innerViews_summer2013 - Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare

(inner)Views 

SUMMER 2013 

FY14 Strategic Plan focuses on growth opportunities 

and efficiency initiatives 

The Wheaton Franciscan Services Board of Directors has 

adopted the organization’s strategic plan for fiscal year 2014. 

“In the last two years, we have included a greater level of 

detail in our system strategic plan, which has given us a 

higher level of accountability for executing the strategies, 

commented John Oliverio, President and CEO. 

With many of the strategies, Wheaton leaders are building 

on work that started in FY13 or before but there are a 

number of new strategies. “More than ever, we have to 

be focused on efficiency,” Oliverio added, “but I am also 

excited that we have several new growth initiatives that 

are critical to our short and long-term success as 

an organization.” 

Here is a summary of the major strategies identified to 

achieve each of our goals: 

Financial Viability 

Wheaton leaders will put a continued focus on achieving 

operational excellence with an emphasis on pharmacy 

savings; labor management initiatives to achieve internal 

best practice; improving WFMG productivity and efficiency; 

and intensifying use of methodologies to become more 

efficient in our care delivery processes. 

In addition, we will analyze and determine the direction for 

a new clinical and revenue cycle information systems. 

“As our strategic plan is the detailed roadmap 

for us to get to where we want to be, I am 

encouraged by the commitment of our 

leaders to not only create a plan of this 

caliber, but also to do what it takes to bring 

it to fruition.” 

JOHN Oliverio 

PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 

WHEATON FRANCISCAN HEALTHCARE 

In Iowa, leaders will undertake a comprehensive evaluation 

of outpatient surgery opportunities including exploration of 

a Robotics program, Ambulatory Surgery Center, and 

Operating Room expansion. 

In Illinois, a strategy will focus on marketing opportunities 

related to the recent expansion of Marianjoy sub-acute 

services to grow our referral base and admissions. 

Clinical Excellence 

Under Clinical Excellence, we will continue to demonstrate 

meaningful use of the Electronic Health Record and meet 

the next step requirements. In a related strategy, we will 

continue optimization of EpicCare Ambulatory for physician 

offices to increase efficiency and effectiveness. 

(continued on page 2) 

System Highlights 

Partnership with Goodwill Industries improves Associate Partnership Survey results. Wheaton completes Community Health 

patient advocacy. Learn more on page 7. Details on page 8. Needs Assessments. More on page 10. 

SUMMER 2013 

Sponsored by Summer the Wheaton 2012 Franciscan • (inner)Views Sisters 

X

FY14 Strategic Plan (continued from page 1) 

As in previous plans, we will prioritize achievement of top 

performance in Value-Based Purchasing. 

New to the strategic plan, we will maximize use of clinical 

simulation technology in Southeast Wisconsin to improve 

workforce readiness and preparedness in nursing. 

Patient and Family Experience 

In order to enhance our understanding of patients’ needs 

and perceptions, we are implementing a rollout of Patient 

and Family Advisory Councils at each hospital in the 

Wheaton system. 

Furthermore, we will continue to pursue achievement of top 

performance for Valued-Based Purchasing/CAHPs surveys. 

In Iowa we are pursuing growth in “point of access” visits 

including the Emergency Department, convenient care, and 

primary care in order to improve care coordination and our 

patient and family experience. 

Employer of Choice 

Workforce readiness and preparedness with an emphasis 

on nursing is our main focus for FY14. In addition, we will 

redesign our performance management system including 

the PEP and LEAD process and forms. As always, we will 

address improvement opportunities as identified in the 

recent Associate Partnership Survey. 

Physician Partnership 

In Southeast Wisconsin, we will build on growth initiatives 

in orthopedics and neurosciences to maximize past 

investments and strengthen physician relationships. For 

oncology services, we are working to develop a regional 

presence through aligned, best practice care delivery 

models. We are also pursuing a consolidation of cardiology 

by sharing services. In addition, we will implement 

transitions to new hospital-based anesthesia and radiology 

provider groups across several markets. 

In Iowa, we are developing an interventional radiology 

service line and making improvements to the facility. 

We will also execute on redesign plans and associated 

recruitment efforts to support pain management, 

neurosurgery, and neurology growth opportunities. 

Total Health Management 

In Southeast Wisconsin, a major strategy is focusing on 

the development of the physician network and clinical 

integration necessary for the success of our Quality Health 

Solutions initiative. 

We are also pursuing care model design efforts to support 

population health management plans for use with QHS and 

the Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare associate health plan. 

A related strategy calls for the integration of nurse 

leadership in ambulatory care settings to improve 

population health management. 

Furthermore, we are expanding care coordination for 

vulnerable populations to reduce avoidable ED admissions 

and hospital readmissions. 

Iowa leaders are focused on achieving the Wellmark shared 

savings opportunity. 

Finally, Marianjoy leaders will work with primary care referral 

sources to improve care transitions for post-acute patients in 

order to reduce readmissions to the referring hospitals. 

Franciscan Ministries Strategies 

Here are the key strategies from Franciscan Ministries’ strategic plan for our housing ministry: 

• Through refinancing, obtain the capital necessary to rehabilitate and improve physical plants and the financial 

position of eligible properties 

• Explore process redesign opportunities to enhance integration between services and management; adjust 

staffing hours to better meet needs of residents 

• Enhance resident services (improved computer technology access; redesigned “person-centered” activities) 

• Implement action plans to address feedback from Associate Partnership Survey 

• Improve talent development practices to reduce turnover 

2 (inner)Views • Summer 2013

Dear Friends, 

As we move 

forward in a 

period of vast 

change in the 

health care 

industry, I am 

pleased to 

report that Wheaton Franciscan 

Healthcare continues to be 

successful in our strategic goal 

areas. Through the third quarter 

of FY13, our bottom line is 

approximately $67 million including 

investment income. As we close 

out our fiscal year, we expect to 

maintain a strong balance sheet, 

which will position us well as we 

navigate our way through health 

care reform. 

This is not to say that we do not 

face many unknowns. Because of 

the uncertainty in state and federal 

health care exchanges and state 

decisions on Medicaid expansion, 

our FY14 financial planning cycle 

has been extremely challenging. 

During our budget process, we 

addressed a structural deficit of 

$20 million based on expected 

reductions to reimbursement which 

have become reality. As a result, 

our longtime focus on efficiency 

and commitment to quality 

improvement are more critical now 

than ever. You can read more about 

our systemwide strategic plan on 

pages 1 and 2. 

I also invite you to learn more about 

our recently completed Community 

Needs Assessments on page 10. 

All not-for-profit hospitals are 

required by the Affordable Care 

Act to complete assessments and 

implementation plans which will 

address identified community 

health needs. While these 

assessments are part of health care 

reform, they support the work that 

Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare 

has always done, which is meeting 

the needs of the communities 

we serve. 

I am pleased to announce that the 

results from this year’s Associate 

Partnership Survey indicate that 

we are making progress since our 

last survey in fall 2011. However, 

while our Overall Partnership, 

Satisfaction, and Engagement 

scores improved, we recognize that 

we still need to make significant 

improvement to achieve our Vision 

of being the Health Care Employer 

of Choice. More information on our 

results and next steps can be found 

on page 8. 

Many thanks for your work in 

positioning Wheaton Franciscan 

Healthcare for success. I am 

confident that our continued 

dedication to our Mission of 

providing exceptional and 

compassionate health care and 

quality affordable housing will 

serve us well as we transition into 

the future. 

Sincerely, 

John D. Oliverio 

President and Chief Executive Officer 

Summer 2013 • (inner)Views 3

A Word 

From Our Sponsors 

As a Wheaton Franciscan Sister, I hold sacred 

the stories of our heritage as they serve as a 

reminder of our Mission of meeting the needs 

of the times. I often reflect on the life of our 

foundress, Mother Clara Pfaender, who 

established a convent in Salzkotten, Germany 

in the late 1800s and immediately began 

caring for and educating the orphans within 

that town. As she and her sisters began 

witnessing so many people suffering with 

illness, she also began to serve the sick and 

dying in their homes. Mother Clara saw the 

needs of the community and jumped at the 

opportunity to serve them directly and 

through prayer. 

During our most recent Sponsor Visits, 

I took great pride in hearing about that similar 

passion for service to our communities by our 

leaders, physicians, and associates. There 

was considerable attention to making our 

communities healthier and building 

trusting relationships. 

We heard about many programs focused on 

the health and wellness of the poor, who are 

at the heart of our ministry. We know that 

associates are taking initiative and getting 

involved in their communities in an effort to 

help people secure what they need to maintain 

healthy lifestyles. Across the Wheaton System 

there is an emphasis on building 

and enhancing community relationships by 

obtaining feedback and listening to 

community needs. 

On page 10, you have the opportunity to learn 

more about our Community Health Needs 

Assessments, which are now required by the 

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. 

The process of identifying the needs within 

the community and responding with 

compassionate and excellent service is at 

the core of our Mission and are the roots 

of our heritage. In identifying how our 

service contributes to the health of our 

neighborhoods, we continue the ministry 

Mother Clara and her sisters began so many 

years go. Though it has become a much more 

formal and regulated process, we continue her 

discernment for how our service continues the 

healing ministry of Jesus, and we bring it to life 

through our purpose, presence, and personal 

commitment to our patients and to the 

communities we serve. 

Sincerely, 

Sister Mary Beth Glueckstein, OSF 

Chair, Sponsor Member Board 


Measures of Our Mission 

Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare’s Mission is to live out the healing ministry of Jesus by providing exceptional and 

compassionate health care service that promotes the dignity and well being of the people we serve. Beyond providing 

excellent care and service, our Mission calls us to work to meet the greatest needs of our communities. Here is one 

example of how Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare is living out our Mission. 

Corporate Services Office helps grow local, minority-owned businesses through new partnership 

Thanks to a new partnership with 

Walnut Way Conservation Corporation 

and Blue Skies Landscaping, Wheaton 

Franciscan Healthcare is helping make 

the Milwaukee community stronger, 

healthier, and better. Wheaton has 

contracted with Walnut Way and Blue 

Skies for grounds keeping services at its 

Corporate Services Office in Glendale. 

The relationship is a result of Wheaton’s 

participation with the Milwaukee 

Community Business Collaborative 

(MCBC), a non-profit organization 

focused on lifting people out of poverty 

through employment. One of the 

initiatives of MCBC is to work with 

local, typically nonprofit “anchor 

institutions” that can leverage their 

purchasing power to create or expand 

local, minority-owned businesses. In 

turn, new jobs and viable, locally-owned 

economic enterprises are created to 

help stabilize poor neighborhoods. 

Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare is one 

of six anchor institutions. The others 

include Aurora Health Care, Children’s 

Hospital of Wisconsin, Marquette 

University, Froedtert Health, and the 

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. 

Blue Skies Landscaping is a program 

of the Walnut Way Conservation 

Corporation that advances greening and 

food production practices in the Lindsay 

Heights neighborhood and greater 

Milwaukee area. Led by residents, Blue 

Skies installs gardens and fruit trees, 

maintains the Walnut Way campus, 

performs snow removal, and executes 

landscape contracts on public and 

private properties. Blue Skies also offers 

job training in landscape horticulture for 

the neighborhood and is a source of 

sustainable income for the nonprofit 

Walnut Way organization. 

“Inspired by the Evergreen Cooperative 

Model in Cleveland, our goal is to 

transform neighborhoods by engaging 

anchor institutions to employ and help 

support local businesses. We are 

delighted and grateful to Wheaton 

Franciscan Healthcare for this 

opportunity,” said Sharon Adams, 

Lindsay Heights resident and 

co-founder of Walnut Way. 

Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare Supply 

Chain leaders saw the opportunity to 

partner with Blue Skies Landscaping 

when the grounds keeping contractor 

for the Corporate Services Office went 

out of business. “It just seemed like the 

perfect fit for Wheaton,” Terri Kendrick, 

Director of Purchasing, said. “We are 

dedicated to making our community 

stronger, healthier, and better and one 

way to do that is by supporting local, 

diverse businesses.” 

Together with Wheaton Facilities, 

Supply Chain has worked with Walnut 

Way to bring Blue Skies Landscaping to 

the Corporate Services Office. Blue 

Skies began maintaining the Glendalebased 

grounds in April and will continue 

to do so throughout the year. Plans 

include the installation of a vegetable 

garden, along with regular landscaping 

services and winter snow removal. 

Jaimie Moody and Victor Zelaya plant flowers. 

Kenneth Barron, Sr., Victor Zelaya, and 

Jaimie Moody 

“We have found the Blue Skies team 

to be very enthusiastic, responsive and 

a pleasure to work with,” Terri said. 

“We are extremely excited about the 

partnership between Blue Skies and 

Wheaton,” said Bill Krugler, President of 

MCBC. “After months of planning and 

discussions, it is great to see the anchor 

institution purchasing initiative come to 

life in the form of our first official 

contract with Wheaton.” 


Advocacy Overview 

Medicaid coverage changes 

The passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010 and 

subsequent Supreme Court ruling in 2012 forced states to 

make decisions about the future design of their Medicaid 

programs. One of the core decisions relates to whether or 

not a state will choose to expand coverage and receive 

additional federal support for doing so. In many states 

around the nation, this decision has triggered some changes 

to current eligibility levels, which will lead to a transition in 

coverage options for many patients. 

What are Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin doing 

Illinois and Iowa 

The state legislatures in both Illinois and Iowa have 

approved bills that will take advantage of federal funds to 

expand Medicaid to cover non-pregnant individuals up to 

133% Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Pregnant women and 

children are covered at a higher level. Governor Quinn in 

Illinois is expected to sign the bill soon, which means 

Medicaid coverage for approximately 500,000 new 

individuals in 2014. 

In Iowa, Governor Branstad signed legislation in June that 

allowed for coverage of individuals up to 133% FPL under a 

hybrid program that will expand coverage for approximately 

150,000 individuals. Residents up to 100% FPL will be 

covered under Medicaid; those with incomes between 101% 

and 133% will be eligible for a new plan: the Iowa Health 

and Wellness Plan. Under this plan, Medicaid will pay the 

premiums for individuals between 101% and 133% FPL, 

provided they participate in certain wellness-related 

activities that are designed to help keep them healthier. 

Both Illinois and Iowa will receive federal funding to cover 

100% of the Medicaid expenses for these newly covered 

individuals. 

Wisconsin 

On June 30, Governor Walker signed the biennial state 

budget into law which provides significant changes to 

Wisconsin’s Medicaid program. Currently, the program 

covers non-pregnant individuals with incomes up to 200% 

FPL. The proposal sent to the Governor decreases the 

eligibility for Medicaid to 100% FPL. Wisconsinites making 

more than 101% FPL will be eligible to seek subsidized 

coverage in the Health Insurance Marketplace, sometimes 

referred to as an Exchange. These changes mean that 

approximately 87,000 Wisconsinites will move off Medicaid 

into the Marketplace, and approximately the same number 

will become newly eligible for Medicaid. Wisconsin will not 

receive additional federal funding for its Medicaid program 

under this plan. 

Because there are significant concerns regarding the ability 

to effectively transition patients from one program to 

another, as well as the concern that the Marketplaces may 

not be fully functional from day one of operation, Wheaton 

and other area hospitals lobbied the Governor and Legislature 

to make no changes to the current program this year. 

While we were not successful at convincing policy makers 

to delay changes, they did include some modest funds 

targeted to assist hospitals in caring for patients who may 

find themselves uninsured because of the transition period. 

Rest assured, we will be keeping a watchful eye on the 

program and doing our part to help individuals get enrolled 

to maintain their coverage in one program or another. 

What does Federal Poverty Level mean in dollars 

Below is a chart showing the annual income in 2013 that 

represent 100% and 133% of the Federal Poverty Level. 

Household Size 100% 133% 

1 $11,490 $15,282 

2 15,510 20,628 

3 19,530 25,975 

4 23,550 31,322 


Partnership with Goodwill Industries works to improve 

patient advocacy in Southeast Wisconsin hospitals, 

medical group 

Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare hospitals and medical 

group offices throughout Southeast Wisconsin are 

beginning to see positive results thanks to a now two-year 

partnership with Goodwill Industries. 

In 2011, Wheaton joined forces with Goodwill Industries 

to launch the workforce development training program 

known as Project PRISM, which stands for Prepared, 

Ready, Inspired, Service Oriented, and Mindful of Mission. 

Nearly two years later, 349 individuals have come through 

the program. 

Project PRISM was originally designed to recruit, train, and 

hire new associates who have a positive service attitude 

and demeanor and are willing to learn the technical skills 

necessary for success in the health care industry. No 

previous health care experience is needed. Since the 2011 

pilot program, Project PRISM training has been expanded 

to existing Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare Patient Access 

Representatives in all Southeast Wisconsin hospitals, 

Central Scheduling, Precertification, as well as to Medical 

Assistants and Patient Service Representatives in the 

Wheaton Franciscan Medical Group offices in the North 

and Central Market. 

Initial program results have been very positive, said 

Kathy Kuri, Project PRISM Lead and Director of Revenue 

Operations Integrity for Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare. 

“We have seen our Press Ganey scores increase by 45% 

over the previous year regarding the ‘helpfulness of 

registration personnel,’” she said. 

Rob Bauer, Vice President of Human Resources, added that 

Patient Access, Central Scheduling, and Precertification 

have seen a slight reduction in turnover since the project 

begun. “Voluntary turnover is currently at 8.2%, which 

is down from 9.64% when we started in 2011,” he said. 

“We have also seen agency usage outside of the program 

decrease by 75% and overtime in these same areas has 

been reduced by 89% from 2011 to 2012.” 

In the Medical Group, work continues to ensure that 

the “Always Behaviors” (see sidebar) are happening 

consistently to provide the best service to patients. 

Quarterly observations are occurring in a combined effort 

Always Behaviors (consistent with 

Wheaton’s Promise to Patients and Families) 

• Smile 

• Make eye contact 

• Greet the patient and ask them how they would like 

to be addressed 

• Explain what you are doing 

• Explain why you are doing what you are doing 

• End every interaction by asking, “Is there anything 

else I can do for you 

• Thank the individual for choosing Wheaton 

Franciscan Healthcare or “Thank you for letting us 

take care of you today.” 

with Patient and Family Experience and Revenue Cycle 

Integrity teams. 

“This is very much a work in progress and we’re still refining 

as we go along,” Kuri said. 

The Project PRISM training program begins with a 

three-day Orientation, led by Goodwill, covering patient 

experience, interpersonal, and life skills. This is followed 

by one to two weeks of intensive job-specific technical 

training led by Wheaton’s education team. Finally, each 

new associate is placed on-the-job as a Goodwill 

TalentBridge employee for up to three months, supported 

by a Wheaton preceptor and a Goodwill job coach. 

“Wheaton is proud of the investment we’re making in our 

associates through development programs like Project 

PRISM,” said Coreen Dicus-Johnson, Senior Vice President 

of Physician and Revenue Operations. “We want to be sure 

that we’re hiring the associate that is the best fit for our 

organization’s Mission and Values, and our partnership 

with Goodwill is helping make this happen.” 


Associate Partnership Survey results show improvement in 

partnership, satisfaction, and engagement 

The 2013 Associate Partnership Survey results are in and 

Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare has continued to make 

positive progress since the last survey in fall 2011. 

Survey participation remained at 60% of Wheaton 

associates taking the survey. Overall Partnership, 

Satisfaction, and Engagement scores improved significantly 

and 41 of the 57 questions saw improvement. Wheaton’s 

Overall Partnership score, which is a combination of 

Overall Satisfaction and Overall Engagement, is in the 

44th percentile. 

Care Employer of Choice and the preferred care delivery 

system for the communities we serve,” said Brenda Bowers, 

Senior Vice President of Organizational Change and 

Leadership Performance for Wheaton Franciscan 

Healthcare. 

Future updates and additional resources related to the 

survey can be found on Associate Partnership Survey 

section on the intranet. Leaders with specific needs or 

questions should contact their HR leader. 

2013 Associate Partnership Survey Results 

“In the survey, associates stressed the importance of 

communication and holding each other accountable. 

Associates appreciated the values of the organization 

and their co-workers,” said Cherie Finnie, who served as 

project manager for the Associate Partnership Survey 

and is Manager of e-Learning for Wheaton Franciscan 

Healthcare. 

“Leaders should join with their teams to celebrate 

successes and to develop action plans for areas of 

opportunity. Teams should then monitor and revise the 

plans throughout FY14, so we can strengthen Wheaton’s 

associate experience and support our goal to be a Health 

APS leader expectations: 

• July: Interpret and communicate results to associates 

• July-August: Generate solutions collaboratively with 

associates and create action plans 

• August 23: Deadline to submit action plans 

• By September: Communicate action plans 

• Ongoing: Monitor and update action plans 

throughout FY14. Review and reference resources 

available on the Associate Partnership Survey 

webpage on the intranet and/or the Press Ganey 

PAGer Reference tab. 

Strengths to celebrate 

1. The values of this organization are evident in our 

everyday practices. 

2. My direct manager’s actions reflect our mission 

and values. 

3. My direct manager recognizes my good work. 

4. Employees in this organization are treated with dignity 

and respect. 

5. This organization is ethical. 

6. My department acts on reported errors, mistakes, and 

unsafe conditions. 

7. Employees adhere to the mission and core values of 

Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare. 

8. My direct manager can be trusted. 

9. My direct manger sets a good example of customer 

service. 

10. Employees in my work group report a strong sense of 

connection to their work. 

Opportunities for improvement 

1. Excellent performance is recognized here. 

2. Leaders really listen to employees. 

3. I feel that I am valued by this organization. 

4. My direct manager effectively deals with employees not 

performing up to department standards. 

5. I am satisfied with the manner in which my direct 

manager handles complaints, grievances, and problems. 

6. My direct manager provides coaching to help me achieve 

my goals. 

7. There is a climate of trust within my work group. 

8. My direct manager recognizes my ideas or suggestions 

for improvement. 

9. My direct manager communicates effectively. 

10. Leaders do a good job of planning for the future. 


Area health care systems gather at Wheaton Franciscan – 

Wauwatosa Campus to share best practices in diversity, 

health equity 

Fred Hobby 

Health care leaders and staff from 

the Milwaukee area’s major health 

care systems recently gathered at 

Wheaton Franciscan – Wauwatosa 

Campus to share best practices in 

diversity and health equity during 

the first Milwaukee Area Health Care 

Systems Diversity and Health Equity 

Conference. Diversity leaders from 

Aurora Health Care, Columbia 

St. Mary’s Health System, Children’s 

Hospital of Wisconsin, Froedtert 

Health, and the Medical College 

of Wisconsin were in attendance. 

The conference was several years in the 

making and a result of conversations 

had by area health care system 

diversity leaders on workforce 

development strategies through the 

Milwaukee Area Healthcare Alliance. 

“As our work advanced, diversity 

leaders began to share best practices 

in diversity recruitment, interpretation 

and translation services, and other 

areas,” said Theresa Jones, Vice 

President of Diversity and Inclusion 

Strategies for Wheaton Franciscan 

Healthcare. “We found that we are all 

facing the same challenges and 

wanted to learn more about how other 

systems were addressing them. From 

these discussions, the concept of 

sharing best practices in diversity and 

health equity was born with the goal 

of connecting leaders across health 

care systems.” 

Fred Hobby, Jr., President and CEO 

of the Institute for Diversity in Health 

Management, served as conference 

moderator. Hobby is a nationallyknown 

expert on developing tools 

and resources to enhance diversity 

in hospitals across the nation, and in 

helping health care organizations with 

diversity activities. 

In his keynote address, Hobby 

applauded the health systems for 

“lowering your flags and coming 

together with the common purpose of 

improving the total quality of patient 

care. This is a best practice,” he said. 

Hobby added that diversity today is 

only the tip of the iceberg. “Health 

care organizations must be prepared 

for 20 years down the road when 

diverse patients are the majority 

of the population instead of the 

minority,” he said. 

“The diversity of our associate and 

patient populations challenges us to 

deliver care that fits with and is useful 

to the patients and families that we 

serve,” Jones said. “We can no longer 

take a ‘one size fits all’ approach to 

care. Our focus is on delivering a 

culturally relevant patient and family 

experience, every time. To do so 

requires our leaders, associates and 

caregivers to be knowledgeable about 

and comfortable with creating 

inclusive work and patient care 

environments.” 

Panel discussions with a variety of 

representatives from the participating 

health care organizations shared their 

strategies and best practices in the 

areas of: patient experience, strategic 

diversity management, diversity 

recruitment, diversity and cultural 

competence education, language 

access, and addressing health equity. 

Panelists from Wheaton included: 

Leslie Galloway Sherard, Director of 

Diversity and Inclusion Programs; 

Rosha Hamilton, Director of 

Community and Patient Health 

Services; Theresa Jones, Vice President 

of Diversity and Inclusion Strategies; 

Mary Mazul, Certified Nurse Midwife 

at Wheaton Franciscan – St. Joseph 

Women’s Outpatient Center; Luz 

Ortiz-Carby, Director of Patient and 

Family Experience – Central Market 

(previously Director of Interpretation 

and Translations Services); Cyndi 

Szymanski, Director of Talent 

Acquisition; and Danielle Withers, 

Director of Patient, Family and 

Community Relations – North Market. 

Overall feedback from conference 

attendees has been positive, said 

Jones. Attendees enjoyed the ability 

to network, ask questions, and gain 

insights from their peers at other 

hospitals. “Through the conference, 

we found that each of the systems 

may have a slightly different approach 

to addressing diversity, health equity, 

recruitment, education, and cultural 

competence. However, our common 

objectives of hiring, retaining, and 

educating a diverse workforce, 

creating inclusive environments for 

associates and patients, and 

addressing health disparities all serve 

to improve the health and well being 

of the community that we collectively 

serve,” Jones added. 


Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare creates plans to address 

community health needs 

For several years, Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare has 

been giving back to the community through countless 

charitable programs including free health classes, 

screenings, health fairs, and donations. It is no surprise 

that meeting community needs continues to be one of 

our most recognizable contributions as an organization. 

In 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act 

included a provision that all not-for-profit hospitals are 

required to complete a community health needs assessment, 

report findings, and create an implementation plan that 

documents our work in addressing the needs of the 

community. It is required that the assessment and 

implementation strategy be developed for each hospital 

site in the organization and be made widely available to 

the public every three years. After focused efforts and 

collaborative work, Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare 

produced community needs assessment reports and 

developed coinciding implementation plans for all of our 

hospitals sites in Southeast Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa. 

Wheaton worked with a variety of organizations to gather 

information on health needs and concerns specific to the 

communities we serve: 

In Southeast Wisconsin, Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare 

partnered with the Milwaukee Health Care Partnership to 

obtain data through a health telephone survey, secondary 

data research and key informant interviews and focus groups. 

Key Focus Areas: 

In Iowa, all sites used the Robert Wood Johnson County 

Health Rankings as primary data. Covenant Medical 

Center and Sartori Memorial Hospital also worked with 

52 agencies including area school districts, Black Hawk 

County Health Department, Hawkeye Area Agency on 

Aging and the Northeast Iowa Food Bank for secondary 

data. Mercy Hospital used the Oelwein Area Health Needs 

Assessment Survey for secondary data. 

In Illinois, Marianjoy used information from national, 

state, and local agencies including the DuPage County 

Health Department, Illinois Department of Public Health, 

US Department of Health and Human Services, the US 

Department of Labor, and the US Census Bureau. In 

addition, Marianjoy maintains collaborative communication 

with Access DuPage, the DuPage County Para-Transit 

Advisory Board, Giving DuPage Steering Committee, 

DuPage County Senior Fair and DuPage Workforce Board. 

Once all of the data was gathered and analyzed, it provided 

significant information to help each organization develop 

plans on how to address the needs of the community. Key 

leaders were appointed by market and region presidents 

to analyze the data, create subcommittees to study the 

findings and assess resources at our facilities to develop an 

implementation strategy for each hospital. The plans were 

tailored to address the needs of the communities served by 

each hospital campus and focused on key priorities that are 

supported by strategies that will be put in place to meet the 

needs identified. 

Southeast Wisconsin Iowa Illinois 

• Access to care 

• Infant mortality 

• Mental health 

• Healthy lifestyle 

• Community safety 

• Alcohol use 

• Smoking 

• Access and education 

• Health behaviors and education 

• Mental health 

• Cardiovascular disease 

• Cancer 

• Maternal, infant and child health 

• Clinical care 

• Social factors 

• Access to care and adaptive devices for individuals 

with disabilities 

• Vocational assistance and job placement 

• Driver rehabilitation 

• Scholarships for students with physical disabilities 

• Community support groups for individuals with 

disabilities 

• Community education classes that prevent disability 

and enhance functional independence 

• Caregiver and family education programs 

You can find the community needs assessments and implementation plans by visiting 

http://www.wfhealthcare.org/Wheaton/AboutUs/CommunityNeedsAssessment.aspx. 


Affordable insurance to be available in 2014 

As states finalize their plans for Medicaid coverage in 2014, 

many low-income families and individuals will be looking 

for affordable health insurance coverage in the Health 

Insurance Marketplace, sometimes referred to as an 

Exchange. Below is a brief overview of the financial support 

that will be available in 2014 for low-income individuals 

seeking affordable insurance coverage in the Marketplace. 

Who is eligible to receive a subsidy 

Individuals earning between 100% and 400% of the 

Federal Poverty Level (FPL) (between about $11,000 and 

$46,000 annually for an individual) will be eligible for 

premium tax credits to help pay the premium of a health 

insurance plan. These tax credits are sometimes called 

“Advance Premium Tax Credits.” Individuals who are 

eligible for Medicaid or another public program or have 

affordable coverage offered through their employer are not 

eligible for these tax credits. The tax credit is paid directly 

to the insurance company by the Marketplace. 

How much is the premium tax credit 

The amount of the premium tax credit is based on a sliding 

scale that limits the amount an individual pays toward his 

or her health insurance premium. The limit is based on a 

percentage of an individual’s income. For individuals 

making less than 250% FPL (about $28,700 for an 

individual), the tax credit will be calculated in a manner 

that allows them to purchase a plan that has lower 

out-of-pocket costs. 

Income Level 

Up to 133% FPL 

Premium as a Percent of Income 

2% of income 

133-150% FPL 3 – 4% of income 

150-200% FPL 4 – 6.3% of income 

200-250% FPL 6.3 – 8.05% of income 

250-300% FPL 8.05 – 9.5% of income 

300-400% FPL 9.5% of income 

Is there a limit on how much someone has 

to pay for co-pays 

Yes, there is a maximum for “out-of-pocket” expenses 

for certain services. The maximum limit is based on the 

maximum out-of-pocket expenses for a high-deductible 

plan. In 2013, that limit would have been $6,250. For 

individuals making between 100% and 400% FPL, the 

out-of-pocket maximums are capped at lower limits: 

Income Level 

Reduction in Out-of-Pocket Liability 

100-200% FPL Two-thirds of the maximum 

200-300% FPL One-half of the maximum 

300-400% FPL One-third of the maximum 

Putting it all in context, John Doe, a single, 

non-smoker and is looking for insurance: 

John’s household income 

in 2013: 

Unsubsidized Health 

Insurance Premium in 2013: 

Maximum % of income 

John has to pay for the nontobacco 

premium: 

Amount John pays for the 

premium: 

John could receive a 

government tax credit 

subsidy of up to: 

$11,720 

$3,018 

2% 

Out-of-Pocket Maximum $2,250 

$234 (which equals 2% of 

John’s household income 

and covers 8% of the 

overall premium) 

$2,784 (which covers 92% 

of the overall premium) 

*Calculations in John Doe example courtesy of Kaiser Family Foundation 

Subsidy Calculator. 

For more information, please contact Elizabeth Cliffe-Kucharski 

at Elizabeth.CliffeKucharski@wfhc.org. 


Around the System 

System 

HR Service Center recognized for service 

delivery model 

Wheaton’s HR Service Center was recently showcased 

during Towers Watson’s Summer HR Shared Services 

Interest Group meeting held at Wheaton Franciscan 

Healthcare – Franklin in June. Human resources 

professionals from a variety of organizations and industries 

across the Midwest gathered to learn how Wheaton 

successfully moved nearly eight years ago from a 

decentralized HR service delivery model to the centralized 

one housed today in the Corporate Services Office in 

Glendale. After the morning presentation, Cleveland Clinic, 

SSM Health Care, and NorthShore University HealthSystem 

spent the afternoon touring and observing Wheaton’s HR 

Service Center at the Corporate Services Office. 

New Business Office blessed 

Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare associates and leaders 

gathered for the blessing of the new Corporate Services 

Office in West Allis in May. Afterward, family and friends 

of Business Office associates were invited to tour the 

new space. 

Scholarships awarded to students with 

disabilities 

Twenty students from the Chicago area were awarded a 

total of $50,000 in scholarships through the Marianjoy 

Scholarship Program. The students, including some former 

Marianjoy patients, are attending colleges and universities 

across the country and are studying dentistry, information 

systems, architecture, medicine, broadcasting, and teaching. 

Most Beautiful Hospital 

Marianjoy has been named one of the Top 20 “Most 

Beautiful Hospitals” by Soliant Health, a health care staffing 

provider. Marianjoy is ranked eighth on the list, having 

received 3,569 of the more than 100,000 votes cast 

throughout the spring. 

Illinois 

Stroke Rehabilitation Program recognized 

by Joint Commission 

Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital earned The Joint 

Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for its Stroke 

Rehabilitation Program. Marianjoy underwent a rigorous 

on-site review that evaluated its compliance with standards 

of care specific to the needs of patients and families, 

including infection prevention and control, leadership, 

and medication management. 

Marianjoy receives grant from the 

Coleman Foundation 

Marianjoy has been awarded a $200,000 grant from 

the Coleman Foundation to help construct the Marianjoy 

Assistive Rehabilitation Technology Institute (MARTI). 

MARTI interdisciplinary clinical teams evaluate and 

recommend assistive technology designed to enable 



Around the System (continued from page 12) 

individuals with developmental disabilities, stroke, 

traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury or other disabling 

disorders to gain greater functional independence. At 

Marianjoy, more than 6,000 rehabilitation therapy visits 

each year incorporate assistive technologies to expand 

options for education, employment, and recreation. 

Franciscan Ministries’ Francis Heights 

honored for innovation in programming 

For the second year in a row, Franciscan Ministries’ Francis 

Heights in Denver, Colorado has been recognized by the 

American Association of Service Coordinators for 

developing innovative programming that benefits all 

residents and supports the aging-in-place movement. 

Francis Heights was awarded first place for its resident 

programming focused on health and wellness, the 

environment, finances, spirituality, and community. 

Residents had the opportunity to earn play money in 

exchange for attending the various programs and were able 

to use the money to bid on items donated by the community. 

Iowa 

Covenant Medical Center Emergency 

Department construction on schedule 

Construction of the new Emergency Department at 

Covenant Medical Center is on schedule and is slated 

for completion in September 2013. Tours for Covenant 

associates will occur at the end of August and a public 

open house is scheduled for early September. 

Hospitals receive echocardiography 

accreditations 

Covenant Medical Center recently received Pediatric 

Echocardiography Accreditation from the Intersocietal 

Accreditation Commission (IAC). Mercy Hospital, Sartori 

Memorial Hospital, and Covenant Medical Center also 

received Adult Echocardiography Accreditation from the IAC. 

Pharmacy Department poster earns top honors 

A poster presented by Covenant Medical Center Pharmacy 

Technicians Kelly Komen and Patsy Frank at the Iowa 

Pharmacy Association’s annual meeting received the 

best poster award. The winning poster was titled 

“Demonstrated Improvement of Dispensing Accuracy 

Through Implementation of Tech-Check-Tech.” 

Southeast Wisconsin 

Health equity work recognized by 

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation 

Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare’s health equity work 

with the Aligning Forces for Quality initiative (through 

the Wisconsin Collaborative for Healthcare Quality) was 

recently featured in a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation 

article. The article highlights the work Wheaton is doing 

to identify and remove barriers to diabetes management 

in the African American community. 

Franklin Medical Office Building blessed 

The new Medical Office Building on the Wheaton 

Franciscan Healthcare – Franklin Hospital Campus was 

blessed in June. The new building is home to more than 

40 primary care physicians and specialists, and offers the 

community a full spectrum of health care services in one 

location along with convenient access to all of the ancillary 

services at the hospital. 



Around the System (continued from page 13) 

Cancer Care programs recognized 

Wheaton Franciscan Cancer Care programs were recently 

presented with the 2012 Outstanding Achievement Award 

by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on 

Cancer. Wheaton is one of a select group of only 79 U.S. 

health care facilities with accredited cancer programs to 

receive this national honor for surveys performed last year. 

The award acknowledges cancer programs that achieve 

excellence in providing quality care to cancer patients. 

New Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare 

Medical Clinic announced 

Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare will build a 10,000 squarefoot 

medical clinic in Cudahy. Construction is expected to 

start in August and finish in December 2013. The new clinic 

will replace the aging Fine-Lando building, and will contain 

18 exam rooms and one procedure room. Wheaton 

physicians Anna Lamnari, Gilberto Marquez, Emily 

Musselman, Margo Sherman, and Victoria Yorke will see 

patients at this new location to be named Wheaton 

Franciscan Medical Group – Cudahy. 

Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – All Saints 

hosts epilepsy and seizure care conference 

Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – All Saints hosted a 

multidisciplinary training conference with the Charlie 

Foundation to become a registered site to offer dietary 

therapies for the management of refractory epilepsy. 

Training was led by Beth Zupec-Kania, RD of the Charlie 

Foundation. The Comprehensive Epilepsy and Seizure Care 

Center was developed by Dr. Janel Schneider of Wheaton 

Franciscan Medical Group – All Saints. The new diet 

program will be led by Lori Lehnert, RD, CD. 

Hospital efforts to decrease infant mortality 

receive key funding 

The Wheaton Franciscan – St. Joseph Women’s Outpatient 

Center and the CenteringPregnancy Program at Wheaton 

Franciscan Healthcare – All Saints are recipients of key 

funding to aid in their efforts to decrease infant mortality 

rates in Milwaukee and Racine. The Women’s Outpatient 

Center was awarded a $100,000 grant from the United 

Way, and Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – All Saints 

will receive a Wisconsin Partnership Program grant for 

$147,764 to continue the CenteringPregnancy Program. 

Women’s Outpatient Center honored for 

innovative care delivery model 

The Wheaton Franciscan – St. Joseph Women’s Outpatient 

Center received a Eureka Award from The Business Journal 

Serving Greater Milwaukee for its innovative, patientcentered 

approach to meeting the needs of expectant 

mothers in the greater Milwaukee community. 

Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare recognized 

by Becker’s Hospital Review 

Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare in Southeast Wisconsin 

has been named one of the “100 Integrated Health Systems 

to Know” by Becker’s Hospital Review. The rating takes into 

consideration rankings by health care analytics company 

IMS Health, as well as health systems’ financial, clinical, 

and operational strength. 

Breast health initiatives receive key 

grant funding 

Three Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare breast health care 

initiatives have again received grant funding from the 

Southeast Wisconsin Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for 

the Cure: Su Salud/Your Health, a bilingual prevention 

program educating Spanish-speaking Latinas in a culturally 

appropriate manner on breast health and prevention of 

breast cancer; Phenomenal Women, a breast health 

program working to educate low-income African American 

women about breast cancer and the importance of 

consistent breast health care; and Greater Racine County 

Mammogram Coalition, which encourages and supports 

women as they receive their mammograms. Wheaton 

Franciscan Healthcare – All Saints and the Parish Nurse and 

Bosom Buddies programs are members of the coalition. 


Our People 

System 

Brenda Bowers named 

Chief Nursing Officer 

Effective July 1, 2013, Brenda Bowers, 

PhD, RN, has assumed leadership of 

Wheaton’s nursing services. As 

Senior Vice President and Chief 

Nursing Officer for the System, 

Brenda will lead the Chief Nurse 

Brenda Bowers 

Executive Council and will partner with 

Dr. Rita Hanson on clinical integration 

initiatives. The market and regional-based CNOs and Vice 

Presidents of Patient Services will continue to report to the 

market and regional Presidents with a matrix reporting 

relationship to Brenda. 

Julie Becker named Vice President of 

Patient and Family Experience 

Julie Becker, RN, MBA, has been 

promoted to Vice President, Patient 

and Family Experience, and will drive 

our system improvement strategies 

related to the patient and family 

experience. Julie has a strong track 

record of success with this work 

since she joined Wheaton Franciscan 

Healthcare – All Saints as Director 

Julie Becker 

of Patient and Family Relations in 

September 2011. In addition to leading patient experience 

improvement plans at All Saints, she was instrumental in 

implementing and leading the Patient and Family Advisory 

Council at All Saints and is currently overseeing the 

strategy to start similar Councils across the System. 

Vice President of Clinical Analytics and 

Public Reporting named 

Melanie Cannon has been promoted 

to the expanded role of Vice President, 

Clinical Analytics and Public Reporting. 

She will continue to be responsible for 

Value-Based Purchasing including 

clinical process and outcomes and 

patient satisfaction data, and she will 

continue to manage Wheaton’s Press 

Ganey relationship. Melanie joined 

Melanie Cannon 

Wheaton in 2006 as part of Wheaton’s Administrative 

Fellowship Program. She holds a Masters in Health 

Administration from the University of South Carolina. 

Illinois 

Michael Hedderman Named CFO of the 

Year by Daily Herald 

Michael Hedderman, Marianjoy Chief 

Financial Officer and Senior Vice 

President of Finance, was selected as 

one of 17 CFOs of the Year at the 

second annual CFO of the Year hosted 

by the Daily Herald Business Ledger. 

Hedderman and the other honorees 

will also be profiled in the August 19 

issue of the Daily Herald Business Ledger. Michael Hedderman 

The CFO Awards honor top financial 

executives who contribute to the success of the region’s 

economic growth and stability. Hedderman was selected 

for his contributions to Marianjoy’s overall growth, his 

ethics, effective reporting, and involvement in the 

community. He is one of three non-profit CFOs selected. 

Iowa 

Vice President of Medical Affairs appointed 

Jim Lehman, MD has accepted the 

position of Vice President of Medical 

Affairs for Wheaton Franciscan 

Healthcare in Iowa. He most recently 

served as Vice President of Quality for 

Genesis Health System in Davenport, 

Iowa. Dr. Lehman obtained his medical 

degree from the University of Iowa. 

Following his residency, he had an Jim Lehman, MD 

independent practice for 12 years. 

Dr. Lehman has an MBA from St. Ambrose University, is a 

trained examiner for the Iowa Quality Center’s Recognition 

for Performance Excellence award program, serves on 

numerous health-related community boards and is a Fellow 

in the American College of Physicians and the American 

College of Physician Executives. 



Our People 

Director of Quality named 

Andrew Behan has been appointed 

Director of Quality for Wheaton 

Franciscan Healthcare in Iowa. 

Previously, Andrew worked with 

Trinity Regional Health in Illinois 

as the Interim Director of Quality 

Outcomes where he was focused on 

leading Infection Prevention, Quality 

Outcomes, Clinical Documentation Andrew Behan 

Integrity, Accreditation, Patient 

Experience and Patient Safety departmental activities. 

He holds a Master of Science in Epidemiology from the 

University of Iowa, College of Public Health, and a Bachelor 

of Science in Biochemistry from Loras College. 

Covenant Clinic Director 

appointed 

Peter Camilli, MA, MHA, has been 

named Covenant Clinic Director. 

In this role, Peter will oversee the 

Pediatrics, Cardiology/Neonatology, 

Physical Medicine and Rehab, 

Convenient Care, Occupational 

Medicine, and Isle of Capri. 

Directory of Covenant 

Laboratory named 

George Vella has been appointed 

Director of Laboratory for Covenant 

Medical Center. He previously 

worked in Rolla, Missouri. 

Director of Clinic 

Operations appointed 

Carmen Erhardt has been named 

Director of Clinic Operations at 

LaPorte, Division, Evansdale, Traer, 

Reinbeck and Dysart. 

Peter Camilli 

George Vella 

Carmen Erhardt 

Southeast Wisconsin 

Director of Language Access Services named 

Ibzan Monteagudo has been appointed Director of 

Language Access Services. Ibzan comes to Wheaton with 

eight years of experience supervising Language Services 

at Columbia-St. Mary’s. He holds a bachelor’s degree in 

psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 

and has been a freelance interpreter since 2003. He is 

fluent in both English and Spanish and has experience 

in interpreting and translating professional, legal, and 

medical documents. In his role as Director of Language 

Access Services, Ibzan will have primary responsibility 

for directing program strategies and operations in the 

delivery of language access services for Southeast 

Wisconsin sites and will continue to work with the 

ITS Departments at Marianjoy and in Iowa. 

Dr. Jeffrey Gentile recognized by National 

Committee for Quality Assurance 

Jeffrey Gentile, MD, family medicine 

practitioner with Wheaton Franciscan 

Medical Group – Metro Physicians, 

has again received recognition from 

the National Committee for Quality 

Assurance for clinical excellence in the 

treatment of patients with diabetes. 

Jeffrey Gentile, MD 

Wheaton Franciscan Medical Group 

leadership realignment 

John Monks, who currently serves as 

Administrative Director of Wheaton 

Franciscan Medical Group – All Saints, 

has been elevated to the role of Vice 

President. John has been instrumental 

in leading and facilitating a number of 

key strategies over the past three 

years including focused efforts on 

leadership development and the patient John Monks 

experience for the Medical Group. In the 

past year, John has also overseen the development and 

construction of two new primary care sites on Highway 20 

and Highway 31. He will directly report to Paul Mason, 

Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in the 

South Market. 



Our People (continued from page 16) 

Eric Ford, currently Director of 

Operations in the South Market, 

will now serve as Vice President of 

WFMG Operations in the Central 

Market. He joined the organization 

in 2004 as part of Wheaton’s 

Administrative Fellowship Program. 

Most recently, Eric helped to lead 

the Primary Care Growth Strategy 

Eric Ford 

including the successful recruitment of 

six new primary care physicians to the South Market as 

well as developing the business case for our two new 

primary care sites. Eric has also partnered with hospital 

leadership to develop services to meet the needs of the 

uninsured and underinsured in the South Market through 

the WFMG clinic on the Wisconsin Avenue Campus. He 

will directly report to Coreen Dicus-Johnson, Senior Vice 

President of Physician and Revenue Operations. 

Included in Eric’s Vice President role 

is leadership of the WFMG offices in 

the Central Market. As a result, Linda 

Culver is moving into a new role in 

the Revenue Cycle. In the expanded 

position of Director of Customer 

Service, she will lead improvement 

initiatives in patient billing and 

customer service. 

North Market leadership changes 

Linda Culver 

Mary Jo Kohout has assumed the 

responsibilities of Vice President 

of Patient Care Services at Wheaton 

Franciscan – Elmbrook Memorial 

Campus following the retirement 

of Maureen Furno. Mary Jo will also 

continue to oversee the Inpatient 

and the Emergency Departments 

at the Bluemound Campus. Sharon Mary Jo Kohout 

Baughman will oversee the Wheaton 

Franciscan-St. Joseph Campus departments that 

were led by Mary Jo until a replacement is found. 

Vice President of Medical Affairs appointed 

for Wheaton Franciscan – St. Joseph Campus 

Dr. Robert Stern has been named 

Vice President of Medical Affairs 

for Wheaton Franciscan – St. Joseph 

Campus, Midwest Spine and 

Orthopedic Hospital, and Wisconsin 

Heart Hospital Campuses. Dr. Stern 

has served in the role on an interim 

basis since September while also 

serving as Chief of Staff for the 

Robert Stern, MD 

St. Joseph Campus and as the Medical 

Director for Wheaton Franciscan Inc. Rehabilitation 

Program and Utilization Review Management Services. As 

a result of Dr. Stern’s appointment as VPMA, Dr. Charles 

Klein, Vice Chief of Staff and an orthopedic surgeon with 

Wisconsin Bone and Joint SC, will assume the Chief of Staff 

role for the St. Joseph Campus. 

Palliative Care leaders named 

Dr. Kerry Case has been appointed 

Medical Director for Palliative Care 

for Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare. 

Dr. Case earned her medical degree 

from the Rosalind Franklin University 

of Medicine and Science in Chicago 

and completed her Family Medicine 

Residency and Palliative Medicine 

Fellowship at the Medical College of Kerry Case, MD 

Wisconsin. She is board-certified in 

Family Medicine and in Palliative Medicine. Dr. Case led the 

development of the palliative care program at ProHealth, 

where she served as Medical Director from October 2010 

through September 2012. In addition to her medical 

director duties, she is also providing clinical consultation 

and direct patient care in palliative medicine. 

Carin Croker RN, MSN has been 

named Director of Palliative Care for 

Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare. She 

has experience in developing and 

overseeing programs in Hospice, 

Palliative Medicine, Case 

Management, and Long Term Care. 

In addition, she has been an adjunct 

faculty instructor for Northcentral 

Carin Croker 




Technical College and Upper Iowa University teaching 

courses in Nursing and Healthcare Administration. For the 

past seven years, Croker managed regional programs in 

Home Health, Hospice and Palliative Medicine for the 

Aspirus Healthcare System. 

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Alverno 

College and her Master of Science in Nursing with a focus 

in Educational Program Development from the University of 

Phoenix. Croker also has a national certification in case 

management. 

Croker is currently a doctoral student studying for her PhD 

in Organizational Management and Leadership. 

Director of Financial Operations appointed 

Dave Schmierer has been named Director of Financial 

Operations for Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare. In this 

role, Dave will provide finance and accounting functional 

services across Wheaton as well as operational support 

services in Racine. He has been a part of the Wheaton 

Finance Department since November 2002 and previously 

served as Finance Manager. 

New Director of Senior Health Services 

joins Wheaton 

Patti Pagel has joined Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare as 

the new Director of Senior Health Services. Patti has over 

20 years of nursing experience within the areas of medical, 

surgical, rehabilitation, and geriatric care with Aurora 

HealthCare. Patti also has 11 years of leadership experience 

acting as Aurora’s Director of medical, surgical and rehab 

units, and as Senior Service Project/Program Coordinator. 

She earned her state board certification as a Geriatric 

Clinical Nurse Specialist in 2010. 

Barb Rogness promoted to 

Administrative Director of Quality 

Barb Rogness has been promoted to the position of 

Administrative Director of Quality for 

the North Market. In her new role, she 

will assume oversight of the Nurse 

Practitioners at the Midwest Spine and 

Orthopedic Hospital and Wisconsin 

Heart Hospital Campus. Barb holds 

both a bachelor’s degree 

in nursing from UW–Madison and 

a master’s degree in Health Services 

Administration from St. Francis College. Barb Rogness 

Central Market Director of Patient and 

Family Experience named 

Luz Ortiz-Carby has accepted the role of Director of Patient 

and Family Experience for the Central Market. Over the 

past 10 years, Luz has made many contributions to the 

development of the Interpretation and Translation Services 

(ITS) Program. She has continually educated the ITS 

Department to increase understanding of those with 

limited English proficiency (LEP) and helped to improve 

LEP patient experience by engaging ITS leadership and 

the interpreter team. 

Director of Communication and 

Public Relations appointed 

Angela Adams has been hired as 

Director of Communication and 

Public Relations. Angela comes to 

the organization from Johnson 

Controls where she spent five years 

in communication, public relations, 

and training roles. Prior to Johnson 

Controls, she owned her own PR and 

event marketing firm that successfully Angela Adams 

managed campaign events for Insight 

Virtual Schools of Southeastern Wisconsin and African 

World Festival. Angela holds a Bachelor of Science in 

Business Administration from Florida A&M University and 

a Master of Art in Strategic Communication and Leadership 

from Seton Hall University. 

Director of Inpatient Services for Mental 

Health and Addiction Care named 

Teena Ahuja has accepted the position 

of Director of Inpatient Services for 

Mental Health and Addiction Care. 

Most recently, she worked at the 

South Shore Hospital in Milwaukee as 

the Administrative Director of 

Operations where she helped to 

develop and implement a new 

Geriatric Unit. She previously led 

Teena Ahuja 

multidisciplinary programs involving 

inpatient, outpatient, and community services, and partial 

hospital programs. Teena holds a degree in psychology 

from Lesley University in Boston. 

(continued on back page) 



Vice President of Patient Services 

named at St. Joseph Campus 

Linda Puccini has been promoted 

to Vice President of Patient Services 

for Wheaton Franciscan – St. Joseph 

Campus. Linda has been with 

St. Joseph for over 22 years serving 

in several positions. In 2003, she 

advanced to Patient Care Supervisor 

for Inpatient Cardiac in addition to 

being the Hospital Policies and 

Linda Puccini 

Procedures Coordinator. Linda was 

promoted to Director of Cardiac and Surgical Inpatient 

Nursing Units in 2009. In addition to her internal 

leadership, Linda is Wheaton’s representative for the 

Nurse Advisory Board of Health Trust. 

Director of Operation Improvement appointed 

Sandy Maher-Johnson has been named Director of 

Operations Improvement for Wheaton Franciscan 

Healthcare. Sandy has been with Wheaton for over five 

years within the South Market’s Imaging Department. 

Prior to working at Wheaton, Sandy was the President 

of Medical Imaging Management, Ltd, and was a Nuclear 

Medical Technologist with Froedtert Hospital. Sandy’s 

experience organizing, leading, and applying Lean principles 

has seen success in the South Market Imaging Department 

resulting in reduced wait times, an increase in the number 

of patients served, improvements in inventory management, 

and a reduction in the cost of care. Sandy holds a Bachelor 

of Science in Nuclear Medicine Technology from UW-La 

Crosse, a Master of Health Services Administration from 

Cardinal Stritch University, a teaching certification from 

UW–Milwaukee, and is certified in Lean principles through 

the Milwaukee School of Engineering. 

IS Operations Director for Corporate 

Services appointed 

Candace Sanchez has been promoted to IS Operations 

Director for Corporate Services, Continuing Care and 

Business Office. Candace has been with Wheaton for 

more than 20 years and has experience in health care 

operations, application software, technical support, project 

management, and management responsibilities. She led 

Technical Assessments as the Manager of Technical 

Services and successfully managed multiple projects. 

Candace holds a Bachelor of Science in Information 

Technology and is currently pursuing her Master of 

Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. 

As IS Operations Director, Candace will be responsible 

for the improvement of customer satisfaction and service, 

handling customer complaints, and building strong 

operations relationships. 

(inner)Views 

Published by the Communication and Public Relations Department of Wheaton 

Franciscan Healthcare for staff and friends of Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare. 

Editor: Melissa Di Motto, Director – Communication and Public Relations 

Vice President – Communication and Public Relations: Anne Ballentine 

Please direct all inquiries by phone to (414) 465-3603 or by e-mail 

to Melissa.DiMotto@wfhc.org. 

Mission 

Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare is 

committed to living out the healing 

ministry of Jesus by providing 

exceptional and compassionate 

health care service that promotes 

the dignity and well being of the 

people we serve. 

© 2013 Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare 

Summer 2013 

Sponsored by the Wheaton Franciscan Sisters

innerViews_summer2013 - Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare

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