President's Message: Investing in our people

It’s extremely exciting, challenging and rewarding to be part of a progressive hospital as it evolves into a regional medical center while remaining true to its community roots. The articles in this edition of Advances reinforce that Concord Hospital has developed clinical capability and technological support comparable to leading medical centers in Boston and throughout the nation. The availability of the da Vinci surgical system places Concord Hospital in a unique position in New Hampshire and New England. Being one of 90 locations in North America for a clinical trial is extraordinary for a community hospital. One might ask: why would Concord Hospital invest in the da Vinci system, why are we engaged in an early phase of a clinical trial, why do we have a holmium laser and why have we made the investment to become one of the “Most Wired” hospitals in the nation?

The overall answer is really quite simple – the hospital invests in people. People like Ronald Yap, MD, William Santis, MD, and Thomas Schwaab, MD, three young and extremely well trained urologists. These urologists will only practice where they can provide their patients with the best possible care. When they say that the best possible care requires advanced technology like the da Vinci surgical system or the holmium laser, Concord Hospital supports them and their passion for excellence by making sure they have the tools that they need. We’re very fortunate to have Mary McGowan, MD, one of the nation’s foremost experts in lipidology (better know as cholesterol management to most of us). Dr. McGowan is constantly searching for new and better ways to care for patients battling high cholesterol, a significant contributor to heart disease. She expends tremendous energy advocating for healthy lifestyles but knows that that won’t be the answer for everyone. Working on clinical trials for new medications can ultimately help benefit thousands, or maybe millions, of patients throughout the world.

Once we have the best people and clinical technology, we support them with the best infrastructure and facilities. Recently, Concord Hospital was recognized as one of the 100 “Most Wired” hospitals in the entire country. This noteworthy distinction represents our commitment to build information technology infrastructure that enhances our ability to provide high quality and safe care. Our investment in our new facilities complements our investments in people and technology.

We may not be able to provide all subspecialty services that are available at nationally-known academic medical centers, but by making the right investments in facilities, technology and most importantly people we can continue to expand the breadth of clinical services available – services that are not usually found in community hospitals.

- Michael B. Green President & CEO Concord Hospital