WMC utilizes consultant for local training

Wrangell Medical Center is utilizing the skills and techniques taught by a consultant to improve the “culture” and “performance” of departments at the hospital – and saving money in the process.

WMC administrator Marla Sanger recently brought in Dr. Marv Erisman to help bridge gaps in hospital administration and operations.

“Wrangell Medical Center is working to strengthen its culture of teamwork and collaboration for the purpose of improving performance within and across departments,” Sanger said. “As one strategy, WMC leadership engaged Marv Erisman, Ph.D. several months ago to assist with this work and just recently invited him back to take guiding principles and earlier efforts even further.”

Dr. Erisman met with staff at WMC on Jan. 11. That same evening there was small dinner for executive team and WMC board members to meet with Erisman and each other.

“Given that the majority of Board and Executive team members are new to their roles, WMC is providing professional and team development that included individual meetings with Dr. Erisman on Saturday January 12,” Sanger added.

Sanger also said that bringing Erisman to Wrangell – rather than flying staff out of state for a junket – was a way of saving money for the hospital.

“It is not unusual for board members and executive teams to attend national professional conferences where leadership and governance training is provided and this has occurred in the past for leaders of WMC,” Sanger added. “However, given the early formation of this team it was decided by leadership that the cost of attending such a conference, which could easily exceed thirty thousand dollars, would not be good financial stewardship of the medical center. It was concluded that a more relevant and cost effective approach would be to provide targeted professional development by bringing Erisman to Wrangell instead.”

Dr. Erisman is a specialist and consultant in the area of improved organizational culture and structure. According to his bio, he has more than 25 years of experience consulting and teaching in education and healthcare and is known for his expertise in executive team development, executive coaching, board development and strategic development.