Episode 62 - Building Thriving, Prevention-Oriented Organizational Cultures - with Jesse Gavin from Baylor College of Medicine

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, host Seth Serxner welcomes Jesse Gavin, Well-Being Officer at Baylor College of Medicine, to talk about building thriving, prevention-oriented cultures and the critical role of health literacy in organizational well-being strategies.

Dr. Jesse Gavin shares his unique career journey - beginning with aspirations in veterinary medicine, pivoting to health promotion, and ultimately pioneering employee well-being at Baylor College of Medicine.

With over 11 years of leading Baylor’s acclaimed initiatives, Jesse Gavin brings award-winning experience and a passion for practical, people-centered innovation. His background spans roles in academia, major corporations, and third-party wellness organizations, recently culminating in a DrPH focused on the intersection of workplace well-being and public health.

Seth and Jesse also discuss:

• Rooting Well-being in Core Values: Baylor’s “thriving tree” approach ties every branch of well-being to institutional values like teamwork, respect, and integrity.
• Evolving from Siloes to Integration: Merging recognition programs, on-site wellness centers, and year-of-service awards under a unified mission fosters greater alignment and engagement.
• The Power of Personal Recognition: From e-cards to milestone panoramas, creating a culture of thanks builds daily motivation and connection—no job is too small to acknowledge.
• Demonstrating Value Without the ROI Burden: Consistent 2:1 ROI, national awards, and unsolicited stories of lives changed make the case for investing in people - beyond numbers alone.
• Engaging the Full Workforce: Flexibility is key—presentations are recorded, the team attends 4am meetings, and well-being is made accessible for all, from surgeons to support staff.
• Health Literacy as Essential Infrastructure: Education happens year-round, not just at open enrollment; from understanding urgent care vs. ER to navigating self-funded benefits, continual learning is the norm.
• Teaching, Not Just Doing: Beyond concierge services, employees are empowered to learn the why and how of navigating their care—moving from handholding to skill-building.
• Low/No Cost, High Impact: Health literacy and prevention don’t have to break the bank. Simple, targeted presentations and resource sessions fill critical knowledge gaps at scale.
• Reducing Barriers and Building Relationships: Onsite screenings with actionable education, incentives for physician follow-up, and open communication channels drive engagement and long-term well-being.

This episode demonstrates how organizational culture, strategy, and small but consistent actions can move the needle on health literacy and well-being - making lasting change accessible for all.

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