and focused on mission-aligned leadership.
• Turning the Tide: How Regional One reduced its uninsured rate and redefined what public health could be.
• The Personal Side: Losing his first wife, raising three sons, and how his faith guided every decision.
• A Vision for Memphis: Why the city needs a new hospital—and what’s at stake if we don’t act.