January 2005 Newsletter

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President's Greeting
Last year was an eventful year for KHSF and for healthcare in general.  The 2004 KHSF year ended with a very successful program and 2005 is getting off to a great start!  In May 2004, KHSF sponsored our annual spring program at the Kentucky Hospital Association's Annual Convention in Louisville.  Our program, entitled "Political Positions on Health Care in This Election Year" featured a guest speaker, Daniel J. Sullivan of Sullivan Consulting Group out of Atlanta Georgia.  Additionally, Senator Julie Denton, a Republican from the 36th District, and Representative Ruth Ann Palumbo, a Democrat from the 76th District spoke to attendees.  Mr. Sullivan highlighted national healthcare policy trends while Senator Denton and Representative Palumbo discussed healthcare issues facing the state.
The Fall program was held on November 19 in Lexington at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel and was attended by almost 40 KHSF members and guests.  The program topic was "Achieving Successful Physician/Hospital Joint Ventures."  John Hill of Healthcare Strategy Group and Carole Christian, an attorney with Wyatt, Tarrant and Combs, were our guest speakers.  They discussed both strategy and legal issues facing developing these specialized partnerships.
The annual Wade Mountz Visionary Award luncheon and presentation was also held during the Fall Program.  We were very pleased to have Mr. Mountz attend the luncheon and help us in presenting the award to the 2004 recipient, Sister Michael Leo Mullaney. 
The KHSF Board is looking forward to an exciting year in 2005.  We are planning several programs that will be of interest to you.  The board members are planning to contact all KHSF members by phone in the coming weeks to touch base and to get suggestions from members on needed programs. 

I am looking forward to an exciting year with KHSF and hope you are too!
Sincerely,
Rob Ramey
President, KHSF
 
2005 Kentucky Healthcare Strategy Forum Board Members
Officers
President:  Rob Ramey, Central Baptist Hospital
President-elect:  Elizabeth Cobb, Kentucky Hospital Association
Secretary:  Laura Belcher, TJ Samson Community Hospital
Treasurer:  Jennifer Marshall, Dean, Dorton & Ford
Immediate Past President:  Alan Sullivan, CMW Healthcare Planning & Design
Two-year Directors
Patti Mason, St. Joseph Hospital

Spencer Boyer, Managed Care Support Services

Mary Jo Bean, Norton Healthcare

John Mark Fones, Commonwealth Health Corporation
One-year Directors

David Miller, Healthcare Strategy Group

Amy Davenport, Methodist Hospital

Rhonda Joyce, Hardin Memorial Hospital
Membership Renewal Time!
Stay in the Loop!!  Your membership in the KHSF affords you the opportunity to participate in excellent professional learning and networking opportunities close to home.
The KHSF is a GREAT value - $60.00 for annual professional membership and $15.00 for annual student membership.  So keep us in mind.....membership renewal notices will be mailed out in coming weeks.  A membership form is also attached.  For questions regarding membership, contact John Mark Fones.
KHSF Programs for 2005
KHSF will be hosting a program on May 24, 2005, at the Kentucky Hospital Association's (KHA) 76th Annual Convention.  The convention is being held in downtown Louisville at the Hyatt Regency and the Kentucky International Convention Center May 23-25.  The convention theme is Outlook 2005 and will feature programs on the future of hospital and healthcare trends such as patient safety and quality issues, technology, policy, and an exhibit showcasing innovative healthcare products and educational opportunities.  The KHSF program will focus on the Kentucky State Health Plan and Certificate of Need (CON) Program.  Changes and challenges of the Health Plan and CON Program will be featured.  More information on KHA Convention and the KHSF program will follow.
If you have any questions or requests for upcoming KHSF programs, please contact Elizabeth Cobb at (502) 992-4364.
Sister Michael Leo:  2004 Recipient of
Wade Mountz Visionary Leader Award

Sister Michael Leo Mullaney is the 2004 recipient of the Wade Mountz Visionary Leader Award.  The award is given from time to time to individuals who have contributed greatly to healthcare in Kentucky.  The recipients must meet three criteria:

 

  1. Have made major contributions to the enhancement of healthcare in Kentucky,
  2. Exhibit leadership qualities in their own organization, other healthcare associations, and community and civic organizations and endeavors,
  3. Exhibit personal and professional qualities including integrity, creativity, and willingness to share knowledge and experience.  

 

Sister Michael Leo Mullaney clearly meets all those criteria.

The role that most of us know Sister Michael Leo for is as Administrator of St. Joseph Hospital, from 1966-1988.  In that role, her vision and leadership lead to many innovations, including:

Ø      Established the first cardiac intensive care unit in central KY

Ø      Developed first physician staffed ER in central KY

Ø      Invested in the first CT scanner in Kentucky, and the 6th in the US.

Ø      Established the first hospital helipad in Lexington

Ø      Established first balloon angioplasty program in 1981

Ø      Grew the hospital from 285 beds to 468 beds

Ø      Developed first corporate daycare center in central KY

Ø      Initiated the Appalachian Outreach Program with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth

In her careers after her tenure at Saint Joseph Hospital, she served as

Ø      President of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth 1989-92

Ø      A lobbyist for the KY Catholic Conference, 1992-94, and

Ø      Director of Missions, Diocese of Lexington, 1996-2001

She also served on a variety of boards as well, including:

Ø      Chair of KHA, for which she was the first woman chair

Ø      The board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
Her skills were perhaps best summed up the history of Saint Joseph Hospital published in 1997.  A former board member described her as "an excellent business woman, who has that rare combination of business acumen and great sensitivity to people."
Do You Have News?
Send your news items to Elizabeth Cobb.