As more and more people learn about the ThedaCare exploration of bringing together our two Fox Cities hospitals into one regional medical center, I’m hearing that folks are open to the possibilities. For example, people are connecting the dots about the integrated nature of our economy, and how a new healthcare destination might benefit businesses throughout the region. One idea that’s frequently mentioned is the value a new regional medical campus contributes to attracting new businesses, and top-notch talent to the area.
Fox Valley economic development official told me recently that the quality of healthcare is a “premier” attribute of our region. Another leader of a statewide healthcare organization said, “This is special. It really creates positive economic impact, allowing employers to promote the area.”
We understand that because it’s true for ThedaCare. With more than 7,000 employees in nine counties caring for health needs from preventive to complex care, we recruit some pretty specialized people, and some pretty special people. Orthopedic trauma surgeons, for example. Nurses. Any “ologist” you can think of. Primary care physicians. Nurse practitioners, physician assistants. And so many more. Getting the right people on our team is essential to the quality of care we deliver, and is the basis of our business model.
Why would a doctor who’s an expert in complex fractures of the long bones, or pelvic fractures sustained in a traumatic injury, for example, pick ThedaCare over another provider in Green Bay or Madison, or Los Angeles for that matter? (Okay, for L.A., maybe the deciding factor is the weather.) My point is that like you, we are competing with companies across the nation for the best talent.
These folks weigh many options when looking at what a community has to offer. Just like the rest of us, they want great schools, opportunities to enjoy the arts, great healthcare for their families and welcoming neighborhoods. There’s no doubt our community offers so much in this regard! And, for the kind of talent we’re recruiting, they carefully consider what we have to offer.
At ThedaCare, our recruits look at our model of care, our culture, our focus on quality. (Speaking of quality – the latest issue of Consumer Reports shows ThedaCare leading the state in preventive and chronic care – check it out at ThedaCare.org.) These outstanding care providers also are intensely interested in our facilities, technology and equipment – all the tools that support their ability to deliver the best patient care possible.
Recruits across the spectrum are excited to learn about our possible new venture. They are clearly attracted to the idea of a state-of-the-art, forward-looking facility that will support their ability to deliver leading-edge care to patients.
We’re doing great work at ThedaCare today. Our incredibly talented people deliver outstanding care. They do so, however, in facilities not designed to let their lights shine. Their lights, and the lights of those we recruit, could shine even brighter if they were surrounded by facilities designed to help them deliver dramatically better care.
None of us can change the weather, but together we can continue to create the kind of community that makes others want to move in, and stay. It’s one of many exciting possibilities we’re talking about. In the next few weeks, we’re hosting two community forums and several chats in local coffee shops. If you want to host us as a community event, please contact us. You’re invited to join the conversation.
Dr. Dean Gruner is president and CEO of Appleton-based ThedaCare. To send your thoughts to him, email journey@thedacare.org.
