Asante leaders: From all of us to all of you, thank you

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” — William Arthur Ward, American writer.

This quote brings to mind many of the experiences we’ve faced this year — days that were transformed into blessings by simple acts of kindness, work that became more meaningful in spite of the challenges, and opportunities that led us to innovate and adapt.

I am grateful for the positive moments every day as I watch and work with extraordinary people doing remarkable things. I am grateful to be part of our Asante team and proud of what we do for each other and our community.

This Thanksgiving during your time away from work, I hope you will seek out opportunities to do something you truly enjoy that inspires, centers and rejuvenates you. Whether it’s time with family, quietly reading or getting outdoors, please spend some time focusing on your well-being.

For those of you who are caring for our patients over the holiday, I extend a special thanks because I know it takes you away from family and friends. Thank you all for making our community a better and healthier place to live. The work we do is not about the accolades, but you richly deserve them.

More expressions of gratitude …

Robert Begg
Vice president, Asante Human Resources

As I look back on the past two years I am continually impressed by the dedication of our Asante employees. We dedicate our time to caring for our sickest patients or support those who do. This has been such a tough road for everyone, and I am so grateful for every employee who continues to give their hearts and souls to care for our communities. I am very proud to be an Asante employee beside all of you.

Kristi Blackhurst, RN
Vice president, Operations, ARRMC and AACH

In this season of giving thanks, I am so grateful for each and every member of our Asante family. From the lab staff that has worked tirelessly to support the testing needs of our community, to the nurses, physicians, therapists, aides, technologists and technicians who courageously care for our patients in the midst of a pandemic. Thank you to the leaders who continue to tirelessly inspire and support their teams in the midst of significant challenges, to the environmental and food services staff and everyone in between — we have an amazing team.

I feel so blessed to be part of the Asante family and so honored to work alongside each of you in the care of our community. May you all find time this holiday season to unplug, rest, find some peace and cherish your loved ones.

Jamie Grebosky, MD
Senior vice president and chief medical officer, Asante

I am so proud to be a part of this high-performing team. We have responded to community challenges with efficiency, grace and caring. Because of all you do, we serve our community better than any other system in Oregon. Thanks!

Steven Hersch, MD
Administrator and vice president, Medical Affairs, AACH

My family is forever grateful for the simple kindnesses of friends, family, colleagues, caregivers and strangers. We have learned to graciously accept offers of help, prayer, support, deeds and well wishes. For these, we are humbled and say thank you.

Win Howard
Senior vice president, CEO, ARRMC

I am very thankful for our dedicated staff at Asante who come to work every day and deliver the much needed critically important services and compassionate care to the people in our communities. The teamwork over this past year has been nothing short of amazing. You truly are the heart and soul of Asante and I’m grateful for everything you do.

David Kinyon
Vice president, Operations, ATRMC

While on a recent walk with my wife, Jeanie, and our dog Jake, we paused to marvel at the stunning fall beauty of Southern Oregon. It was a great reminder that while we live in an everchanging and sometimes chaotic environment, we are fortunate to get to live in a truly spectacular region where change is manifest so beautifully. I deeply appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with so many outstanding folks, always striving together to make our community better in the process. I wish you all a peaceful and blessed Thanksgiving holiday.

Amanda Kotler, RN
Vice president, Nursing, ARRMC and AACH

It is hard to find the words to even express my gratitude to Asante. Both the magnitude and gravity of what we have experienced in the past year and a half is hard to believe. I think about the grief and devastation this pandemic has created, but then I think about the employees who have chosen to show up day after day.

I recognize this has taken incredible courage, strength and resilience. We constantly are faced with holding pace for the loss we have experienced while also trying to look forward to the future with hope. As broken as this all feels, we are still strong and there is no other team I would rather be a part of. I look forward to starting to heal. It may not be pretty or graceful, but I am also thankful we have the opportunity to keep going with so many amazing employees by our side.

Eric Loeliger, MD
Vice president, Medical Affairs, ATRMC

This year I am thankful for my family — both my real family and my Asante family. I am incredibly grateful for teamwork and the countless ways that everyone at Asante has pitched in to provide safe care to our communities.

Laura Magstadt, RN
Vice president, Nursing, ATRMC

After a challenging year I am more grateful than ever for the teamwork and patient focus exhibited by all Asante employees. Every day you demonstrate care and compassion, not only for our community members, but toward one another. You are what makes Asante great. Thank you so much, and happy Thanksgiving.

Lee Milligan, MD
Senior vice president, chief information officer, Asante

I am so grateful for the hard-working men and women who support our frontline clinicians so they can care for patients. Their consistent, behind-the-scenes efforts provide the tools and resources to best care for our patients and to best help our communities be healthy and safe. My hat is off to these individuals who dedicate their professional careers to make the Southern Oregon community a better place.

Holly Nickerson, RN
Vice president, Quality and Patient Safety, Asante

My heart is grateful for the amazing team at Asante. The individuals, departments and entity-level efforts over this past year have proven our commitment to the communities we serve. Thank you for showing up every day and making Asante a high-quality health care system.

Doug Ward
Vice president, Operations, APP

I could not be more grateful for the staff and providers in APP. Through challenging times, our teams consistently step up and go beyond what is asked to serve our community and provide excellent care. Thank you for all of your hard work.

Greg Wojtal
Senior vice president, chief administrative and finance officer, Asante

Simply put: THANKS!

Mick Zdeblick
Senior vice president, CEO, ARRMC

I am thankful for the 5:45 a.m. Doc Halo announcing Level 5. I know the best team on the West Coast is tracking all the issues and working hard to clear the ED to allow a complex surgery to start, while maintaining a focus on our patients and the highest level of care.