The Wisconsin Council on Medical Education and Workforce (WCMEW) this week released the report, "Who Will Care for our Patients?" at three news conferences November 10 in Wausau, Madison and Milwaukee. One of its most alarming findings is that Wisconsin is short nearly 374 primary care physicians across 31 counties. Milwaukee alone currently needs 20 additional primary care physicians to meet inner city demands. Experts say this shortage can create a bottleneck in the health care system.

The news conferences, coordinated by the Wisconsin Hospital Association, were well attended by the media and received considerable press attention statewide, elevating policymakers and the public’s awareness of the crisis that will occur if action to stem it does not start now.

Madison News Conference

Speaking at the Madison news conference, WCMEW Chair Carl Getto, MD, senior vice president of medical affairs and associate dean for hospital affairs at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, told reporters the shortage of primary care physicians is troubling because of the key roles these doctors have in Wisconsin’s health care delivery system. They are the point of contact for people with undiagnosed health concerns, and they help patients navigate the health care system when they need ongoing care or a referral to a specialist.

"When patients are sick and can’t get in to a physician, they enter the health care system through the hospital emergency room, which increases costs. Primary care is the backbone of an efficient, affordable health care system," according to Getto.

Ed Harding, president/CEO, Columbus Community Hospital, said rural hospitals face unique recruitment challenges because there is less flexibility and more demands on a physician’s time when they are in a small practice.

Tim Bartholow, MD, senior vice president, Wisconsin Medical Society, pointed out that investing in primary care doctors can save money by preventing hospitalizations among people with chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

Milwaukee News Conference

In Milwaukee, George Quinn, author of the report, said the demand for physicians will grow by nearly 30 percent in the next 10 years and more than double in two decades. Yet the supply of physicians is projected to increase by just 13 percent in 10 years and 20 percent by 2030. Worse still, demand for primary care physicians is even more acute, according to Quinn.

Columbia St. Mary’s President/CEO Leo Brideau called the shortage of primary care physicians in Milwaukee "very serious," and noted that while there is a shortage, physicians are also not evenly distributed in Milwaukee County.

Brideau explained that when the state of Massachusetts expanded health care coverage to populations that previously did not have access, it swamped physicians, and the wait to see a doctor was six to 12 months.

The Milwaukee Health Care Partnership program has made progress in addressing the problems in the inner city caused by lack of access to primary care for the underinsured and the uninsured. A public-private partnership, Brideau said all the health systems in Milwaukee, along with state and local government, are working through the Partnership to connect patients with medical homes. He cautioned that if the shortage persists, it will once again cause more patients who lack insurance to seek primary care in hospital emergency rooms.

Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) Dean Jonathan Ravdin, MD, said MCW can’t expand enrollment, but they are evaluating the possibility of creating a school within a school modeled after the successful Wisconsin Academy for Rural Medicine (WARM) at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. The WARM program is aimed at admitting students to medical school that are most likely to practice in a rural area. Ravdin said MCW hopes to replicate the success of that program, but target students who would likely practice in the inner city.

While the physician shortage is a complex issue, Ravdin suggested that one solution could be a loan forgiveness program if a physician agreed to stay in Wisconsin. He said the median student debt for graduating students is $166,000.

Also speaking at the Milwaukee news conference was George R. Schneider, MD, assistant clinical professor internal medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, and Kimberly Weekes, PA-C, Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare.

Wausau News Conference

WHA Senior Medical Advisor Chuck Shabino, MD, told the Wausau area media that one of the recommendations that WCMEW suggests is to provide incentives for physicians who stay in Wisconsin and practice primary care.

Shabino said one third of the physicians now in practice in Wisconsin are over the age of 55, and 25 percent of those recently surveyed said they expect to retire or relocate to other states within the next three years. The medical schools report that of the 336 new physicians that are trained in Wisconsin, only about 38 percent stay in Wisconsin.

"We are exporting physicians to other states, and we have to find ways to keep physicians who are trained in Wisconsin here," Shabino said. He said a new Web site aimed at attracting physicians to the Badger State (www.WisconsinPhysicianCareers.org) developed by WHA for WCMEW, already has posted more than 600 vacancies for physicians.

Terri Richards, executive vice president, Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield, said health systems are finding new ways to maximize the efficiency of primary care physicians’ time by incorporating physician assistants and nurse practitioners into the medical delivery model. She also noted that the use of hospitalists—physicians that specialize in hospital care—allows physicians to see more patients and spend more time on higher acuity patients in their offices.

Thomas Stoffel, MD, family practice, Aspirus’ Edgar Clinic, also spoke in Wausau.

2008 was yet another record-breaking year for the Wisconsin Hospitals Political Action Funds, which include the Wisconsin Hospitals PAC and Wisconsin Hospitals Conduit. In late October, the 2008 goal of $210,000 was reached. A total of $211,353 has come in as of this week.

"Reaching this year’s goal continues a seven-year upward trend in contributions and participation," said Advocacy Committee Chair Bob Fale of Agnesian HealthCare. "It was only seven years ago when contributions were $60,000. This is a 350 percent increase and shows how individuals understand the importance of political advocacy."

A total of 601 individuals have contributed an average of $351 in 2008. While the total number of individual contributors is slightly down from 2007, the average contribution is $32 higher.

The following provides a snapshot of the 2007 and 2008 fundraising campaigns.

2007                                     2008

$200,000                              $211,000
627 contributors                    601 contributors
$319 avg. contribution            $351 avg. contribution

2008 contributors to date are listed below. Individual contributors are by name and affiliated organization. Contributors are listed alphabetically by contribution category.

For more information, contact Jenny Boese at 608-274-1820 or Jodi Bloch at 608-217-9508.

Contributions Ranging from $1 - $249

Abels, Maya         Aurora Health Care

Ackerman, Jamie         Sacred Heart Hospital

Adams, Daniel         Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Ambs, Kathleen         St. Mary's Hospital

Anderson, Mark         Sacred Heart Hospital

Anich, Matthew         Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Appleton, Karl         St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center

Arendt, Kathleen         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Ashbeck, Norbert         Good Samaritan Health Center of Merrill

Axelsen, Kathern         Sacred Heart Hospital

Ayers, Mandy         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Baer, James         Shawano Medical Center

Baker, David         Saint Michael's Hospital

Barkovich, Catherine         Sacred Heart Hospital

Bartingale, Robert         St. Vincent Hospital

Bauer, Carl         Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Bauer, David         Sacred Heart Hospital

Bauer, Pam         Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Beckler, Rick         Sacred Heart Hospital

Beglinger, Joan         St. Mary's Hospital

Bellin, Carolyn         Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Benish, Nancy         St. Joseph's Hospital

Benz, Staci         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Berard, Celse         Riverview Hospital Association

Bergmann, Ann         Spooner Health System

Bernklau, Robert         Memorial Health Center

Bertsch, Cynthia         St. Nicholas Hospital

Bjork, Ted         Westfields Hospital

Block, Jennifer         Sacred Heart Hospital

Bloom, Deborah         Sacred Heart Hospital

Boese, June         St. Luke's Hospital

Bonnett, Joseph         Beaver Dam Community Hospitals

Bosio, David         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Boson, Ann         Saint Joseph's Hospital

Bouvat, Dale         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Bowe, Cynthia         Sacred Heart Hospital

Bowman, Andrew         Sacred Heart Hospital

Bradley, Edward         St. Nicholas Hospital

Brauer, Theresa         Aurora Medical Center - Manitowoc County

Braun, James         Flambeau Hospital

Brenholt, Craig         St. Mary's Hospital

Brenny, Terrence         Stoughton Hospital Association

Brockman, Susan         Meriter Hospital

Bryans, Richard         Sacred Heart Hospital

Burgener, Jean         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Burtch, Sue         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Busch, Rebecca         Spooner Health System

Buss, Diane         St. Mary's Hospital

Campau, Patricia         Columbia St. Mary's Columbia Hospital

Carlson, Carol         Sacred Heart Hospital

Carr Lee, Mary         Meriter Hospital

Carrier-Diemer, Peggy         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Casey, Candy         Columbia Center

Caven, Michael         Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Ceelen, John         Ministry Health Care

Censky, Bill         Holy Family Memorial Medical Center

Christensen, Leslie         St. Mary's Hospital

Cich, Dawn         St. Mary's Hospital of Superior

Cisler-Cahill, Lorna         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Clapp, Nicole         Grant Regional Health Center

Cleveland, Herbert         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Coblentz, Kathy Jo         St. Joseph's Community Health Services

Cohen, Joan         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Colby, Daniel         Mercy Health System

Coller, James         St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center

Colpaert, Gary         Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Connors, Lawrence         St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center

Craft, Carolyn         St. Joseph's Hospital

Dalebroux, Steve         St. Mary's Hospital

Danzinger, Marcia         Sacred Heart Hospital

Davis, Kathleen         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

DeMars, Nancy         Sacred Heart Hospital

Derks, Darla         Sacred Heart Hospital

DeWitt, Pamela         St. Joseph's Community Health Services

Dille, Wendy         Agnesian HealthCare

Dittrich, Peggy         Memorial Health Center

Dougherty, Kim         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Ducommun, Shellie         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Dwyer, Amy         Sacred Heart Hospital

Dwyer, Maxine         St. Mary's Hospital

Eady, Diane         Sacred Heart Hospital

Ellis, Nancy         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Erickson, William         Sacred Heart-St. Mary's Hospitals

Eskridge, Melissa         Sacred Heart Hospital

Evenson, Wendy         Sacred Heart Hospital

Ewing, Thomas         Aurora Health Care

Facey, Alice         St. Clare Hospital and Health Services

Fedie, Robin         St. Joseph's Hospital

Fink, Jordan, M.D.         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Fisker, Nancy         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Flanagan, Tracy         Sacred Heart Hospital

Floyd, Duane         Watertown Memorial Hospital

Fochs, Mary         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Folstad, John         Sacred Heart Hospital

Fowler, Rose         Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - All Saints

Fuchs, Thomas         St. Joseph's Hospital

Galfano, Victor         Sacred Heart Hospital

Gantner, Sue         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Garavet, Scott         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Garcia, Dawn         Sacred Heart Hospital

Gengler, Tim         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Giedd, Jan         St. Joseph's Hospital

Giles, Barbara         St. Joseph's Hospital

Gilmore, Ronald

Gjolberg, Skip         St. Joseph's Hospital

Godden, Scott         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Golden, Joan         St. Joseph's Hospital

Goodyear, Penny         Wheaton Franciscan - Milwaukee

Gorecki, Susan         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Gormican, John J.         Agnesian HealthCare

Govier, Mary         Holy Family Memorial Medical Center

Green, Mary Jean         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Groskreutz, Kevin         St. Joseph's Hospital

Gruber, Richard         Mercy Health System

Gulan, Maria         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Gullicksrud, Lynn         Sacred Heart Hospital

Halberg, Carole         St. Mary's Hospital

Harrop, Pauline         Meriter Hospital

Hassemer, Robert         Sacred Heart Hospital

Hedrington, Brian         Sacred Heart Hospital

Herbert, William         Meriter Hospital

Hieb, Laura         Bellin Memorial Hospital

Hink, Dawn         Sacred Heart Hospital

Hoege, Beverly         Reedsburg Area Medical Center

Hofer, John         Bay Area Medical Center

Holmes, Sheri         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Horn, Diane         St. Joseph's Hospital

Huemmer, Paul         St. Mary's Hospital

Iding, Laura         Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Jablonske, William         St. Joseph's Hospital

Jacobsen, Joan         Meriter Hospital

Jahn, Timothy         St. Vincent Hospital

Jain, Raj         St. Mary's Hospital

Jay, John         Community Memorial Hospital

Jelle, Laura         St. Clare Hospital and Health Services

Jensema, Christine         St. Nicholas Hospital

Johnson, Curtis         Tri-County Memorial Hospital

Johnson, Jean         Sacred Heart Hospital

Johnson, Kimberly         Sacred Heart Hospital

Johnson, Patricia         Hayward Area Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home

Jones, Linda         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Jost, Donna         Agnesian HealthCare

Juckem, Elizabeth         Columbia St. Mary's Milwaukee Hospital

Kachelski, Barb

Kaiser, Ann         Sacred Heart Hospital

Karoliussen, Dave         Sacred Heart-St. Mary's Hospitals-Tomahawk

Kell, Tom         St. Joseph's Hospital

Kempen, Patricia         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Klay, Lois         St. Joseph's Hospital

Kleinschmidt, Sharon         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Klinge, Ann         Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Koeppl, Gina         St. Mary's Hospital

Korff, Sally         St. Nicholas Hospital

Kowalkowski, Carolyn         St. Joseph's Hospital

Krause, Carolyn         Meriter Hospital

Kruse, Joe         Franciscan Skemp Healthcare-La Crosse Campus

Lachecki, Therese         Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Land, Andrew         Agnesian HealthCare

Lange, Mark         Riverview Hospital Association

Larson, Piper         Sacred Heart Hospital

Leonard, Mary Kay         St. Mary's Hospital

Lerch, Shawn         Columbus Community Hospital

Lien, Kristine         Sacred Heart Hospital

Lodes, Mary         Waukesha Memorial Hospital

Lucas, Roger         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

LuCore, Patricia         Sacred Heart Hospital

Luskin, Ronald         Arnold and O'Sheridan, Inc.

Lynch, Sue         Franciscan Skemp Healthcare-La Crosse Campus

Mackey, Theresa         Sacred Heart Hospital

Marcouiller, Don         Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Margan, Rob         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Markgraf, Janelle K.         Langlade Memorial Hospital

Marks, Susan         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Marsch, Jean         St. Vincent Hospital

Mason, Paul         Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - All Saints

Mathews, Larry         St. Vincent Hospital

Maulson, Andrea         St. Mary's Hospital

Maurer, Mary         Holy Family Memorial Medical Center

May, Carol         Mercy Health System

May, Carol         Mercy Health System

McCoic, Kristie         St. Joseph's Community Health Services

McKay, Jean         Sacred Heart Hospital

McKevett, Timothy         Beloit Memorial Hospital

Meicher, John         St. Mary's Hospital

Meyer, Markie         Community Memorial Hospital

Mickelson, Ronald         St. Clare Hospital and Health Services

Mohr, Carol         Sacred Heart Hospital

Mohr, James         Riverview Hospital Association

Morauske, Michelle         WHA Financial Solutions, Inc.

Mueller, Bonita         St. Mary's Hospital

Mulder, Doris         Beloit Memorial Hospital

Myre, Judy         Sacred Heart-St. Mary's Hospitals-Tomahawk

Needham, Jean         Westfields Hospital

Neitzel, Kristin         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Nelson, Mark         Sacred Heart Hospital

Nemeth, Joseph         Mercy Health System

Ness, Nita         Sacred Heart Hospital

Nezworski, Joseph         Sacred Heart Hospital

Nick, Mary         Meriter Hospital

Nohelty, Peter         Sacred Heart Hospital

Norell, Brett         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Nulsen, Kate         Sacred Heart Hospital

Oerter, Tracy         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Olson, Bonnie         Sacred Heart Hospital

Onsager, Sandra         St. Mary's Hospital

Ose, Peggy         Riverview Hospital Association

Ott, Virginia         St. Joseph's Hospital

Padilla, Gilbert         Sacred Heart Hospital

Palecek, Steve         Sacred Heart Hospital

Peck, Lori         Memorial Health Center

Peickert, Barbara         Hayward Area Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home

Peiffer, Susan         Sacred Heart Hospital

Pengra, Mary         Sacred Heart Hospital

Penovich, Carrie         Aurora Health Care

Peters, Kenneth         Bellin Memorial Hospital

Petersen, Susan         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Peterson, Brenda         Sacred Heart Hospital

Peterson, Lawrence         St. Mary's Hospital

Petruzates, Lynne         Saint Michael's Hospital

Pielhop, Judy         Sacred Heart Hospital

Pieters, Donald         St. Nicholas Hospital

Piper, Barbara         Sacred Heart Hospital

Pittenger, Jeannie         Sacred Heart Hospital

Policello, Louise         Bay Area Medical Center

Pollard, Dennis         Community Memorial Hospital

Poquette, Jane         Sacred Heart Hospital

Posthuma, Diane         Waupun Memorial Hospital

Powell, Stacey         Sacred Heart Hospital

Powers, Mary         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Preston, Mark         Sacred Heart Hospital

Raaum, Karl         Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Rademacher, David         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Rasmussen, Kathy         Hayward Area Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home

Reinke, John         Bay Area Medical Center

Reinke, Kathy         Shawano Medical Center

Richbourg, Mary         Sacred Heart Hospital

Roberts, Phillip         Columbus Community Hospital

Roethle, Linda         Bellin Psychiatric Center

Rooney, Suzanne         St. Joseph's Hospital

Rosien, Shirley         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Rothfuss, James         Meriter Hospital

Roundy, Ann         Columbus Community Hospital

Rowe-Peplinski, Lisa         Riverview Hospital Association

Rubenzer, Deanne         St. Joseph's Hospital

Santini, Kathy         Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Schaefer, Joyce         Amery Regional Medical Center

Schaefer, Mark         Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Schaetzl, Ron         St. Clare Hospital and Health Services

Schmidt, Fredrick         St. Nicholas Hospital

Schmidt, LaVerne         Aurora Lakeland Medical Center

Schneck, Judy         Sacred Heart Hospital

Schnell, Carol         Sacred Heart Hospital

Schoff, Dennis         Sacred Heart Hospital

Schraufnagel, Patricia         Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Schultz, Rebecca         Sacred Heart Hospital

Schwoegler, Mary         St. Mary's Hospital

Scinto, Jeanne         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Segerstrom, Amy         Sacred Heart Hospital

Selberg, Heidi         St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center

Sergey, Mark         Sacred Heart Hospital

Sheehan, Heather         Hayward Area Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home

Skulan-Balmer, Anna         Sacred Heart Hospital

Skye, Dorothy         Sacred Heart-St. Mary's Hospitals

Smith, Julie         Sacred Heart Hospital

Sood, Manu         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Sorenson, Heather         Sacred Heart Hospital

Sorenson, Jim         Sacred Heart Hospital

Soward, Cindy         Sacred Heart Hospital

Sparks, Steven         St. Mary's Hospital

Spindler, Greg         Sacred Heart Hospital

Squire, Jeff         Aurora Health Care

Stefonek, Duane         Sacred Heart-St. Mary's Hospitals

Stelzer, Jason         St. Clare Hospital and Health Services

Stenson, Jill         Agnesian HealthCare

Stone, Stacy         Sacred Heart Hospital

Storing, Sandy         Sacred Heart Hospital

Studer, Vince         Shawano Medical Center

Sullivan, Anne         Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Swanson, Becky         Sacred Heart Hospital

Swiderski, Julie         Wheaton Franciscan - Milwaukee

Tandberg, Ann         St. Joseph's Hospital

Tandberg, Christine         Sacred Heart Hospital

Tate, Marceline         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Tell, Marge         Riverview Hospital Association

Thurmer, DeAnn         Waupun Memorial Hospital

Tietz, Llewellyn         Community Memorial Hospital

Tirado-Kellenberger, Norma         Agnesian HealthCare

Totka, Joan         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Tryba, Jennifer         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Tuttle, Kathryn         Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

VanDeVoort, John         Sacred Heart Hospital

Vogler, Linda         Sacred Heart Hospital

Vogt, Paula         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Voigt, Yolanda         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Waldoch, Timothy         Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Walker, Troy         St. Clare Hospital and Health Services

Werkheiser, Cindy         The Monroe Clinic

Werlein, George         Sacred Heart Hospital

Werner, Andrea         Bellin Memorial Hospital

West, Karen         Wild Rose Community Memorial Hospital

Westbrook, Diane         River Falls Area Hospital

Wheeler, Susan         St. Nicholas Hospital

Whiteaker, Les         Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Wiedeman, Karen         Sacred Heart-St. Mary's Hospitals

Wise, Richard         Sacred Heart Hospital

Woleske, Chris         Bond Health Center

Worthing, Kelli         Sacred Heart Hospital

Wymelenberg, Tracy         Aurora Health Care

Zaher, Beth

Zeller, Brad         Hayward Area Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home

Zemaitis, Tom         Sacred Heart Hospital

Zimmerman, Christine         Sacred Heart Hospital

Zorbini, John         Community Memorial Hospital

Abitz, John         WHA Financial Solutions, Inc.

Andritsch, Stacie         Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare

Arnett, E. Stuart         Aurora Health Care-South Region

Ashenhurst, Karla         Ministry Health Care

Bagemihl, Katherine         Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Baker, Chris         St. Mary's Hospital

Ballentine, Anne         Wheaton Franciscan - Milwaukee

Bayer, Tom         St. Vincent Hospital

Bestor, William         Community Memorial Hospital

Biros, Marilyn         SSM Health Care-Wisconsin

Blanchard, Michael         Saint Joseph's Hospital

Borgerding, Dana

Brandel, Patrick         Holy Family Memorial Medical Center

Bruss, Lori         Roberts Group, The

Bukowski, Cathy         Our Lady of Victory Hospital

Calhoun, William         Mercy Medical Center

Callies, Julie         WHA Information Center

Canter, Richard         Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare

Carlson, Dan         Bay Area Medical Center

Clough, Sheila         Howard Young Medical Center

Coleman, John

Conwell, Lisa         WHA Financial Solutions, Inc.

Cook, Craig         Saint Joseph's Hospital

Cryns, Janice         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Curran, Joan         Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center

Danner, Dean         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Deich, Faye         Sacred Heart Hospital

Dettman, Amy         Bellin Memorial Hospital

DeVetter, Roberta         Saint Joseph's Hospital

Dietrich, Dean         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Dietsche, James         Bellin Memorial Hospital

Dooley, Richard         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Douglas, Nancy         Bay Area Medical Center

Drengler, Kathryn         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Elmer, Paula         The Monroe Clinic

Erickson, Robert         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Gamez, Francisco         Bay Area Medical Center

Geboy, Scott

Greene, Roxanne         Our Lady of Victory Hospital

Gresham, James         Wheaton Franciscan - Milwaukee

Grundstrom, David         Flambeau Hospital

Gutekunst, Penny         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Hall, Brenda         Ministry Health Care

Hamilton, Mark

Hammel, Jennifer         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Harding, Edward         Columbus Community Hospital

Hattem, Marita         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Hessert, Peter         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Hilt, Monica         Sacred Heart-St. Mary's Hospitals

Hoff, Linda         Meriter Hospital

Huettl, Patty         Sacred Heart Hospital

Huggins, Melissa         Meriter Hospital

Huys, Geoffrey         Ministry Health Care

Jablonski, James         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Jamieson, Donna         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Jenks, David         Aurora Health Care

Jensen, Christopher         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Jensen, Russell         St. Mary's Hospital

Jentsch, Lisa         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Johnson, Charles         St. Mary's Hospital

Johnson, Roy         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Jones, Tom         St. Joseph's Community Health Services

Kaufman, Bruce         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Keene, Kaaron         Memorial Health Center

Kersten, Juliet         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Kessenich, Patrick         Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - Elmbrook Memorial

Kiel-Rosser, Karen         Agnesian HealthCare

Klauck, James         Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Kluesner, Kevin         Aurora Health Care-South Region

Klunk, Timothy         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Kolb, Marvin O.         Aurora West Allis Medical Center

Kostroski, Sharon         Saint Joseph's Hospital

Lange, George, M.D.         Westgate Medical Group, CSMCP

Levar, Jane         Ministry Health Care

Mantei, Mary Jo         Bay Area Medical Center

McCutchin, John         St. Joseph's Hospital

Melzer-Lange, Marlene         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Meyer, Daniel Aurora         Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center

Mourey, Gerald         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Murphy, Michael         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Neet, Bradley         Saint Michael's Hospital

Neikirk, Jon         Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Nelson, Nanine         ProHealth Care

Nevers, Rick         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Nockerts, Steven         Richland Hospital

Oberholtzer, Curt         Bay Area Medical Center

O'Keefe, Jim         Mile Bluff Medical Center

Olive, Willie         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Olkowski, Leland         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Ordinans, Karen         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Pandl, G. John         Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Pandl, Therese         Columbia St. Mary's Milwaukee Hospital

Pedretti, Julie         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Peterson, Douglas         Chippewa Valley Hospital and Oakview Care Center

Post, A Charles         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Potts, Dennis         Aurora Health Care

Prince, Nancy         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Rocole, Theresa         Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - All Saints

Ross, Forrest         WHA Financial Solutions, Inc.

Roth, Stephen         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Rounds, Thomas         St. Mary's Hospital

Rowe, Jeanne         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Rozenfeld, Jonathan         St. Mary's Hospital

Rudolph, Wade         Sacred Heart Hospital

Sagan, Jean         Wheaton Franciscan - Milwaukee

Sanicola, Suzanne         Columbia St. Mary's Columbia Hospital

Schmidt, Richard         CGSchmidt

Schneider, David         Langlade Memorial Hospital

Schroeder, Larry         Sauk Prairie Memorial Hospital

Schulz, Janet         ProHealth Care

Schuster, Lynn         Wheaton Franciscan - Milwaukee

Sczygelski, Sidney         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Shapiro, David         Columbia St. Mary's Columbia Hospital

Sisney, Mary         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Sperka, Julie         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Staffileno, Gerri         Columbia St. Mary's Ozaukee Hospital

Statz, Darrell         Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative

Steevens, Alan         St. Clare Hospital and Health Services

Stewart, Jeff         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Stout, Johni         WHA Financial Solutions, Inc.

Stuart, Philip         Tomah Memorial Hospital

Tapper, Joy         Milwaukee Health Care Partnership

Tarantino, Jennifer         Aurora Health Care

Thiel, Mike         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Thometz, John         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Twinem, Thomas         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Umland, Steve             Ministry Health Care

VanCourt, Bernie         Bay Area Medical Center

Vogel, Martin         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Wade, Matthew         ProHealth Care

Warmuth, Eric         

Weisman, Steven         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Werner, Cinda         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Woodward, Jim         Meriter Hospital

Allison Stonebraker, Pat         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Anderson, Sandy         St. Clare Hospital and Health Services

Barnett, Jane

Bloch, Jodi         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Braddock, Michelle         WHA Financial Solutions, Inc.

Brasseaux, Mary         St. Nicholas Hospital

Buerstatte, Gary         ProHealth Care

Bultema, Janice

Capelli, A.J., M.D.         Aurora Health Care

Cardamone, Stephen         Wheaton Franciscan - Milwaukee

Decker, Michael         Divine Savior Healthcare

Devermann, Robert         Aurora Medical Center of Oshkosh

Dicus-Johnson, Coreen         Wheaton Franciscan - Milwaukee

Duncan, Larry         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Dunigan, Thomas         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Falvey, Patrick         Aurora Health Care

Fehring, Chuck         Ministry Health Care

Fish, David         St. Joseph's Hospital

Fitzpatrick, Lynn         Agnesian HealthCare

Frank, Jennifer         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Guffey, Kerra         Meriter Hospital

Gutzeit, Michael         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Heifetz, Michael         SSM Health Care-Wisconsin

Herzog, Mark         Holy Family Memorial Medical Center

Hyland, Carol         Agnesian HealthCare

Hymans, Daniel         Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Jones, Michael         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Kellar, Richard         Aurora West Allis Medical Center

Kerwin, George         Bellin Memorial Hospital

Klawiter, Anne         Southwest Health Center

Korom, Nancy         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Krueger, Mary         Saint Clare's Hospital

Little, Steven         Agnesian HealthCare

Lockhart, Jack, M.D.         Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center

Maxson-Cooper, Pamela         Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

McCutcheon, Norma         Wisconsin Heart Hospital, The

McGee, Fred         Meriter Hospital

McNally, Maureen         Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Merline, Karen

Meyer, Loren         Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - All Saints

Miloszewicz, Angela         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Minkus, Michelle

Mlynarek, Robert         Waukesha Memorial Hospital

Mugan, James         Agnesian HealthCare

Neufelder, Daniel         Affinity Health System

Niemer, Margaret         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Noll, Gerald         Rogers Memorial Hospital

Norton, Andrew         Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

O'Connell, Blaine         Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Petonic, Mary Frances         Meriter Hospital

Postler-Slattery, Diane         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Potter, Brian         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Priest, MD, Geoffrey         Meriter Hospital

Quinn, Connie         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Radoszewski, Pat         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Reynolds, Sheila         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Richards, Theresa         Saint Joseph's Hospital

Robertstad, John         Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital

Roeper, Randy         Aurora Medical Center of Oshkosh

Ronstrom, Stephen         Sacred Heart Hospital

Runge, Charles         Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Russell, John         Boscobel Area Health Care

Sachdeva, Ramesh         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Sale, Nora         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Schafer, Michael         Spooner Health System

Schmidt, Michael         Saint Joseph's Hospital

Schoof, Susie         Essie Kammer Consulting Group

Shabino, Charles, M.D.         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Ship, Mark         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Sprengeler, John         Sacred Heart Hospital

Standridge, Debra         Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - St. Francis

Swift, Roberta         Ministry Health Care

Teigen, Bobbe         Aurora Medical Center - Manitowoc County

Titus, Rexford         ProHealth Care

Wallace, Michael         Fort HealthCare

Wong, George         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Worrick, Gerald         Door County Memorial Hospital

Andersen, Travis         Calumet Medical Center

Banaszynski, Gregory         Aurora Health Care

Bazan, Bill         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Birkenstock, Timothy         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Boese, Jennifer         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Brideau, Leo         Columbia St. Mary's Columbia Hospital

Britton, Gregory         Beloit Memorial Hospital

Bruce, Bill         St. Joseph's Community Health Services

Buettner, Susan         Aurora Health Care

Byrne, Frank, M.D.         St. Mary's Hospital

Christensen, Cinthia         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Cutler, Dave         WHA Financial Solutions, Inc.

Eddy, Lee Anne         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Eichman, Cynthia         Our Lady of Victory Hospital

Ela, Susan         Aurora Health Care

Gazzana, Thomas         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Getto, Carl

Grasmick, Mary Kay         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Kachelski, Joe         WHA Information Center

Kammer, Peter         Essie Kammer Consulting Group

Karuschak, Michael         Amery Regional Medical Center

Kief, Brian         Howard Young Medical Center

Koehler, Thomas         Aurora BayCare Medical Center

Kosanovich, John         Watertown Memorial Hospital

Kryda, Michael, M.D.         Saint Joseph's Hospital

Leitch, Laura         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Lewis, Gordon         Burnett Medical Center

Loftus, Philip         Aurora Health Care

Mahoney, Lorelle         Aurora Health Care

Martin, Jeff         Ministry Health Care

Mattes, Dan         Wheaton Franciscan - Milwaukee

Merline, Paul         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Mohorek, Ronald         Ministry Health Care

Morgan, Dwight         Aurora Health Care

Moulthroup, David         Rogers Memorial Hospital

Munson, Kenneth         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Nestor, Donald         Aurora Health Care

O'Brien, Mary         Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center

Oliverio, John         Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare

Olson, David         Bay Area Medical Center

Olson, Edward         Waukesha Memorial Hospital

Richardson, Dana         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Roller, Rachel         Aurora Health Care

Sanders, Michael         The Monroe Clinic

Size, Pat Rural         Wisconsin Health Cooperative

Smith, Linda         Aurora BayCare Medical Center

Stanford, Matthew         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Starmann-Harrison, Mary         SSM Health Care-Wisconsin

Stein, Rick         Bay Area Medical Center

Tyre, Scott         Capitol Navigators, Inc

Van Bree, Margaret

Van Cleave, Bruce         Aurora Health Care

Warmuth, Judith         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Welch, Kimberly         Aurora Health Care

Westrick, Paul             Columbia St. Mary's Milwaukee Hospital

Wolf, Edward         Lakeview Medical Center

Borgerding, Eric         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Braddock, Jonathan         WHA Financial Solutions, Inc.

Brenton, Mary E.

Buser, Kenneth         Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - All Saints

Erwin, Duane         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Fale, Robert         Agnesian HealthCare

Katen-Bahensky, Donna

Mettner, Michelle         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Petasnick, William         Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Quinn, George         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Rudolph, Colin         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Vice, Jon         Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Bjork, Tanya

Brenton, Stephen         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Desien, Nicholas         Ministry Health Care

Size, Tim Rural         Wisconsin Health Cooperative

Turkal, Nick, M.D.         Aurora Health Care

During this week’s release of "Who Will Care For Our Patients?," the report on Wisconsin’s physician workforce, I saw a number of things that make me hopeful that, in spite of the dire predictions about a future shortage, Wisconsin is a state that is well-equipped to address the problem.

The report predicts that, unless action is taken now, Wisconsin faces a severe shortage of physicians in the next two decades. A growing and aging population will place demands on physician services that will outstrip supply by as much as 57 percent by the year 2030, adversely affecting the health of many Wisconsin citizens. But in looking at the report’s recommended action steps, one can see that while the effort might appear daunting, there is reason to be positive about the energy and advantages that Wisconsin brings to attacking the problem. Let’s look at the recommendations:

• Enroll students into medical schools who are most likely to practice in Wisconsin

The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public health has already taken a big step in launching the Wisconsin Academy for Rural Medicine (WARM), which focuses on admitting students likely to practice medicine in rural Wisconsin.

At the November 10 press conference in Milwaukee, Dr. Jonathan Ravdin, dean of the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), announced that MCW is developing a program similar to WARM to recruit and train individuals who are likely to practice in inner-city Milwaukee. So Wisconsin’s two medical schools have stepped up to the plate in a very big way by committing significant resources to address the problem.

• Develop new care delivery models

Even if efforts to increase the number of primary care physicians practicing in Wisconsin are successful, there will still be a shortage. Advanced practice providers (APPs), which include but are not limited to nurse practitioners and physician assistants, have demonstrated that within their scope of practice they can deliver quality care with high patient satisfaction.

Wisconsin’s health care systems have among the highest usage of APPs in the country, and have found innovative ways of building physician/APP teams to provide both primary and acute care. More needs to be done by the educational system, but it’s clear that in the clinical setting, Wisconsin is leading the way.

• Attract physicians to Wisconsin and keep them here

Competition among states is keen for physicians. Making physicians aware of opportunities in Wisconsin is essential.

Wisconsin has taken a big step in enhancing Wisconsin’s ability to recruit physicians with the recent launch of a career opportunity Web site, www.WisconsinPhysicianCareers.org. Less than two months old, the site has already posted more than 600 positions for physicians in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin is widely considered a great place to practice medicine. We are seen as having a collaborative and innovative practice environment, and a historically favorable malpractice climate—we just need to keep it favorable.

• Create an infrastructure to guide medical education in Wisconsin

Solving the physician shortage problem cannot be done by any single organization. That is why four years ago the Wisconsin Hospital Association, the Wisconsin Medical Society, the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, the Medical College of Wisconsin, the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative, the Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians, and the Wisconsin Academy of Physician Assistants formed the Wisconsin Council on Medical Education and Workforce (WCMEW).

WCMEW has served as a platform for addressing the physician workforce shortage and was responsible for "Who Will Care For Our Patients?" and WisconsinPhysicianCareers.org. WCMEW demonstrates that, in Wisconsin, many organizations with differing agendas can collaborate and make things happen in a positive way.

Not every recommendation has seen success—finding increased and adequate funding for graduate medical education has not been successful. Clearly, much more needs to be done. But the positive steps outlined above should tell us that if any state can tackle a problem as complex as the physician shortage, Wisconsin certainly can.

After an election that saw Democrats gain control of the State Assembly for the first time in 14 years and all branches of state government for the first time since 1986, legislative leaders were chosen this week for the upcoming 2009-2011 legislative session which begins in January.

Assembly Democrats

In the Assembly, majority Democrats elected Mike Sheridan (D-Janesville) as Speaker. Sheridan, a former local United Auto Workers Union president, was first elected to the Assembly in 2004. He defeated Rep. Jon Richards (D-Milwaukee) who had served as Minority Leader since 2003.

Following his election, Sheridan’s comments reflected the urgency of the issues facing the state, especially the looming and growing budget deficit, and the need to work with members on both sides of the aisle to develop solutions to those problems. "I want to sit down with the folks on the other side of the aisle and say, we’ve got to get things done now for the state," he said.

Sheridan is slated to address the WHA Public Policy Committee on Tuesday, November 18 in Madison.

Assembly Democrats elected Rep. Tom Nelson (D-Kaukauna) to serve as Majority Leader. Nelson beat out Rep. Pedro Colon (D-Milwaukee).

Also chosen for Assembly Leadership posts were Reps. Donna Seidel (D-Wausau) as Assistant Majority Leader and Tony Staskunas (R-West Allis) as Speaker Pro Tempore. Rep.-elect Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) was selected as Caucus Chair and Rep. Barbara Toles (R-Milwaukee) was unopposed for Caucus Vice-Chair.

Assembly Republicans

In the Assembly, minority Republicans elected Rep. Jeff Fitzgerald (R-Horicon) as Minority Leader. Fitzgerald defeated Rep. Scott Newcomer (R-Hartland).

Fitzgerald was resolute following his selection. "We’re on the right side, and we know what we have to do," he said. "Our focus is going to be getting back into the majority."

Also winning leadership posts were Rep. Mark Gottlieb (R-Port Washington) who beat Rep. Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa) in the race for Assistant Minority Leader; Rep. Scott Suder (R-Abbotsford) who defeated Rep. Mark Honadel (R-South Milwaukee) for Caucus Chair; and Rep. Joel Kleefisch (R-Oconomowoc) who was selected over Rep. Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan) for Caucus Vice Chair.

Senate Democrats

In the Senate, where Democrats maintained their majority, Senator Russ Decker (D-Weston) was re-elected as Majority Leader. Decker, who has held the post since October 2007, was the only candidate nominated for the position.

Finding solutions to the state’s economic problems is also a priority for Decker. "I think the big thing is how we’re going to come up with an economic stimulus package, put people to work, and make them feel good about the security of their jobs," he said.

The only change to last session’s Senate leadership was Sen. Pat Kreitlow (D-Chippewa Falls) who was elected president pro tempore, a post held by Tim Carpenter (D-Milwaukee) this session. Kreitlow was the only candidate nominated for the spot.

Filling out the remaining elected positions are: Sens. Fred Risser of (D-Madison), President; Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay), Assistant Majority Leader; John Lehman (D-Racine), Caucus Chair; and Kathleen Vinehout (D-Alma), Caucus Vice-Chair.

Senate Republicans

Republicans in the Senate also chose their minority leadership with Sen. Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) re-elected to his second consecutive term as Minority Leader.

"We look forward to working with the Governor and the new majority in the Assembly as well as with Senator Decker and the majority party in the State Senate to try and craft good policy for the state of Wisconsin," Fitzgerald said.

Sen. Glenn Grothman (R-West bend), the current Caucus Chair for Senate Republicans, was named Assistant Minority leader and Sen. Joe Leibham (R-Sheboygan), the current Assistant Minority Leader, becomes the Caucus Chair. Sen. Sheila Harsdorf (R-River Falls) was named Caucus Vice-Chair.

With Inauguration Day slated for January 5, 2009, members of both parties will begin work in earnest to tackle a state budget deficit currently projected to be at least $5 billion for the 2009-2011 biennium. A shortfall of an additional $400 to 500 million in the current fiscal year is also likely.

Also this week, Assembly Democratic Speaker-Elect Mike Sheridan (D-Janesville) named his appointments to the powerful Joint Committee on Finance.

Assembly Democrats serving on the Committee for the 2009-10 Legislative Session are:

Representatives Mark Pocan (D-Madison), Chair; Pedro Colón (D-Milwaukee), Vice Chair; Cory Mason (D-Racine); Jen Shilling (D-La Crosse); Gary Sherman (D-Port Wing), and Tamara Grigsby (D-Milwaukee).

The 16-member Joint Committee on Finance is a statutory, standing committee of the Wisconsin Legislature. It is comprised of eight members of the Assembly and eight members of the Senate, with six members of the majority party and two members of the minority party from each house. The primary responsibility of the Committee is to serve as the principal legislative committee that reviews all state appropriations and revenues.

In an additional appointment, Speaker-Elect Sheridan named Representative Joe Parisi (D-Madison) to serve as the Assembly Democratic Majority Whip. Parisi served as the Minority Whip in the past legislative session. Party whips are generally responsible for coordinating the party vote and strategy on important legislation and acting as a liaison between caucus members and leadership.

More committees and committee chairs, including the Assembly Health Committee, are expected to be named in the next few weeks. Watch The Valued Voice for more news.

To maintain accreditation, the UW School of Pharmacy will need to increase the number of clinical hours offered for each student. Mara Keiser, assistant dean of the UW School of Pharmacy, explained the new requirements for clinical experiences to the Council. Total hours will need to be expanded from 1,500 for each student to 1,740 hours. These increases will be necessary in both short-term experiences that are completed in the first two years of the program as well as the longer experiences in the final year. Additionally, Concordia University Wisconsin has announced that it will open a Pharmacy Program and admit students in fall 2010. These two facts create great opportunities for hospitals to expose pharmacy students to both urban and rural hospital pharmacy practice. Jo Preston, Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative, described the work done at the Coop to increase both the number of rural hospitals providing pharmacy experiences and the number within rural communities. WHA encourages members to think about creating or adding opportunities for pharmacy students. WHA will work with both pharmacy programs to expand hospital options for learning.

WHA Executive Vice President Eric Borgerding provided an overview of the election results. There appears to be significant potential for public policy relating to workforce. At both the state and national level, we can expect initiatives relative to card check, ban on mandatory overtime, staffing ratios and a long list of other items.

The Wisconsin Safety Partnership, a coalition of groups including OSHA, DWD, unions and employers has produced a PowerPoint presentation on long work hours and fatigue. The group’s focus is on worker safety. The Council reviewed the presentation, which summarizes the research available on fatigue and crosses all industry sectors. The presentation is available for use with groups. The Partnership will be presenting on the topic at local, regional and state conferences attended by risk managers and human resource professionals.

The Wisconsin Pressure Ulcer Coalition (WPUC) recently invited Wisconsin hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living, home health, and hospice providers to participate in a one year collaborative improvement project that will emphasize methods of care to prevent pressure ulcers. The project will begin in early December with the first training session December 9 in Wisconsin Dells. The project is modeled after the very successful New Jersey Pressure Ulcer Collaborative that significantly reduced pressure ulcers across the continuum of care.

Participating organizations will be expected to develop a team and be actively involved in the improvement methodologies. The project will consist of two-three learning sessions, teleconferences, monthly data submission and ad hoc support. Individualized reports will be provided that highlight improvements made in reducing pressure ulcers within each organization. The project will emphasize the importance of working across the care continuum by partnering nursing homes, hospitals and providers from other care settings with each other so that communication and problem solving may occur among multiple teams.

The WPUC was formed in December 2007 and is comprised of several Wisconsin stakeholder groups including the Division of Quality Assurance, Wisconsin Homes and Services for the Aging, Wisconsin Health Care Association, Wisconsin Hospital Association, Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative Health Initiative, Wisconsin Assisted Living Association, MetaStar, and representatives from nursing homes, home health, hospice and assisted living. The primary mission of the WPUC is to reduce the incidence and prevalence of pressure ulcers using proven strategies.

Wisconsin hospitals are strongly encouraged to register for this program. For more information about the WPUC project, contact Dana Richardson at 608-268-1824 or drichardson@wha.org or Jennifer Harrison at 1-800-362-2320 extension 8222 or jharriso@metastar.com.

Today’s news headlines are focused on financial markets in crisis. Events of the past few weeks have created high levels of uncertainty in the market, and you may have plan participants who are experiencing anxiety regarding their investments.

No one knows how the market will ultimately respond, although further consolidation may occur. However, history shows that the capital markets are creative and resilient. Although there is no guarantee that history will repeat itself, we believe that the historical record justifies confidence in the financial markets long term.

Bear in mind that as a plan fiduciary you should limit investment "advice" that you give to your participants. You may encourage participants to consider their time horizon, investment goals and risk tolerance. Please direct your plan participants to either call us or your plan vendor for advice regarding participant-level plan investment-related questions.

It is not possible to eliminate market fluctuation; however, fear-based reactions can make a temporary loss permanent. Long-term investment plans take into account that tough markets—even bear markets—are a part of investing and are often a catalyst for new opportunities.

We are confident in the process we have used to select and monitor investment alternatives contained within your plan. We will encourage your participants to keep in mind that in the face of challenging times, prudent investors who stay the course may gain in the long run. The pattern of recoveries in the market and the danger of emotional decision-making point firmly to this significance - participants should stay focused, remain patient, and maintain the investment decisions they made in the calm market.

To discuss your qualified plan or any of the investments in your plan, contact Forrest Ross at fross@wha.org or your account manager. In the meantime, encourage your participants to resist the impulse to allow short-term market turmoil to undermine long-term rational planning.

Did you know that January is national Blood Donor Month and April is Donate Life Month? There are literally hundreds of health care observances. Now you can find a list of them on WHA’s Web site at www.wha.org/education/national_observances.aspx. If you prefer hard copy, the 2009 edition of the Health Observances and Recognition Days Calendar can be purchased from the Society for Healthcare Strategy & Market Development at their Web site, www.shsmd.org.

Every year since 1998, Memorial Medical Center (MMC) and the Ashland School District form a partnership and invite their senior friends over for an evening of dining and entertainment. Over the years MMC and the school district have worked together and treated more than 5,000 seniors to a night out. This partnership brings together members of the community, ages teens to seniors; a school district and a hospital, both considered the heartbeat of a community.

The school prepares the dinners served at Ashland High School. Waiters and waitresses are school administration including the superintendent and principals, school board members, teachers, athletic coaches and students. During the meals the wait staff and hosts make a point of interacting with their guests, sitting down for a chat. There are 350 seats available and all the seats have been taken from the very first evening through the nearly 10 years of dinners.

Following the dinner, the guests adjourn to the auditorium for a play or concert presented by the high school students. The entertainment always receives rave reviews from its appreciative audience. The guests receive a health-related "party favor" of first aid kits, pedometers or health education materials. Sometimes health screens, such as blood pressure readings, are offered. The friendship and interaction shown to their guests by the school’s students, hospital and school administration and staff makes the evening one of the most popular community events. It is a fun event and also an important event the community–both those receiving and giving–sincerely appreciate.

When Memorial Medical Center Relations Director Kevin Stranberg approached the school district and hospital administration with an evening out for seniors - the hospital picking up the tab and the school providing location, staff and entertainment - both administrations embraced the idea. All of the financial aspects of the dinner are covered by MMC. The majority of the staffing of the event is covered by the school district. Often hospital board members and staff attend as well.

A synergistic effect on the education and lives of students is felt when community resources and schools work together. To this end, Rusk County Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home has partnered with secondary schools in the county to provide students unique experiences and insights into careers in the medical field.

Rusk County Memorial Hospital recently hosted the second annual Medical Discovery Days for area freshman and sophomore students interested in health care. Nearly 30 students from five local high schools took advantage of the opportunity to tour hospital departments and observe providers in action. Students served as mock patients and health providers while viewing activity on cardiac monitors, learning about diagnostic imaging procedures and analyzing laboratory results.

Within the past year, the hospital donated nearly $5,000 worth of used medical equipment and supplies to establish a lab for the Health Care Academy, a charter school authorized by the Ladysmith-Hawkins School District that delivers primary education to approximately 40 11th and 12th grade students. These students are engaged in health care focused curriculum and activities that strengthen the educational rigor and relevance leading to increased student achievement. The lab is used for the classroom portion of the Certified Nursing Assistant class, which is a part of the Academy’s academic program. The lab also serves as a classroom for adult students enrolled in CNA courses offered by the local technical college.

In addition to providing medical experiences, Rusk County Memorial Hospital offers a scholarship to assist high school students with college tuition and expenses if they are enrolled in a qualifying health career program. If eligibility requirements are met, students can qualify for up to $4,000 toward tuition payment or educational reimbursement. Scholarship recipients must be prepared to accept employment, if offered, immediately upon his/her successful completion of the program.

The Health Care Academy, Medical Discovery Days and the scholarship program help build quality health care for the community. Rita Telitz, director of human resources and initiator of the scholarship program said, "The programs we offer to area youth interested in the field of medicine promote relationships with local providers, and create job stability that results in a positive economic impact for the entire community. Long-term employees are often more reliable and more dependable workers."

"Many of our nurses at Rusk County Memorial Hospital have grown up in the area and have a vested interest in the quality of care that we provide," says Jan Neuman, director of nursing. "When your patient is a family member, your high school classmate, or a neighborhood child, the quality of health care you provide and the level of commitment are unequaled."

As part of a community health screening, the nursing team in Riverview’s Diabetes and Nutrition Center agreed to provide toenail clipping and education to the general public. Two nurses were present for the screening, and both found themselves busy the entire time with a line of people waiting throughout. Toenail clipping is a medical service covered by most insurance plans for people diagnosed with diabetes, but the nurses were surprised to discover how much this service was needed by non-diabetics who wouldn’t have any insurance to pay for it.

Following the screening, the nursing team decided to hold toenail clinics one morning per month in the Diabetes and Nutrition Center for anyone who doesn’t have the ability to care for their own feet, whether due to a hip injury, vision problem or any other reason. The nurses clip the toenails, plus provide a foot health assessment and education about overall foot care.

A minimal fee is charged for the 15-minute session, but it doesn’t begin to cover the costs of staff salaries, Dremel tools, clippers, gloves, masks, and newspaper and radio announcements and advertisements. The clinics have been filled every month, providing this much needed service to well over 100 non-diabetic community members since the program began.

"I remember one patient who told me how embarrassed he was to not be able to trim his own toenails and how grateful he was that we could provide this service," said registered nurse Linda Race, program coordinator of the Riverview Diabetes and Nutrition Center.

The center also provides pre-diabetes classes and other educational materials to help high-risk patients avoid developing Type II diabetes and the lifelong health problems that accompany this serious disease that is growing fast in our community and nation.

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