On December 13th and 14th I had the honor of being invited to the Rural Health Forum held by the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Iowa Healthcare Collaborative. There were great people from all aspects of the healthcare field in attendance including providers, policy makers, public health staff, pharmacists, transportation specialists, and a critical access hospital CEO to name a few. We spent a day and a half understanding each other's unique perspective on rural healthcare and brainstormed on ways to make things better. It was great to see everyone put their shields and armor away and work collaboratively. We obviously did not solve all of the concerns but continue to work together for solutions. This is a lot of what we do at Iowa Specialty Hospitals and Clinics every day. We work together to find solutions in our ever changing environment.
The next day, on December 15th I was blessed to watch our oldest walk across the stage at the University of Northern Iowa and receive her college degree in education. Next semester she will be student teaching in the West Des Moines and Waukee school districts, completing her undergraduate work. Boy did this time go by quickly! I know we can all get bogged down by the hustle and bustle of life but I encourage everyone, especially those who may have children, to take some time and focus on what really matters. As my wife and I were watching our daughter walk in during the ceremony we happened to see how she had decorated her graduation cap (something often done so those in attendance can spot their loved one easily). A picture of her cap is below. What a proud parent moment!
Until next time......
