As you move around town here in the Charlotte area, you see a lot of signs, billboards and the like that read “live fully.” As the leader of Atrium Health, for us, that’s why we do what we do – so people can live their fullest lives and, hopefully, slow down now and then long enough to enjoy life’s finer moments.
Like many others, I really enjoy watching football during the fall. This past Thursday night, April 27, I was fortunate to have the chance to live fully in a way I’d never imagined, intersecting both my personal and professional passions.
Atrium Health is the Official Health Care Provider of the Carolina Panthers. Our world-class physicians, clinical and support staff have the opportunity to partner with their medical and training staff to help some of the world’s finest athletes stay or get healthy and on the field. That tremendous partnership has afforded me the opportunity to do some really exciting things – none more exciting than being in the draft room on draft day as the Panthers made the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The room is the epitome of a command center; options of potential picks lining the walls, decision makers – like owner David Tepper, general manager Scott Fitterer and new head coach Frank Reich – huddled around one another, keeping tabs on what other teams are doing and working towards the moment that they are “on the clock.”
While the suspense of “who will be No. 1” mounted as the commissioner took the stage, those of us in the room had been privy to a brief phone call from the team leaders to the player they wanted: The University of Alabama’s quarterback Bryce Young. Mr. Tepper playfully asked Young if he remembered a conversation the two had previously where Tepper said they would take a quarterback in this year’s draft, before asking if he’d like to trade “sweet home Alabama for some sweet Carolina?” Reich and Fitterer also shared their congratulations and welcome messages and said they would look forward to seeing him the following day in Charlotte.
I believe that, regardless of other team affinities, if you live in the Carolinas, you can’t help but be a Panthers fan. They are tremendously active in the community, giving back in all sorts of ways to make it better – including regular visits by the players to spend time with our patients at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital. We’ve had many enjoyable years of watching their team and the year ahead just got more exciting.
On a personal note, the Panthers’ pick was very special for me. Those who know me well know that I’m a HUGE Alabama fan, having graduated from there. Having the No. 1 pick come from my alma mater to lead my local team – and being in the room when he was selected – that’s special, and will make every fall Sunday fun for the next several years.
How we spend our leisure time is an important part of living fully, and we’re so fortunate to have the Panthers call the Carolinas their home. It gives us all something to rally around and collectively enjoy. Taking time to enjoy life is an important aspect of health and we are proud to be a partner with the Panthers.
With each new season comes hope – drafting the guy the Panthers leadership believes to have been the best player available, combined with a new coach with a proven track record of success, brings promise that this year will be something special.
We couldn’t ask for a better partner than the Panthers and, as their official health care provider, our teams at Atrium Health stand ready whenever called upon to advance the healing process should any of the players – or fans in the stand – become sick or injured.
As you can see, the Panthers fit right into the Atrium Health mission: to improve health, elevate hope and advance healing – for all. We are proud to serve the Carolinas for all of their medical needs and to play a small role in bringing healthy family entertainment to the professional football fans here and around the country.
