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 American health care continues to spiral toward a crisis of unaffordability and inequity at a time when the health needs of our nation and the world are critically acute. Current methods are not serving us well.
With change crucial, learning becomes the key. I am convinced my colleagues in the Institute and Park Nicollet Health Services not only value learning as a way to manage change, but are collectively positioned to create change to address health problems.
We have already fostered breakthrough innovations in medical research, studies that inform national health policy and health education programs that demonstrate effectiveness in preventing and reducing suffering throughout the world.
And, we continue to look ahead. In the context of this health care crisis, Park Nicollet Institute’s long-term goals targeting innovation in chronic illness and reductions in health disparities never have been more relevant.
My predecessor, A. Stuart Hanson, MD, often said, “When you’re through changing, you’re through.” It’s a bit of eastern philosophy that relates to the Institute’s consistent growth throughout Stu’s tenure as our leader. Our staff has grown together as scholars and leaders, we’ve grown in our commitment to understanding our customers and meeting community needs and, not surprisingly, given our dedication to innovation, we’ve grown in size and revenue.
In 2002, Stu embarked on his latest change and it’s not looking at all like semi-retirement. He’s introducing new clinical services in pulmonary medicine, sponsoring a conference on workplace abuse prevention and still serving the community on numerous boards and panels.
It’s also been an impressive year of growth for the Institute. Take a look at the statistics and accomplishments noted throughout this report. Individually, they are impressive. Collectively, they represent a tremendous connection to learning and change.
It has been said that as an elder, Pablo Picasso was monitored when he walked through art galleries because he had been caught trying to improve his masterpieces. Picasso said, “I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.” Like Picasso’s friends, I’m keeping an eye on Stu as our new leadership team builds on his legacy. And like Stu, the Institute staff is far from through making changes. Stu, our customers and the world can depend on that.
Paul E. Terry, PhD
President and Chief Executive Officer
Park Nicollet Institute
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