Syringa Hospital’s board of trustees convened on December 17, 2023, to discuss strategies aimed at enhancing provider visibility and educating the community about health services. Key topics included wellness exams, weight loss consultations, and the importance of building community trust.
Community relations and marketing coordinator Hannah Seitz presented several initiatives designed to strengthen the clinic’s profile, boost the volume of bariatric surgeries, and restore the hospital’s reputation within the community. “The walk-in clinic now has extended hours, and that’s something we want to get out there and let people know,” she stated, emphasizing the need for better communication regarding available services.
During the meeting, trustee Jim Paradiso raised a question about whether any providers specialize in geriatric care, given the aging demographic in the area. “This may be something we want to implement,” Paradiso suggested. Bruce Shepard, interim CEO of Ovation Healthcare, noted that while no single provider focuses exclusively on geriatrics, the clinic’s staff remains committed to assisting Medicare patients with wellness exams.
A Medicare wellness exam, often referred to as an Annual Wellness Visit (AWV), is a preventive service aimed at assessing a patient’s overall health and creating a personalized prevention plan. Paradiso highlighted a need for improved public understanding of these exams, stating, “Plenty of my friends and I feel this is BS. We need some marketing on it — why is it good? Why is it important, needed?”
Trustee Terri Tackett contributed to the conversation by expressing a desire for more community education regarding weight loss treatments. “I think we need, as a community, more education on the (weight loss) medications people are taking and the whole laundry list of side effects,” she said, noting that many individuals often turn to social media for answers rather than consulting their doctors.
Seitz acknowledged that provider Nathan Winder has a keen interest in weight-related health issues and serves as a critical resource prior to surgical options. “He is the stop before surgical options,” she remarked. Michelle Schaeffer, the clinic’s Chief Operating Officer, affirmed that all providers have access to the same resources to assist their patients, though Winder’s particular focus on weight management sets him apart.
“And please know that as much as Dr. Smith wants to be in the operating room, he also wants to ensure surgery is the best option for patients and that they are successful in their journey,” Schaeffer added. She emphasized that Winder’s approach is comprehensive, considering factors beyond the traditional advice of “eat less, exercise more.”
The insights shared at the meeting reflect a growing commitment among Syringa Hospital trustees to enhance health education and provider visibility within the Grangeville community. By addressing pressing health concerns and promoting available services, the board aims to foster a stronger relationship between the hospital and the community it serves.
