A Message from the CEO - May 2025

I’m writing this during hospital week.  This place fills me with so much pride … Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics is truly amazing.  I was thinking about all the changes in the system over the last 3 decades, and I can’t think of many (I’m sure there are some) areas that haven’t changed at least once over the years.  From physical space to departments to additional clinics … etc. etc. etc. 

I used to keep all of my fortune cookie sayings, and one of them said something like, “Those who refuse to change, will soon perish.”  I liked that one.  Also, “Change is the only constant.” (Basically, it’s the only thing you can count on.)

I hate change.  I like to think that people assume that I love change - but I don’t.  It’s bothersome and annoying.  This is why I’ve been here so long and haven’t moved out of my house.  My dad was the same way - he used to tell me, “There’s nothing wrong with a comfortable rut.”  I have an issue with the word rut, though. My friend (who has since passed) would tell me, “Oh, they can replace that window after I die - it’s cloudy and bothersome, but I can live with it.”  I asked her what she was waiting for.  Will replacing the window bring joy into your life allowing you to see what you’ve been missing?  Yep, she said and she replaced it.  Even though I’m in the same physical location, nothing is the same.

Change is like an upcoming storm.  (Have you ever had your kitchen or bathroom remodeled?  Nightmare and case in point.)  No one likes change but if you want to see what’s possible, you’ll pay for that new window. It’s amazing what you’ll see.*