Paul Scott Comment

(Note: Winneshiek Medical Center board member David Gehling has decided not to seek re-election.  The following is a comment by decorahnews.com's Paul Scott):
 
The management of Winneshiek Medical Center is a lot different now than it was six months ago, or certainly 12 months ago.  A number of people have had a role in asking the questions that had to be asked to bring about that change.  But if I had to name one person who's had the biggest impact, I'd say it has been hospital board member David Gehling.
 
It has been Doc who has spoken up during the board meetings, ignoring
comments about "we've always done it that way" or "We've got to support what our administration does."
 
It has been Doc who has best understood that the hospital belongs to the community, not necessarily to the doctors or administrators, although they play important roles.
 
It has been Doc who has refused to be silenced or pushed around, doggedly sticking to the job of getting answers to the questions he asked.  
 
All of that has happened while he has been able to keep the interests of the hospital-and the interests of the community-constantly in mind.
 
Hospital board meetings now are lively affairs, as board members openly discuss topics and share sometimes conflicting opinions.  That's what's necessary as everyone struggles to find the right answers to reaching the goal all of us have in mind-keeping Winneshiek Medical Center a vibrant community resource.  That's always been Dave Gehling's goal-and it's one that is closer in sight because of his term on the board.  Happy retirement, Doc!