Dr. Ann Chinnis working with the chair of the department designed and ran a complex obgyn departmental retreat which included private MDs, academic MDs, residents, nurses and midwives from a large academic medical center. The goal of the retreat was to bring the participants together to facilitate a common belief in the need for a work environment founded in participatory respect for each other in our pursuit of excellence in women’s health care. Dr. Chinnis’ approach utilizing her experience, her sense of humor and the DISC process was immensely successful. The participants had a great weekend, gained new respect for each other and in the 6 months since the retreat have retained their enthusiasm for working to maintain a collaborative culture in the maintenance of the provision of excellence in health care.