Lou Hochheiser (Independent)

Trustee-Hospital District - North - (12330)

PO Box 912
Jackson, Wyoming 82--1
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Biography

I grew up in a small town in New Jersey with a father who was a shirt salesman and my mother who took care of myself and three older sisters. After medical school I served in the Navy, first as a submarine medical officer and then with the Marines in Vietnam. My training initially was in Pediatrics and I moved to Family Practice early in my academic career. I held the role of Department Chair at two medical schools and am a professor emeritus from the University of Vermont. Most of my clinical time was spent working with the underserved in both rural and urban areas and teaching at Brown University and the University of Vermont. My wife Margaret and I moved to Jackson in 2006. During the time of upheaval at St. John’s, I was appointed as an advisor to the board. Three years later I took over as CEO and stayed in that role for 4 and half years. During that period, hospital staff medical staff and board relations were improved and the community became a priority for the hospital.

Experience

My career in healthcare has been very varied. I have a robust clinical background in two specialties and have worked in community clinics, small and large hospitals, and a tent in Vietnam under stressful conditions. In addition, I have a research background and have published in major journals as well having provided leadership for departments at two Universities. My time as the clinical leader for a national insurance company provided significant experience with health care finances and proved

Education

- Graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a BA degree
- University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, obtained MD in 1962.
- Rotating internship at the U.S. Naval Hospital St. Albans, New York
- Served 5 years in the Navy.
- Ship's physician on the submarine Ethan Allen and qualified as diving officer
- MASH unit in Vietnam.
- Pediatrics residency in San Francisco
- Fellowship in Community Pediatrics at University of Rochester.

Community Activities and Memberships

Current Activities

1. Board of Jackson Hole Senior Center for 4 years, Chairperson for one year

2. Board Curran & Seely Alcohol and Drug Program Three years

3. Board Jackson Hole Community Counseling Center (newly combined with Curran & Seely

4. Jackson Hole Behavioral Health Committee

Prior Activities

1. Board Jackson Hole Jewish Community

2. Board Jackson Hole Photography Club

3. Title 25 Legislative Committee Governor appointee

Why I am Running

After several years away from direct contact with St. John’s Health, I decided that while I am very proud and pleased that the level of care that the community receives is excellent there are still things that need to be done and for which I can apply my knowledge and experience to support. Very few small communities can boast of the breath of quality care available, the connection with a major University with a world renown cancer center that is willing to provide services on site for Teton County and the surrounding areas. Several areas of opportunity are apparent from my perspective They are 1. Senior care- especially a robust home care program, the need for day care and assisted living, 2. Increased support for the staff of the institution, 3. Commitment to mental and behavioral health, 4. Increased engagement with the community especially with other not-for-profits with aligned missions, and 5. Increased transparency and a more robust participation of diverse community members.

My broad experience, creative thinking, proven leadership ability, and commitment to the people of Teton County would make me a strong member of the board focused on the community needs. My temperament, ability to work with a diverse group of individuals, and being solution oriented will be an asset to keeping St. John’s among the best small community hospitals, maintain its independence with appropriate collaborations and continue its growth during the coming challenging years.

Top 3 Priorities

1. Helping the board and hospital to be more transparent with the community and to work with other aligned not-for-profits to address gaps in services especially for seniors and those in need of care for mental and behavioral health issues.

2. Working to address staff issues to assure that we can maintain a robust quality group of individuals from housekeepers to medical providers that form the teams that care for patients.

3. Assure the most cost-effective care for the people of Teton County by maintaining the highest level of quality of care. Many studies have confirmed that quality services in prevention, chronic, or acute illness provides not only better patient satisfaction and outcomes but also the least expensive way to care for a community.