Rural Health Rising: Recent Episodes
Hillsdale Hospital
Electronic medical records and patient portals are becoming a necessary tool for hospitals and healthcare providers to deliver care in today’s world. But implementing, managing and maintaining a functional EMR is time-consuming, expensive and taxing on an organization. So, how do rural hospitals keep their EMRs up-to-date and build a strong foundation for the evolution of their systems in the future? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with David Winn, Vice President of Parkview Connect at Parkview Health in Fort Wayne, Indiana about EMRs in rural hospitals.
Find Parkview Connect online! https://www.parkview.com/community/community-connect
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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/
Rural hospitals today face unprecedented financial challenges, cybersecurity threats, staffing shortages and more, often feeling like they are on an island, fighting a battle on all sides. So, how do rural hospitals leverage the support of organizations like the American Hospital Association to continue moving forward? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Jen Porter, Senior Vice President, Field Engagement at American Hospital Association about the various ways AHA supports hospitals across the country.
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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/
As obstetrics care around the country continues to disappear with more than 40% of rural communities without local access to delivery care, providing quality OB services in rural America has never been more important than it is today. So, how do rural hospitals build a robust, sustainable obstetrics program that improves and supports the wellbeing of their community? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Dr. Sarah Spencer, OB-GYN, at Hillsdale Hospital about obstetric care in rural hospitals and the challenges they face.
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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/
Home health care is one of the primary ways homebound seniors in rural communities can receive the healthcare they need, but providing that care is no easy feat. So, how do rural homecare providers deliver the best care possible to elderly populations? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Kathy Coe, director of Hillsdale Home Care at Hillsdale Hospital about caring for rural America’s elderly population in their homes.
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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/
Infusion services are important for many patients—especially those who receive infusions regularly and routinely—so having access to this type of care locally can have a significant impact not only a patient’s health, but their quality of life. So, how do rural hospitals build a sustainable infusion service line to create access for their patients and community? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Randy Holland, Infection Control Officer and Director of Ancillary Services right here at Hillsdale Hospital about infusion services in rural hospitals and how to keep the service line sustainable.
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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/
A strong cardiopulmonary team is a critical piece of any hospital, including rural. From emergent to inpatient to outpatient care, they are part of it all. So, how do rural hospitals build that team and support its success long-term? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Val Boyd, cardiopulmonary and sleep lab manager right here at Hillsdale Hospital about cardiopulmonary care in rural hospitals and longevity in a healthcare career.
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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/
Emergency services are a lifeline for patients suffering immediate and urgent medical conditions, and in rural America, the local hospital emergency room can be the lifeline that ensures a patient makes it until they can get to a higher level of trauma care. So, how do rural hospitals build robust emergency services and earn the trust communities? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Dr. Lance Wells, medical director of emergency medicine, right here at Hillsdale Hospital about providing emergency care in rural communities.
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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/
It is no secret that struggling rural hospitals and, by extension, the patients they serve need dedicated advocates to ensure long-term sustainability and access to care in rural America. So, how do rural hospitals effectively lobby their elected officials to create positive change in their environment? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Benjamin Frederick, Associate Vice President of Advocacy & Government Relations of Memorial Healthcare in Owosso, Mich. about advocating for rural hospitals.
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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/
A strong cardiopulmonary team is a critical piece of any hospital, including rural. From emergent to inpatient to outpatient care, they are part of it all. So, how do rural hospitals build that team and support its success long-term? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Val Boyd, cardiopulmonary and sleep lab manager right here at Hillsdale Hospital about cardiopulmonary care in rural hospitals and longevity in a healthcare career.
Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/
Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/
Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/
Emergency services are a lifeline for patients suffering immediate and urgent medical conditions, and in rural America, the local hospital emergency room can be the lifeline that ensures a patient makes it until they can get to a higher level of trauma care. So, how do rural hospitals build robust emergency services and earn the trust communities? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Dr. Lance Wells, medical director of emergency medicine, right here at Hillsdale Hospital about providing emergency care in rural communities.
Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/
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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/
It is no secret that struggling rural hospitals and, by extension, the patients they serve need dedicated advocates to ensure long-term sustainability and access to care in rural America. So, how do rural hospitals effectively lobby their elected officials to create positive change in their environment? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Benjamin Frederick, Associate Vice President of Advocacy & Government Relations of Memorial Healthcare in Owosso, Mich. about advocating for rural hospitals.
Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/
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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/
On this week's minisode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk about Hillsdale Hospital's latest campaign to connect with their team, patients, the community, and what lessons can be learned from how they connect with their own rural patients.
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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/
Network security is an important part of any hospital including rural. But rural hospitals may be even more likely targets as bad actors assume there is less security and therefore, more susceptible to breach. How do rural hospitals defy that assumption, ensuring safe networks and secure operations? On today's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak with Joshua Daugherty, Network Administrator here at Hillsdale Hospital on what it takes to keep Hillsdale Hospital safe and secure from outside threats.
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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/
Bringing specialty care to rural communities has long been a challenge for rural hospitals, and oncology is one of the most difficult service lines to recruit. At the same time, the prevalence of cancer diagnoses in rural America demonstrates the critical nature of oncological services for those patients. So, how can rural hospitals help their patients access meaningful oncological care? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Dr. Sagar Patel, radiation oncologist at Saint Francis Healthcare System in Cape Girardeau, Missouri about access to cancer care in rural America.
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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/
Education is the cornerstone of good healthcare, not just for clinical and medical purposes, but also in learning how to effectively manage a hospital. So, how do hospitals help their department heads advance their skills and become stronger leaders? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Meghan Campbell, Chief Nursing Officer for Hillsdale Hospital about her experience in the Rural Hospital CNO Certification program.
Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/
On today's minisode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk about nurse staffing ratio legislation in Michigan and the impact it could have on rural hospitals.
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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/
Telehealth was brought to the forefront of healthcare delivery models during the COVID-19 pandemic as patients were hesitant to leave their homes and the need for isolation and social distancing required more virtual care. During the public health emergency, telehealth has been reimbursed, but the future of that reimbursement is uncertain as the expected end of the public health emergency looms. So, how do rural hospitals understand and advocate for reimbursement to sustain telehealth as a standard care delivery option. On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Josh Jorgensen, Government Affairs and Policy Director at the National Rural Health Association, to discuss payment models that support rural healthcare's needs for their patients and their communities.
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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/
As rural hospitals work to serve their patients locally, accessing state-of-the-art, cutting-edge or advanced imaging technologies can be a barrier, meaning patients either leave town for care or don’t get care at all. So, how do rural hospitals expand their offerings to give patients the care they need at home? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Brian Madison, president and CEO of The HCS Group, about the need for advanced imaging in rural communities and how to meet it.
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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/
In celebration of National Rural Health Day and the two-year anniversary of Rural Health Rising, hosts JJ and Rachel discuss what “The Power of Rural” means to them.
Celebrate National Rural Health Day using #PowerofRural and #NationalRuralHealthDay on social media! https://www.powerofrural.org
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Rural hospitals often transfer patients for higher levels of care, both from the emergency room and their inpatient units. But sending them to another facility can be detrimental to the hospital, not to mention the hardship it creates for families and loved ones to visit during the patient’s hospitalization out of town. So, how do rural hospitals take care of their patients locally as often as possible? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Doris Whorley, Director of Risk Management, Patient Advocate and Recipient Rights Advisor, about the necessity of transfers and how to minimize them.
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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/
Rural hospitals need support from their state legislatures to operate in a way that not only allows them to best serve their communities, but to survive in an increasingly challenging environment. Fighting for critical funding is often an uphill battle, especially when that means supporting programs that are unpopular in their community or with their elected officials. So, how do rural hospitals ensure that their voice is heard and their critical needs are met at the state legislative level? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Mike Shirkey, State Senate Majority Leader, about ensuring rural hospitals are heard at the state legislative level.
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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/
Recruiting specialty and advanced practice providers to rural communities is a challenge for many small hospitals, especially in today’s environment. Retaining enough staff to provide needed coverage is no small feat, especially for critical services like anesthesia that keep other service lines in operation. So, how do rural hospitals recruit and keep excellent providers in their challenging and unique hospital settings? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with John Gadwood, CRNA at Hillsdale Hospital, about managing an advanced practice provider group in rural America.
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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/
Specialty outpatient services like infusion can be a risky business for rural hospitals. Such a service requires drugs that come at a very high cost and a challenging reimbursement process that can leave hospitals holding the bag and unable to sustain infusion care for their communities. So, how do rural hospitals find a way to provide specialty services like this without facing financial woes? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Jacob Dozier from Community Infusion Solutions about how partners can make specialty services possible for rural hospitals.
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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/
Rural hospitals and healthcare providers are constantly facing new challenges as the healthcare industry changes and as regulations shift. At the same time, legislators and federal agencies need to hear from rural hospitals if any new action needs to be taken for their benefit or if coming changes will impact them.
Our guest today is Carrie Cochran-McClain, Chief Policy Officer for the National Rural Health Association.
Make your voice heard to promote NRHA’s rural health FY 2023 Appropriations requests and priorities including extension of LVH/MDH hospitals, rural ambulance payments, 340B protections, telehealth provisions, and sequestration relief. NRHA has developed pre-prepared materials and talking points as guides for these conversations.
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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/
While much of the funding for rural hospitals comes through the federal government, state legislatures also play a key role in funding, supporting and safeguarding their rural hospitals. So, how do rural hospitals ensure their needs are prioritized in the state budget and through state law? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Michigan State Rep. Andrew Fink about funding and representation for rural hospitals.
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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/
Rural hospitals are often praised for their personalized approach of neighbors caring for neighbors, but along with the rest of the healthcare industry, rural providers are not immune to the increasingly less human-centered care that we sometimes see today. To help us understand the importance of more personable and less mechanical care, we welcome Dr. Charles Vear, retired Chief of Staff at our very own Hillsdale Hospital.
Rural hospitals face significant financial strain to the point of closure for more than 140 hospitals since 2010. Additionally, we are seeing many others facing a high and/or immediate risk of closing in the near future. Today, we dive back into this very important topic with our guest, David Usher, Chief Financial Officer at Ray County Memorial Hospital.
This week, JJ and Rachel continue their discussion on how the pandemic impacted individuals with disabilities with Michigan Supreme Court Justice, Richard Bernstein.
COVID-19 has had significant impacts on all sectors of the population for the past three years, but has created particular challenges for those with disabilities who use hearing and touch as communication. To help us understand how the critical institutions in our community and state need to support those with disabilities in todays COVID-19 affected world and in case of future pandemics, we welcome Michigan Supreme Court Justice, Richard Bernstein. Episode Transcript
In rural healthcare, it is essential to have support advocating for your needs and developing policies that are helpful to rural hospitals while influencing policies that could be hurtful instead. In order to find out how rural hospitals ensure that issues important to them are addressed through effective policies, we welcome Lauren LaPine, Director of Small & Rural Hospitals & Policy Programs at the Michigan Health and Hospital Association.
Connections between rural hospitals and state wide advocacy organizations that can represent them is crucial to hospital success, and even at times, their survival. These partnerships assist hospitals in providing affordable healthcare to their community, focusing on quality initiatives and even advocating for them with their local legislatures. Our guests this week are Lindsay Peters, Senior Director at MHA, and Brian Peters, Chief Executive Officer at MHA.
There are many entities that rate and evaluate hospitals for quality, safety and more. However, rural hospitals are often overshadowed or misjudged due to data collection techniques, metric designs that automatically disadvantage rural hospitals with smaller numbers, and the lack of concern for the subsequent misleading results. This week, we welcome someone who specializes in data collection and analysis for rural hospitals as we try and get an accurate picture of the challenges and successes of rural hospitals. Our guest today is Michael Topchik, National Leader of the Chartis Center for Rural Health.
Healthcare is one of the most regulated industries that exist today, and the maze of regulations continues to expand. Today, we zero in on how rural hospitals can deal with the growing complexity of the regulatory environment. Our guest this week is Martie Ross, Office Managing Principal at PYA, and Director of the Center for Rural Health Advancement.
Gaining community support through fundraising can be difficult for rural hospitals thanks to limited time, resources, and personnel dedicated to this effort. A strong development program however, can bolster the bottom line and more importantly, build affinity towards the hospital among members of the community. Our guest this week is Lisa Alexander, President of CoxHealth Foundation.
When it comes to a rural hospital becoming more financially sustainable, having a strategy is critical. This week, JJ and Rachel continue in part 2. of our discussion about the importance of strategic planning.
When it comes to a rural hospital becoming more financially sustainable, having a strategy is critical. This week in part 1, JJ and Rachel sit down to talk about the importance of strategic planning.
This week, we continue the discussion on the value rural hospitals bring when partnering with larger systems and organizations. Our guest today is Jeff Sommer, Managing Director at Stroudwater Associates.
We've talked before about how healthcare partnerships are critical to rural hospitals, but these partnerships are also beneficial to the organizations that we are joining forces with. Today, we look into the value rural hospitals bring to their partner organizations, and how to use that value to leverage more relationships with increased returns. Our guest this week is Eric Shell, Chairman of Stroudwater Associates.
Infection control is a term that is now well understood even outside of healthcare thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic. This week, we get into the challenges rural hospitals face as they implement their own infection control programs, and how those programs have changed and adapted in response to the pandemic as well as preparing for future outbreaks. Our guest today is Randy Holland, Director of Ancillary Services and Infection Control Officer here at Hillsdale Hospital.
Access to prenatal care in rural communities is critical to the health and well-being of mothers and their children, but its often difficult to access, limited in scope, or worse, non existent. To help us take a deeper look into this topic, we welcome Brittany Page, Registered Nurse, at the Bediako Birthing Center here at Hillsdale Hospital.
Connecting with federal government decision makers is an important t part of rural hospital advocacy efforts. But without a Washington DC base, it's not easy to cultivate those relationships. This week, we welcome someone who has partnered with Hillsdale Hospital to help cultivate political relationships. Our guest is Mark Mcintyre, Co-founder and Principal of Merchant Mcintyre Associates.
As rural hospitals work to provide the best quality of care for their patients, while maintaining financial solvency, programs like 340B can help make drugs more affordable. 340B and other programs can make or break a hospitals ability to remain financially solvent. But 340B is currently under threat from the pharmaceutical industry and others who would like to see it discontinued or scaled back. This week, we welcome Jeff Kauffman, Director of Pharmacy right here at Hillsdale Hospital.
Last week we discussed the myriad of headlines relating to financial losses hospitals are facing across the country. Since then we've seen even more headlines on hospitals posting significant financial losses. JJ and Rachel sit down to discuss possible solutions for hospitals as well as what the public can do to advocate for their hospitals, especially rural.
National Rural Health Association: ruralhealth.us
This week, JJ and Rachel sit down to talk about the healthcare industry's aftershocks coming on after the pandemic. We also look into some of the factors contributing to the financial situation rural hospitals find themselves in today.
We've talked quite a bit about provider recruitment challenges that rural hospitals face, and discussed on a previous episode developing a talent pipeline for nurse practitioners. Today, we are talking big picture about the role nurse practitioners play in our total continuum of care. Our guest today is April Kapu, President of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
The patient experience is not a new topic for healthcare, for rural hospitals or even for this podcast. But it’s so central to what we do and it’s a little unique in the rural environment. To dive deeper into this topic, we're talking this week to Lori Strahm, Director of Patient Experience and Strategic Partnerships for Parkview Health.
This week, JJ and Rachel sit down to talk about mergers, acquisitions and the consolidation of healthcare services in America. In addition, they examine recent data released by the Treasury Department's State of Labor Market Competition Report, and how it relates to rural health and healthcare.
State of Labor Market Competition Report: https://home.treasury.https://drive.google.com/file/d/146qC2uLgRO8bjyxi6aZniSgdfG8sMNNi/view?usp=sharinggov/system/files/136/State-of-Labor-Market-Competition-2022.pdf
We talk about healthcare policy often, and when we talk about long-term financial stability for rural hospitals, we’re usually talking about federal policy as it relates to reimbursements, payment structures, etc. But state-level healthcare policy also has a significant impact on rural hospitals. Our guest today is state Rep. Bronna Kahle serving Michigan’s 57th district.
We know chronic disease is a major concern in rural America, often coming on Community Health Needs Assessments as a key priority area with diabetes in particular. Is diabetes more prevalent in rural communities? What contributes to that? To help us answer these questions, we welcome Denise Lovinger, Director of Outpatient Dietician Programs here at Hillsdale Hospital.
Recruiting has never been a hotter topic in healthcare than it is today. Hospitals across the country are plagued with staffing shortages. In addition to recruiting new staff, advancing the staff we already have is a key strategy, particularly in rural healthcare. Our guest this week is Sarah Butler, Director of Behavioral Heath Services & Nurse Practitioner here at Hillsdale Hospital.
This week, JJ and Rachel sit down to talk about how the rural healthcare industry will look as we start to move past the pandemic.
Rural hospital leaders are more than just administrators keeping their own hospitals and healthcare services running—many of them are using their voices to be rural health advocates, speaking out on issues that affect all of us in rural healthcare. We’re speaking with someone who has worked hard in his position as a rural hospital CEO to promote the needs of rural healthcare, to the benefit of all of us. Our guest this week is Steve Barnett, President & CEO of McKenzie Health System in Sandusky, Michigan.
To provide the best possible patient care in today’s environment, hospitals and healthcare providers must have a strong IT infrastructure with systems to manage and support every part of patient care, which often comes at a high cost. This week, we’re speaking with someone who has a great deal of experience navigating the IT infrastructure of hospitals and helping them to establish the right platforms and processes to optimize their workflows and ultimately provide the best care possible. Our guest is Barry Mathis, Consulting Principal, PYA.
This week, JJ and Rachel discuss the ever rising costs that travel nursing agencies are charging to fill staffing shortages in hospitals and the domino-effect that has on health care.
The healthcare industry is not homogenous and rural hospitals know that better than anyone. Legislations that paint with a broad brush often leaves rural hospitals unsupported at best and disadvantaged at worst. This week, we welcome Josh Jorgensen, Government Affairs & Policy Director for the National Rural Heath Association, who engages in the important work of advocating for rural health on a daily basis.
This week we welcome a passionate advocate for rural health who continually brings awareness to the healthcare challenges, successes and opportunities facing rural America. Our guest today is Carrie Cochran-McClain, Chief Policy Officer for the National Rural Health Association.
There is so much in healthcare that we as leaders need to understand and keep track of to do our jobs effectively. Whether it’s trends in technology, best practices, proposed legislation or anything else, we need to know what’s going on in our industry. Our guest today is Scott Becker, Publisher of Becker’s Healthcare.
We’ve been talked about staffing challenges for months now in healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic just accelerated a trend we were already seeing before the pandemic—we knew nursing shortages were coming and then the pandemic brought that on much earlier than anticipated. This week, we talk to someone who is in the thick of this right now. We’re happy to have back with us Meghan Campbell, Chief Nursing Officer, for Hillsdale Hospital.
In rural healthcare, we are constantly working with our elected officials and advocating for the needs of our rural hospitals and communities. This week, we welcome back US Rep. Tim Walberg, representing Michigan's seventh congressional district for an update from our nation's capitol.
In rural healthcare, we are constantly evaluating at the landscape all around us, beyond just rural heath. This includes working with our elected officials, which plays a huge role in shaping the landscape of rural healthcare and our communities. This week, we welcome back Rep. Andrew Fink to discuss the issues that are impacting rural health and rural communities.
In rural health, we tend to have a very close relationship with our patients and our communities because we are always caring for our neighbors, our family, and our friends. These relationships are very close and meaningful. This week, we talk about the process in place to ensure that we are responding to the unique challenges in our own community when it comes to their important health. Our guest is John Robertson, Chief Quality, Information and Technology Officer at Hillsdale Hospital.
Employee engagement is a major focus of hospitals around the country, especially rural hospitals because it is central to how patients are cared for each and everyday. This week, we welcome back Josh Stafford for part two of our interview.
The experience a patient and their family has with a hospital or healthcare provider can affect a multitude of things including clinical outcomes, patient loyalty, and even reimbursement for healthcare services. Success in each of these areas is critical to the survival of rural hospitals. Our guest today is Josh Stafford, Account Director at Press Ganey.
This week JJ and Rachel give us an update on the vaccine mandate. We discuss the complex and often overlooked outcomes a mandate has on a rural hospital as well as the community it serves.
This week, JJ and Rachel look back and reflect on an eventful 2021 as well as look forward to what the future holds for Hillsdale Hospital.
This week, JJ and Rachel discuss the role faith plays in making a decision on vaccination, something that can be difficult to talk about in the effort to encourage more people to get vaccinated. To help navigate us through this complex topic, our guest today is Reverend Lucas Miller, Pastoral Care Director here at Hillsdale Hospital.
This week, JJ and Rachel discuss hospital safety ratings and how they might not be as helpful as they sound.
The opioid crisis in America is something that is impactful in each community in our nation. It affects our rural healthcare systems, communities and health outcomes. This week, we are talking with someone who is passionate about ending this epidemic. Our guest today is JJ Fontana, CRNA at the Center for Pain Management at Hillsdale Hospital.
We've often discussed how critical rural healthcare is as a pillar of rural economies. But strong rural economies are equally important to rural healthcare. Today we are talking to someone with quite a track record of developing rural economies by making them great places to live. Our guest today is Jaime Medlock, President and CEO of Group Stellar.
With the arrival of the federal vaccine mandate, JJ and Rachel examine what this means for Hillsdale Hospital and how this impacts everything from personal/religious beliefs to employee recruitment and retention.
Population health management is critically important for rural communities where health outcomes are often poorer than in non-rural communities, leaving rural Americans naturally disadvantaged when it comes to their health and all that it impacts in their lives. Our guest today is Chip Pursell, Principal Investigator of The Lincoln Project in Eastern Arkansas and Eastern North Carolina.
Rural hospitals typically serve smaller populations, but today, we are talking about rural hospitals that serve geographically isolated locations. Our guest today is David Jahn, President and CEO of War Memorial Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, MI.
This week JJ and Rachel discuss the potential ramifications of the upcoming federal vaccine mandate, and how the mandate could affect rural hospitals and the communities they serve.
With Hillsdale Hospital receiving a record number of COVID cases, it's all hands on deck at the hospital. So, we don't have a traditional episode for you this week, but instead we have a small collection of some of our favorite past moments, as well as some outtakes and behind-the-scenes audio.
This week, we are discussing one hospital's creative solution to manage the health of their growing number of COVID-19 patients. A system implemented early in the pandemic and used ever since. Our guests today are Kathy Bailey, CEO and Dr. Anthony Frank, CMO, of UNC Health Blue Ridge.
This week, JJ and Rachel discuss the challenges posed to rural hospitals from the pandemic as cases increase, and while some hospitals are seeing some of the worst surges their communities have experienced.
This week, are talking about specialty care and how rural hospitals can bring back services and service lines that may have left their communities for one reason or another. Our guest today is Nicholle Mehr, Chief Strategy Officer at Hillsdale Hospital as well as President and CEO of The Mehr Group. The Mehr Group: themehrgroup.com
This week, we talk about growing and cultivating our own talent here at Hillsdale Hospital. Our guest today is Chief Nursing Office, Megan Campbell.
Today, we talk about the challenges rural hospitals face when recruiting providers to their communities. We also learn about an innovative program, designed to educate and recruit nurses to rural communities. Our guest today is Nichole Rouhana, Director of Graduate Nursing at the Decker School of Nursing at Binghamton University, in Binghamton New York.
This week, Rachel and JJ discuss how good partnerships with larger systems can benefit rural hospitals, and how those partnerships can ultimately benefit the patient.
This week, JJ and Rachel take their gloves off to discuss the often sinister tactics used by large hospital systems when attempting to acquire smaller, rural hospitals.
Today we are talking about capital formation and debt management strategies for rural hospitals and healthcare providers. Our guest today is Shelley Aronson, President of First River Advisory
Today we talk about leading through adversity in the rural hospital world. We know rural hospitals face significant challenges and leaders have to rise to the occasion to push through. Our guest today is Lili Petricevic, Chief Executive Officer at Sheridan Community Hospital.
Today we are talking about the differences between healthcare providers and public health agencies in rural communities--two groups that have been challenged more than ever before in the wake of a global pandemic. Our guest today is John Robertson, Chief Quality, Information & Technology Officer for Hillsdale Hospital.
Today we are talking about critical access hospitals and how they impact the health of the communities they serve. We’ve discussed critical access hospitals before, but now we’re going to look at a recent study about the health outcomes of communities with critical access hospitals, particularly in comparison to rural communities without them. Our guest today is Dr. Tony Slonim, President & CEO of Renown Health in Reno, Nevada.
Links to Dr. Slonim's Studies
Latest Study: Exploring the Relationship Between Critical Access Hospitals and Rural County Health, June 2021 https://bit.ly/2VhFUrx
Study Discussed in Rural Health Rising Episode 7: Challenges confronting rural hospitals accentuated during COVID-19, September 2020 https://bit.ly/3l7Clir
Past Study: Critical Outcomes: Clinical & Team Performance Across Acute Illness Scenarios in Emergency Departments of Critical Access Hospitals, June 2012 https://bit.ly/3lhBSdk
Today we talk about strategy in rural healthcare, and the specialty and supportive services that patients need. Our guest this week is Nicholle Mehr, Chief Strategy Officer at Hillsdale Hospital.
This week, JJ and Rachel discuss the importance of effective leadership from a CEO, and we also learn about JJ's journey to becoming Hillsdale Hospital's CEO.
JJ and Rachel look back on how the podcast started and reflect on their favorite moments from the last 30 episodes, as well as where the show is going in the future.
Population health management is a major focus for healthcare organizations across the country. Our guest today is John Barnas, Executive Director of the Michigan Center for Rural Health.
This week, part 2 of our interview with Dr. Ali Shukr, as we continue to discuss what many consider to be traditional hospital care: inpatient, acute care.
This week, we dig in to what many consider to be traditional hospital care: inpatient, acute care. Our guest today is Hillsdale Hospital's very own Dr. Ali Shukr, Medical Director of Hospital Medicine.
Risk management is an element of running and sustaining a health care organization that often is an afterthought when discussing healthcare operations and challenges. Our guest today is Doris Whorley, Queen of Hillsdale Hospital.
This week, Rachel and JJ reflect on their first experiences with rural health and how it impacted their lives and careers.
We finish up our pillars series with part five: growth. Our guest today is Paula Autry, Senior Vice President and CEO for Henry Ford Health Systems Central Market and President and CEO of Henry Ford Allegiance Health.
We continue our pillars series with part four: finance. Our guest today is Mark Gross, Chief Financial Officer at our very own Hillsdale Hospital.
Today, we focus on the third part of our Pillars series: quality. Our guest is Yvonne Anderson, Accreditation and Employee Health Director at Sparrow Health System.
Providing an excellent standard of service has become more and more important in the healthcare world. Hospitals and health systems are finding new ways to enhance the level of service they provide their patients. Our guest today is Dr. Kurt Roecker, Medical Director of Outpatient Primary Care Clinics for Hillsdale Hospital.
We kick off our pillars series, with people because it truly is central to everything we do. And today we’re going to learn about cultivating great relationships with and among our team. Our guest today is Mark Noon, Principal of Leadership10.
Today we kick off our series on the five healthcare pillars that we center our operations on. Each week for the next five, we’ll do a deep dive into one of these pillars.
One of the most important areas of focus for us is the environment in which rural hospitals operate and how policy can directly and decisively help or hurt our ability to continue taking care of our communities. Our guest today is Samuel Chen, Principal Director of The Liddell Group
This week we’re focusing in on the challenges that come with recruiting and retaining the entire workforce in a rural hospital—not just the leadership team. Our guest today is Stacy Feltz, Chief Administrative Officer right here at Hillsdale Hospital.
The job of a rural hospital leader is a tough job to be in and it can really take its toll without the proper support, education and peer network to help get you through. Our guest today is Bill Auxier, CEO of the Center for Rural Health Leadership and host of the Rural Health Leadership Radio podcast.
JJ and Rachel discuss their thoughts on why the best care is local, and what it means to the communities they serve.
The final installment of our series on the 5Ps we learned from Mark Holmes of the North Carolina Rural Health Research Center. Today we’re wrapping up with the fifth P: payment. Our guest today is Opal Greenway, Director of Stroudwater Associates
The fourth installment of our series on the 5Ps we learned from Mark Holmes of the North Carolina Rural Health Research Center. Today we’re covering Practice. Our guest today is Seth Gibson, Director of Outpatient Services for Hillsdale Hospital.
We are on part 4 of our series on the 5Ps we learned from Mark Holmes of the North Carolina Rural Health Research Center. Today we’re talking about profitability. Our guest today is newly-elected state Representative Andrew Fink representing District 58 in Michigan.
We are on part 2 of our series on the 5Ps we learned from Mark Holmes of the North Carolina Rural Health Research Center. We covered population in part 1 and now we’ve made it to policy.Our guest today is Representative Tim Walberg, United States Congressman representing Michigan’s seventh congressional district.
Population is critical to rural hospitals, not only from a patient volumes perspective, but also when it comes to recruiting talent, retaining talent, and improving the payer mix. Our guest today is Sue Smith, Executive Director of the Hillsdale County Economic Development Partnership.
Today we’re talking about rural hospital closures. How big is this problem? Our guest today is Mark Holmes, director of the North Carolina Rural Health Research Center at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Today we’re talking about resourcefulness in rural healthcare. How rural hospitals and healthcare providers get creative to get things done. Our guest today is John Supplitt, Senior Director of Field Engagement for Rural Health Services at the American Hospital Association.
Today we’re talking about the epidemiology of COVID-19, how it’s affected rural America differently than urban and suburban areas, and the impact of testing in the fight against pandemic. Our guest today is Jon Baker, Director of Labs for Sparrow Health Systems in Lansing, Michigan.
Today we’re talking about rural health finance. Our guest is Gregg Beeg, President & CEO of Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall, Michigan.
Today we’re talking about partnerships and collaborations that help rural hospitals provide more types of care to their communities. Our guest today is Brian Long, CEO of Memorial Healthcare in Owosso, Michigan.
Today we’re talking about the COVID-19 pandemic specifically, we’re going to focus on the effects it has had on rural hospitals and healthcare systems. Our guest today is Dr. Anthony Slonim, President & CEO of Renown Health in Reno, Nevada.
Partnerships and affiliations help rural hospitals and healthcare providers expand and sustain access to care in their communities. Our guest today is Chris Lutes, Executive Vice President and Group Operating Officer for SCP Health.
We do not have a new episode for you this week, but we want to give you a little preview of what’s coming up in the New Year, plus ask for your help!
Today we’re talking about COVID-19 in rural hospitals—what are we seeing in our hospital and how we and our rural counterparts handle the challenges it brings. Our guest today is Loren Corbin, Chief Nursing Officer at Hillsdale Hospital
Today we'll be talking about economic development in rural communities. We are joined by Eric Doden, former president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and current president of Pago USA, a development firm that partners with small towns and rural communities.
From patient falls, hospital-acquired infections and hand hygiene, we do a lot to keep our patients safe and give them the best quality care possible. Today we are joined by Sam Watson, Senior Vice President of Field Engagement for the Michigan Health & Hospital Association.
Critical Access Hospitals are a specific and unique segment of the rural hospital market within the broader healthcare industry. Today we are joined by Tim Johnson, chief executive officer of Eaton Rapids Medical Center in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, who runs an independent critical access hospital.
Rural hospitals and healthcare providers are the underdogs, facing financial woes head on, fighting off mergers and acquisitions, and aggressively recruiting talent so they can continue to take care of their families, neighbors and friends. Often representing one of the largest employers in their communities, rural hospitals are pillars of rural economies. In this first episode of Rural Health Rising, meet hosts JJ Hodshire and Rachel Lott who will tell you what this podcast is all about!