Why I Came, Why I Stayed: Methodist checks all the boxes for lead staff attorney Ryan Kirshenbaum

In “Why I Came, Why I Stayed,” you’ll get to know people who are making a difference every day at Methodist and how they contribute to providing The Meaning of Care.

Ryan Kirshenbaum
Lead Staff Attorney
Methodist Health System

Tell us more about yourself and your background.

I’ve been with Methodist for five years as a full-time employee and two as an intern. My wife, a registered nurse, also works at Methodist in the Finance Department.

I attended the University of Central Florida for my undergraduate degree, and I earned my Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law. 

At work, I provide legal guidance and advice to all corners of Methodist, including legal advice on health care laws and other corporate matters. 

Outside of work, I’m consumed with hobbies, including teaching at the Creighton University School of Law as an adjunct professor, playing guitar and basketball, lifting weights, and taking orders from my two miniature dachshunds.

Why Methodist? What attracted you to the organization?

My Methodist journey began in 1993 when I was born at the 84^th Street Methodist Hospital campus. My journey continued even before I began working here, as many family members (last names Noodell, Kutler and Kirshenbaum) have worked or still work at Methodist. Have any of you worked with a member of my family?

Familial and personal history aside, my professional connection with Methodist occurred coincidentally. As an aspiring young law student trying to get some internship experience in a hospital’s legal department, I recalled my mom’s wonderful time as a speech language pathologist with Methodist and my personal experience visiting friends and family as patients over the years. Brand reputation and personal experience steered me in Methodist’s direction. I searched for the head of the legal department at the time and cold-called her. I sure was lucky she picked up the phone.

What is it about Methodist that keeps you coming back?

From an institutional standpoint, Methodist is a picture-perfect example of what you want in an employer.  Employees desire open lines of communication with leaders, transparency in their practices, ethical decision-making, social responsibility, futuristic thinking and an employer that shows that it cares about its employees.  Methodist checks all of these boxes. Methodist leadership’s support for employee development, both professionally and personally, creates an environment where I feel not only valued but also integral to Methodist’s future. In my time as an employee, I’ve witnessed Methodist’s resilience in acquiring Methodist Fremont Health, moving corporate offices and enduring the COVID-19 pandemic, all while adapting and evolving to stay at the forefront of health care innovation.

From a personal standpoint, I wouldn’t be here today without the support, kindness and understanding of my superior Shari Flowers. Great bosses result in great employee experience, and I’m lucky to have the best.