Medical Care
Zach Yoder to Lead OSF Saint Anthony’s as President from Jan 6, 2025
2024-12-12
OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s in Alton is on the verge of a significant leadership transition. The center is thrilled to announce that Zach Yoder, MHA, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, has accepted the invitation to take on the role of president. This new position becomes effective on Monday, January 6, 2025, and he will report to AJ Querciagrossa, the chief executive officer of the Western Region at OSF HealthCare.

Bringing a New Era of Leadership

Querciagrossa emphasizes, "Zach will lead OSF Saint Anthony’s in aligning with the overall strategy of OSF HealthCare while directing all internal operations. His task is to ensure that high-quality and cost-effective healthcare is continuously delivered to our patients in the Riverbend region. Zach will carry forward a culture of collaboration and integration, providing a safe Mission Partner and patient care environment."

Background and Achievements

New to OSF HealthCare, Zach Yoder brings with him extensive experience. Most recently, he served as the chief operating officer at SIHF Healthcare (Sauget, IL) and Touchette Regional Hospital (Cahokia Heights, IL). His clinical and leadership background makes him a perfect fit for this position. Some of his notable accomplishments in 2022 include:- Decreasing staffing turnover by 9% and agency staffing by 60%, which shows his ability to optimize human resources and manage costs.- Closing care gaps and increasing multiple quality metrics across the organization. Specifically, there was a 13% increase in hypertension and diabetes management, highlighting his focus on improving patient outcomes.Zach earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Southern Illinois University and a Master of Health Administration from Webster University in St. Louis. He further enhanced his skills by earning a Master of Healthcare Operational Excellence from Washington University in St. Louis.

Interim Leadership and Collaboration

Since August 10, 2024, Lisa Schepers, DNP, MBA, RN, NE-BC, has served as the interim president at OSF Saint Anthony’s following Jerry Rumph's resignation. During her tenure as interim president, she collaborated with Dennis Sands, MD, the chief medical officer, and Sister M. Beata, F.S.G.M., the vice president of Support Services. Together, they led OSF Saint Anthony’s through a crucial period while a search was conducted to name a new president.More information on OSF Saint Anthony’s can be obtained by visiting www.osfsaintanthonys.org.
Jesse Welles' New Acoustic Protest Song on UnitedHealthcare
2024-12-12
Songwriter Jesse Welles has been making waves with his solo acoustic protest songs that touch on various social and political issues. His latest creation, "United Health," tells the story of America's healthcare industry in a unique and powerful way. With a melody reminiscent of John Prine's "Fish and Whistle," Welles takes on UnitedHealthcare specifically, just a week after the tragic shooting death of its CEO.

Jesse Welles' Acoustic Protest Against Healthcare Giants

Origins of UnitedHealthcare

Back in 70 and 7, Mister Richard T. Burke started buying Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and put federal grants to work. He made an astonishing 50 billion buckaroos last year, becoming the Warren Buffett of health and the Jeff Bezod of fear. Welles details the origins of this healthcare giant and its founder, showing how it has grown and become a dominant force in the industry.This acquisition of HMOs had a significant impact on the healthcare landscape, changing the way people receive medical care. It led to a consolidation of power and a shift in the focus from patient care to profit-making. Welles' song serves as a reminder of the origins and the consequences of such a powerful entity.

Cynicism towards the Healthcare System

Welles offers a cynical view not only of the U.S.'s healthcare system but also of the siloed state of the country in general. He sings, "There ain't no 'you' in United Health, there ain't no 'me' in the company. There ain't no 'us' in the private trust. There's hardly humans in 'humanity.'" This highlights the lack of empathy and connection within the healthcare industry and society as a whole.In a system that often prioritizes profits over people, Welles' song serves as a call to action. It encourages us to think about the impact of corporate healthcare and to strive for a more compassionate and inclusive system. His words resonate with those who have experienced the shortcomings of the current healthcare model and inspire them to fight for change.

Upcoming Tour and Sold-Out Shows

The singer-songwriter, who previously fronted the Fayetteville, Arkansas, rock band Dead Indian, will kick off his new tour in February. The tour hits venues like Bowery Ballroom in New York, Terminal West in Atlanta, and the Basement East in Nashville. All shows through April are sold out, showing the growing popularity and impact of his music.Welles' live performances are known for their energy and passion. He brings his songs to life on stage, connecting with the audience and creating a memorable experience. His tour is not just about promoting his music but also about raising awareness about important issues and inspiring change.
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Howard Highlights Small Caps, Banks in Bull Market
2024-12-12
Howard Capital Management's CEO and CIO, Vance Howard, recently joined Wealth! to share his insights on the current market (^DJI, ^IXIC, ^GSPC) trends. He emphasized the potential in small caps, regional banks, and consumer discretionary sectors, highlighting how they will all gain from the declining interest rates. "In this solid bull market, there are numerous opportunities to make substantial profits," he stated.

Caution in Healthcare Plays

Howard also advised being cautious with healthcare plays due to the current downtrend in the sector. "It's not the right time to try to bottom fish in healthcare. There are far better opportunities in this amazing bull market to grow your portfolio and make money," he noted.

Small Caps

Small caps are presenting great opportunities, as they are likely to thrive in the current market environment. These companies often have more flexibility and potential for growth. They can quickly adapt to changing market conditions and offer attractive returns. For example, many small cap stocks have shown significant upward momentum in recent months, outperforming larger counterparts. Their nimbleness allows them to seize emerging market trends and capitalize on them.

Regional Banks

Regional banks are another area of interest. They have a strong local presence and are well-positioned to serve specific regional economies. With the lowering of interest rates, these banks can benefit from increased lending activities and a more favorable borrowing environment. They play a crucial role in providing financial services to local businesses and communities, and their performance can have a significant impact on the overall economic growth.

Consumer Discretionary Sectors

The consumer discretionary sector is also seeing a lot of potential. As consumers have more disposable income, they are likely to spend on non-essential items such as travel, entertainment, and luxury goods. Companies in this sector have the ability to drive growth through innovation and marketing strategies. For instance, some consumer discretionary stocks have witnessed strong sales growth in recent quarters, indicating the resilience and appeal of these businesses.

Salesforce (CRM) - A Top AI Pick

Salesforce (CRM) stands out as a top AI pick. It is one of the more dynamic stocks in the market, with advanced AI capabilities that are transforming the way businesses operate. The company's cloud-based solutions and AI-powered tools enable companies to streamline their processes and gain valuable insights. Its track record of innovation and customer success makes it a compelling investment option. For example, many enterprises have adopted Salesforce's platforms to enhance their customer relationships and drive business growth.To stay updated with the latest market insights and analysis, be sure to check out more Wealth here.
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