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Get to know NRHA president-elect candidates

By NRHA Membership posted 10-08-2014 12:48 PM

  
Four members are vying to be NRHA's president-elect and multiple others are nominated for Board of Trustees and Rural Health Congress positions.

The president-elect will serve in that role in 2015 and as president in 2016.

Please review each candidate's nomination submission in advance of the voting period beginning Oct. 28.


Tommy Barnhart

In my 40-plus-year health care career I have seen tremendous change but none as dramatic or all-encompassing as we are now experiencing or about to undergo.

In my consulting experience, I have been extensively involved with rural providers of all types and will leverage that experience in my NRHA presidency.

NRHA is the strongest voice for rural health and needs strong leadership during these changing times. NRHA must continue to advocate for sustainable payment systems while new systems are developed, tested and implemented while advocating for sustainable rural workforce and delivery programs.

The rural delivery system was developed by complex regulatory and payment “silo” provisions that inhibit the development of new high quality patient-centered systems of care that are more cost effective. Through a thoughtful approach we can develop new systems of care and payment.

I can provide leadership necessary to guide NRHA into the future.


Patrick J. Branco

During my 40-year career in medicine, I have served in a wide variety of roles and environments.

My deepest passion resides in providing the highest quality of care to the most remote residents. My core belief is that care delivered personally by friends and family is closer to the heart of true medicine.

I served a 21 years in the military, half of it as a hospital corpsman and half as a commissioned officer in the Medical Services Corps. When I retired, I took my first CEO job at a tiny hospital in Ivanhoe, Minn. From there I went to run Ketchikan General Hospital in Ketchikan, Alaska, for 12 years and last year moved to Orofino, Idaho, where I have two CAH hospitals and a number of satellite clinics.

I have never lost my love or passion for the wonderful world of medicine where every day is uniquely challenging and fascinating.


Lisa Kilawee

I'm the elected secretary of NRHA and have served on the Board of Trustees for six years. I've also served as Statewide Health Resources CG chair, and on the Rural Health Congress for 10 years.

I've been an engaged member of NRHA for 16 years and am proud to be part of this amazing membership organization.

You only have to speak to someone next to you at the annual meeting to find a passionate soul.

I'm prepared to lead NRHA as it leads the national conversation on reframing the health care financial picture from liability to investment.

We've focused on reimbursement and work around policies with band-aids, instead of focusing on core policy issues that address rural circumstances. Instead of considering paying for rural people to get healthier as a liability, it should be framed as improving health outcomes for rural people as an investment in the whole country.


David Schmitz, MD

I ask for your consideration to become president-elect for one reason: that is to allow me the opportunity to serve this organization and our mission for rural health at a time of unprecedented importance.

NRHA is the one place where our collective experience and expertise can be brought together as not only “our voice louder” but also smarter.

Leadership at NRHA starts with listening and learning. As a CG chair and board member, in policy writing and in working with NRHA on projects such as the Rural Training Track and Fellows Programs, I am inspired.

There is no leadership role more at the core of my career and my personal values. Spanning my time as an NRHA Rural Health Fellow to recently being humbled by the 2014 NRHA Volunteer of the Year Award, I have continued to channel my energies and experience toward NRHA leadership and I ask for your support.


Nominating, serving as and voting for NRHA leaders are privileges for dues-paying members.
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