Record Number of Providers Recruited

November 30, 2016

(GARDEN CITY, KAS.) After graduating from college it didnt take long for St. Catherine Hospital (SCH) to encourage Chelsea Gerber to return to Garden City, her hometown. She accepted the job of SCH physician recruiter. The result is a record number of new doctors and advanced practice providers. She has been on the job only 18 months.

I wasnt planning to move home but Scott Taylor reached out to me, Gerber recalled. After some discussion, I felt I was called to begin a journey into healthcare administration. The recruiter had been recruited.

Gerber refers to Taylor, SCH president and chief executive officer, as her mentor. She wanted to learn from Scott and bring physicians to St. Catherine to care for the people of southwest Kansas. Gerber also noted she could not ask for a better support team than SCH administration. They are highly innovative, she explained. Most important, they push me to grow into the healthcare professional I aspire to be.

I have experienced this community as a student, high school athlete, volunteer, church member and young professional, Gerber commented. This allows me to really describe what our community is about to prospective physicians and other providers.

Recently recruited physicians include: Robert Rosin, MD, internal medicine; Gretchen Dunford, MD, general surgery; Clay Greeson, MD orthopedic sports medicine; Robert Morren, MD, orthopedic hip and joint surgery; and Jose Hinojosa, MD, occupational medicine. Another is expected to arrive in the summer and Gerber continues her talks with other prospects. In addition, 18 advanced practice providers have been hired. These include physician assistants; nurse practitioners; and certified registered nurse anesthetists.

Gerbers initial contact with prospects entail phone conversations during which she becomes acquainted with them and what their families are looking for. They also talk to the SCH leadership team to learn more about the hospital and their potential roles here.

If we discover they are a good fit, we invite them for a visit, Gerber commented. They spend a lot of time getting to know hospital staff and the community. We want them to picture themselves here and call southwest Kansas home.

Topics prospects are interested in include school districts, community activities, retail opportunities, safety, and travel options.

Gerber graduated from Kansas State University in 2014 with a bachelors degree in journalism and mass communications, with a minor in leadership studies. She plans to begin a masters program next year. Her parents are Ben and Jennifer Gerber and grandparents are Dennis and Jan Kleysteuber. Gerber also has three younger sisters Audrey, Ellie and Annie.

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About St. Catherine Hospital
St. Catherine Hospital was founded by two pioneering physicians and the Dominican Sisters in 1931 and is a Joint Commission-accredited, award winning regional health care center that provides a full-range of medical specialties in southwest Kansas. Exceptional care, extraordinary people - its what makes the St. Catherine Hospital difference. For more information, please visit St. Catherine Hospital website.

About Centura Health
Centura Health connects individuals, families and neighborhoods across Colorado, Utah and western Kansas with more than 6,000 physicians and 21,000 of the best hearts and minds in health care. Through our 17 hospitals, two senior living communities, health neighborhoods, physician practices and clinics, home care and hospice services, and Flight For Life Colorado, we are making the regions best health care accessible and affordable in every community we serve. We believe you can inspire the people you care about to live healthier lives by encouraging them to do the little things that can make a big difference. Were Centura Health, and were here for your health. For information on Centura Health or any of the facilities in our network, please visit the Centura Health website.

Media Contact
Shawna Deal
St. Catherine Hospital, Centura Health
Community Relations Coordinator
620-272-2529 (desk)
620-805-9959 (cell)
[email protected]