When the Wisconsin Hospital Association released its report predicting more challenges ahead for workforce recruitment, the human resources director at Upland Hills Health was not surprised.  He agrees more needs to be done, but is optimistic about recruiting professionals to rural southwest Wisconsin.

“Yes, it’s a challenge, but Dodgeville and surrounding communities have a lot to offer health workers.  It’s a great area in which to live, work and raise a family.  As a rural health provider, Upland Hills has many full-service features health professionals, including physicians, want to see,” says Troy Marx, Dir. of Human Resources who oversees recruitment for the hospital, nursing/rehab, home care, hospice, outpatient clinics and other areas of the organization.

Also important is the nearby Southwest Wisconsin Technical College – Fennimore, its nursing programs and long-term support the college has provided to our workforce, Marx emphasizes. 

Findings from the Hospital Workforce Report give a sobering view of the future.  Wisconsin has an aging population with increasing health care needs, at the same time that hospitals are faced with the reality of an aging workforce soon to retire and a small number of younger candidates to replace them. 

With workforce shortage concerns in mind, Upland Hills took major steps in 2004 to improve benefits and the culture of the organization.  A new and creative Paid-Time-Off (PTO) policy was implemented, as were improved dental benefits,  an expanded fitness center, and a higher percentage of health insurance paid by the employer.   Additionally, managers received special training to help address some of the difficult communications challenges and issues relating to responsibility, authority and accountability that often occur in healthcare environments.  Training continues each month for all staff.

Dodgeville area attractive to physicians: 

In Dodgeville, local clinics and the hospital have had physician recruitment successes in recent years.  Since 1990, the list of doctors on the active medical staff at Upland Hills has doubled, from 10 to 20.  Fifteen years ago there were six doctors who practiced obstetrics, and today there are 11; this includes two specialists in obstetrics and gynecology who are often difficult to recruit and retain in rural areas. 

“We have something to offer health professionals who are looking for good schools, parks, a clean environment, less traffic,  safe neighborhoods – and a full-service hospital,” says Phyllis Fritsch, Administrator.  Some of the family practice doctors were raised in southwest Wisconsin and elected to practice here and raise their own families closer to home.  These include Drs. Mark Bishop, Gary Grunow, Kent Kramer and Michele Roelli with the Mineral Point and Dodgeville Medical Centers; and Drs. Kathryn Dalsing and Jodi Peterson with St. Marys/Dean Family Practice of Barneveld, Dodgeville and Mineral Point.

Fritsch is quick to point out the doctors at Upland Hills Health include not only some “home grown” physicians, but also some of the most outstanding.   Currently, seven of the 20 physicians on the active medical staff served as chief resident during their respective residencies.  “Many rural hospitals would be happy to attract one chief resident.  We have seven,” she added.

Read more about it – Upland Hills Health has a 16-page, fact-filled directory which spotlights the physicians on the active medical staff at Upland Hills Health.   If your paper does not include one, contact us at uhh_community_relations@uplandhillshealth.org.  Provide your name and mailing address, and we’ll be happy to send one to you!

Read the complete WHA Hospital Workforce Report