Local Motion - Memorial Hospital of South Bend

is really unlike any other non-profit
institution in the area,” Newbold
said. “The issues they have to deal
with, such as the ethics of new technologies
and when life begins and
ends, are unbelievably challenging
issues. Understanding and dealing
with these types of issues is so complex,
so unusual and so unlike many
of the other experiences they probably
face with their involvement on
other boards or in their daily lives.
We can recruit the best and brightest
new members while reaping the
benefits of the expertise, continuity
and perspective of those who stay
with us over long periods of time.”
Our community benefits greatly
from the leadership and foresight
of the more than 60 community
leaders who volunteer their time
to serve on the various governance
boards of Memorial Hospital,
Health System and Health Foundation.
Some are physicians or
otherwise work in health care. Still
others are local business leaders or
representatives of the greater community.
Drawing from the strengths
of their various backgrounds, they
help chart the course for the future
of health care in our region.
Following are brief interviews with
four Memorial board members
whose passion for community
service echoes that of their fellow
trustees and directors.
Janet E. Thompson
As the Memorial Health System Board
Secretary, Janet Thompson brings almost
20 years of community involvement and
advocacy to her position. As she volunteered
her efforts first on the Foundation Board, then
the Hospital Board and the Omega Board
(now known as the Memorial Home Care
Board) to her present position on the Health
System Board, Thompson’s tenure
is a remarkable testament to her loyalty to
the organization.
As one of the founding champions of Memorial’s
tithing program, Thompson chaired the
Community Health Enhancement committee
that helped refine Memorial’s definition of
“health” and helped to solidify tithing as one
of Memorial’s most innovative and community-focused
policies.
“As a nurse by profession, and coming from
a medical family, I really enjoy seeing the
changes in medicine and the opportunity to
be involved in those types of decisions,” said
Thompson. Aside from her work at Memorial,
she has been involved with a host of other
organizations, such as the Alzheimer’s Association
and the Junior League.
“Nothing has quite kept my attention like my
work here at Memorial has, though, “added
Thompson. “It’s nice to be associated with
things you can be proud of, and I’m very proud
to be a part of Memorial.”
John P. Hiler
For more than 10 years, business-owner and
former Congressman
John Hiler has lent the expertise of his
extensive and varied background to
Memorial’s Hospital and Health System
Boards. As President of Hiler Industries in
LaPorte, he has a unique perspective on the
role of health care in our community.
“Coming from a business background and as
a purchaser of health care, it’s interesting
to see the other side of the equation,” said
Hiler. “It’s very enjoyable to participate in
the strategic decisions of health care, such
as expansions, improvements and new
technologies.” Hiler and his fellow board
members attend more than 25 meetings
and board forum events each year, and he
wouldn’t have it any other way. It allows him
to remain tightly connected to the people and
places that he and his colleagues have been
entrusted with.
“It’s not quite the same time commitment
as a second job, but when you get involved
with Memorial, they can certainly occupy
you quite a bit,” said Hiler. “I love attending
meetings because you always walk away
with a little more knowledge than you had
before. It’s one of the most interesting things
I’m involved with.”
Hiler also understands and admires the
mission and vision that Memorial proudly
proclaims as its own, and the dedication of
the people who make it happen day-to-day.
“There are tremendous people who work at
Memorial, who do wonderful things for the
people of our community every day,” added
Hiler. “To play some part in that, in some
small fashion, is amazing.”
4 ❚ Memorial Health System ❚ 574•647•6800