In this powerful conversation, host Rich Sanders visits Trey Abshier, CEO of Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast, to explore what it means to lead a faith-based hospital system with excellence and compassion. Trey shares his journey from for-profit hospital leadership to answering a deeper calling within one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic health systems.
From delivering over 1,400 babies a year to launching a 24/7 OB hospitalist program, Trey reveals how his team serves both the wealthy and the vulnerable, treating every patient with dignity, regardless of income or insurance status. This episode dives into healthcare innovation, Christian leadership, and the beautiful blend of business and ministry.
In This Episode:
• 01:00 From LSU to CEO – Trey’s Journey into Healthcare
• 05:00 Changes in Medicine: Outpatient Trends & Tech Advances
• 10:00 The Ascension Sacred Heart System Explained
• 14:00 Delivering 1,400 Babies & Launching a 24/7 OB Hospitalist Program
• 17:00 NICU Expansion, Level II Care & Family-Centered Birth
• 20:00 Caring for the Poor in a Vacation Community
• 25:00 Nonprofit vs. For-Profit Healthcare: What’s the Difference?
• 28:00 Faith in the Workplace – Daily Prayer, Mass, and a Mission-Driven Team
• 36:00 Post-Discharge Care & the My Gulf Care Program
• 41:00 Trey’s Definition of a Christian Capitalist
Quotes:
• “Whether you have a lot or nothing, we’re going to treat you with the same level of care.” [20:48]
• “Starting each meeting with prayer reminds us why we’re here. Otherwise, you lose the ‘why.’” [30:54]
• “You can be Christian and a capitalist. There’s room for both and our hospital is proof.” [41:15]
Relevant Links:
• Christian Capitalist Website — https://christiancapitalist.life
• Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast — https://healthcare.ascension.org
• My Gulf Care Program — https://healthcare.ascension.org/locations/florida/flpen/port-st-joe-ascension-sacred-heart-gulf/patients-and-visitors/mygulfcare
• Support the Hospital — https://healthcare.ascension.org/volunteer/flpen-florida-ascension-sacred-heart
• Every Good Endeavor by Timothy Keller — https://a.co/d/h2aSSVZ
• Start With Why by Simon Sinek — https://a.co/d/639wYxI
• The Christian Capitalist: The Gospel of Hard Work and Generous by Rich Sanders — https://a.co/d/6FTmkOS
Scriptures Referenced:
• 1 Timothy 6:17-19 – “Be rich in good works, generous and ready to share…”
• Matthew 6:33 – “Seek first the kingdom of God…”
At Koinonia Mission, we don’t just share our work — we amplify the work of others who serve in Christ’s name. Through our upcoming quarterly newsletter, we highlight the charities supported by past guests of The Christian Capitalist Podcast, sharing updates on the ministries they believe in.
Our goal is to keep this information updated in real-time on our website, helping you discover, connect with, and support impactful organizations around the country — especially those serving the poor, the vulnerable, and the forgotten.