What does it mean to lead with both heart and clinical precision?

In this episode of Hearts of Excellence, host Chelsey Gheyara sits down with Dr. Robert Russell, Chief Medical Officer at Majestic Care, whose journey into geriatrics was anything but planned and entirely purpose-driven. From a chance rotation that changed his career path to the powerful lessons learned during the pandemic, Dr. Russell shares how authentic leadership in healthcare starts with listening, advocating, and never forgetting the people at its center.

With warmth and candor, he explores the changing face of long-term care, the importance of vulnerability in leadership, and why every Resident deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How a pediatric dream evolved into a purpose in geriatrics
• The role of advocacy in delivering exceptional care
• Why vulnerability is a strength for healthcare leaders

Highlights:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:43) What inspired Dr. Russell to become a physician

(02:55) From pediatrics to geriatrics: how his path shifted

(04:49) What makes long-term care fulfilling and different

(07:50) The reality of forgotten populations in care

(10:10) Leadership during the pandemic and staying human

(12:42) How caregiving changed post-COVID

(14:35) Balancing innovation with compassion

(17:18) Why empathy and communication should be taught in care training

(19:59) How Dr. Russell stays grounded in the work

(22:50) A personal story that reminded him why this work matters

(25:46) Keeping connection and dignity at scale across communities

(30:50) Advice for new long-term care leaders

(34:31) What the future of caregiving should look like

(39:31) How to inspire excellence without expecting perfection

(42:02) Final encouragement for the care community