WMC Board of Trustees member Don Nelson retires

Nelson was recently presented a plaque in recognition of his 15 years on the WMC Board of Trustees

Winneshiek Medical Center Board of Trustees member Don Nelson has now wrapped up 15 years of service on the board.

Nelson, a Calmar resident, has been a board member since 1995.  He announced his retirement earlier this year.  The appointment of Dr. David Gehling to the WMC Board means Nelson's term has now ended.

A champion for quality health care and patient safety, Nelson routinely provided education to the board on these topics.  WMC Chief Administrative Officer Dan Werner said of Nelson, "Don took it upon himself to provide valuable educational opportunities to his fellow board members.  He has read--and continues to read--countless books on health care quality and leadership, and he shares best practices with the rest of the board.  Many of our initiatives in quality patient care have stemmed from Don's findings."

Recalling his research into the business models of health care, Nelson said, "I have learned medical organizations must change their business models to make health care less expensive for consumers - and it can be done, but there will have to be legislation changes, the concept of insurance must be changed and our concept of 'hospital' must be changed."

During Nelson's 15 years on the hospital board, there have been significant changes, including the 2005 merger of Decorah Clinic - Mayo Health System and Winneshiek Medical Center, and the 2006-2008 renovation and expansion project.  Additionally, many specialty areas were added to clinic services during Nelson's tenure: internal medicine; urology; eye, nose and throat; podiatry; orthopedics; dermatology and midwifery.