The board of trustees for Syringa Hospital convened on December 17, 2023, to discuss strategies aimed at enhancing community health care services and improving the hospital’s reputation. Key topics included the promotion of wellness exams, weight loss consultations, and building trust within the community.
During the meeting, community relations and marketing coordinator Hannah Seitz presented various initiatives to increase the visibility of the clinic and its providers. One significant update she shared is the extension of the walk-in clinic’s hours, a change intended to better serve the community’s needs. “The walk-in clinic now has extended hours, and that’s something we want to get out there and let people know,” Seitz stated.
Trustee Jim Paradiso raised a pertinent question about whether the clinic has a provider specifically focused on geriatric care, considering the aging population in the area. He suggested that this specialization might be beneficial. Interim CEO Bruce Shepard responded that while no provider is exclusively geriatric-focused, the clinic continues to prioritize Medicare wellness exams, which are essential for older adults.
A Medicare wellness exam, or Annual Wellness Visit (AWV), is a preventive service designed to assess a patient’s overall health and create a personalized prevention plan. Many insurance providers encourage their clients to undergo these assessments regularly. Paradiso emphasized the importance of effectively communicating the value of these exams. “Plenty of my friends and I feel this is BS,” he remarked. “We need some marketing on it — why is it good? Why is it important, needed?”
Trustee Terri Tackett expressed concern regarding weight loss support, stating the community could benefit from more education about weight loss medications and their side effects. “People often don’t go to their doctors to answer questions but go straight to social media,” she noted. Seitz highlighted that provider Nathan Winder is particularly knowledgeable in this area and focuses on patients’ weight-related goals before considering surgical options.
Clinic Chief Operating Officer Michelle Schaeffer affirmed that all providers at the clinic have access to the same resources for treating patients, though Winder has a specific interest in weight loss. She clarified that Winder’s approach includes more than just traditional advice to “eat less, exercise more.” His methods involve investigating how current medications might impede weight loss efforts. “Dr. Smith and PA-C Winder work very well together,” Schaeffer added, emphasizing their collaborative approach to patient care.
The meeting concluded with the board members agreeing on the necessity of enhancing community education regarding available services and the importance of preventive health care. Efforts will continue to bolster the hospital’s reputation and ensure that residents are aware of the resources available to them.
As Syringa Hospital seeks to strengthen its community ties, the board remains committed to addressing the health needs of the population it serves. The initiatives discussed during the meeting represent a proactive approach to health care, focusing on education, accessibility, and trust-building within the community.
