Foresight, Newsletter for Members
of the Wisconsin Forum for Healthcare Strategy

March 2005

Letter from the President

Hello, everyone:

Here we are, in the midst of that rare season I like to call the “deep freeze/thaw” season – makes one cherish those lazy, hazy days of Summer!

Not to worry! Spring is just around the corner and, as we speak, we are feverishly at work putting together what might be one of the all-time favorite spring conferences ever. Most of you have heard of the incredible success story that has occurred over the past several years in Pensacola, Florida – that of Baptist Health Care’s journey to excellence. This real-life healthcare transformation from an “ugly duckling” to one of the most beautiful provider swans in the Press Ganey system has resulted in this dynamic organization recently earning the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award. Additionally, Baptist Health Care’s accolades have included:

  • Ranking in the top 20 of Fortune Magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For”

  • USA Today’s “Quality Cup Award”

  • VHA’s “National Leadership Award” for excellence in patient care

  • Marriott/Modern Healthcare’s “Marriott Service Award”

  • H&HN’s “Most Wired Award” for effective use of technology

  • The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare’s “National Award for Excellence”

  • Press, Ganey Associates’ “Preceptor Award for Leadership in Improving Health Care Across America”

Speaking of Press, Ganey Associates, the Fall Conference in November was also a great educational opportunity, featuring speakers from Press Ganey (“Let’s Give ‘em Something to Talk About”) and GeigerBevolo from Minnesota (“First Impressions: A Study of Twin Cities Heart Centers”). The panel discussion in the afternoon, focusing on “Ethics in Healthcare Advertising and Marketing” was a huge success and featured:

  • Ford Titus, President/CEO of ProHealth Care, Inc.

  • Mark Kaufman, MD, Senior VP & CMO of Dean Health Plan

  • Steve Brenton, President/CEO, Wisconsin Health & Hospital Association

The Wisconsin Forum for Healthcare Strategy has truly been the greatest value for the amount of financial investment I have ever known. When Tom Wetzel recruited me to the WFHS Board several years ago, I really didn’t have to give it a second thought. I had been associated with many organizations over the years, but none that represented so many diverse people involved in so many different aspects of healthcare or related support services – with two major conferences a year and great opportunities for networking.

The list of types of professionals that WFHS potentially serves is really endless since we have all evolved our approaches to our goals with the commonality of strategic thinking. This is no longer a title or “catch phrase” to describe how we plan for the near and distant future, but has truly become a mandate and pervasive to each and every function we participate in on a daily basis.

Our Board of Directors this year covers the gamut – from traditional hospital and health-system origins to agency executive to senior management in the statewide membership association. As always, WFHS is transitioning to serve the broad-based constituency that we strive to expand every year. To say we live in dynamic, transitional times would probably be a gross understatement, but WFHS is committed to maintaining excellence in our educational offerings each and every year.

When we select topics and speakers for the next conference, we examine every comment and evaluation from previous sessions, concentrating on the most recent submissions. It is from this extensive feedback (thank you, everyone for your candid and comprehensive returns!) that we formulate and plan to provide WFHS conference attendees with stimulating and usable formats and information. It is a labor of intensity, a labor of genuine interest and commitment.

I sincerely hope you find membership in WFHS a valuable part of your professional life, or if you are not a member that you seriously consider becoming one in 2005.

It is my pleasure to lead this organization this year, and I want to publicly thank the other board members who have worked diligently to put together the Spring Conference to be held April 13th at the Embassy Suites in Brookfield.

Steve Quade

Page Updated: 3/11/2005

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