Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., visited four communities in greater Nebraska last week to meet community and hospital leaders, learn about health care needs and discuss ways UNMC can partner with them to address those needs.
“It was a fantastic opportunity for me to meet leaders in these communities and really get a better understanding of their strengths, needs and challenges,” Dr. Gold said. “UNMC is committed to serving all areas of Nebraska, not only through providing most of the state’s health care workforce, but also through meaningful partnerships and programs that can really benefit rural communities.”
In addition to his meetings with hospital officials and community leaders, Dr. Gold did several media interviews throughout his trip. See the the Grand Island Independent’s article here.
Dr. Gold and Bob Bartee, vice chancellor for external affairs, visited Columbus, Grand Island, Hastings and Fremont.
NU Regent Jim Pillen, a board member at Columbus Community Hospital, said Dr. Gold’s trip sent a powerful message about the importance that UNMC places on health care in Columbus.
“I thought he offered insightful comments and listened intently about our region’s health care workforce issues, and I appreciated his perspective on the regional provider network,” Pillen said.
Eric Barber, president and CEO of Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings, said that his organization sees tremendous value in having a strong relationship with UNMC.
“We truly appreciate Dr. Gold visiting the Hastings area and discussing ways that we can continue to partner,” Barber said. “Most notably for me was the fact that Dr. Gold shares our common vision of doing what is best for the patients that our respective organizations care for.”
Patrick Booth, president and CEO of the Fremont Area Medical Center, said he was impressed with Dr. Gold’s grasp of current issues and his vision for the future.
Ralph Bradley, a Grand Island attorney, was among several community and business leaders who met with Dr. Gold. Dr. Gold also met with St. Francis CEO Dan McElligott and members of his leadership team.
“I think everyone who met with Dr. Gold was impressed by his command of health care issues and his willingness to listen to the specific challenges that we have in Grand Island,” said Bradley, who chairs the UNMC Board of Counselors, a statewide advisory board to the chancellor.
“We had great discussions throughout this visit, and I look forward to many more such conversations throughout the state in the coming months,” Dr. Gold said.