La Crosse, Wis.-based Gundersen Health System has named Scott Rathgaber, MD, CEO, effective in September.
Here are five things to know about Dr. Rathgaber.
1. Dr. Rathgaber is the third Gundersen CEO since Gundersen Clinic and Lutheran Hospital merged in 1995. He replaces Jeff Thompson, MD, who announced he was stepping down after 14 years and more than 20 years in leadership for the organization.
2. Dr. Rathgaber said "listening and learning" will be a priority as he transitions to CEO. "In addition to national recognition for our quality, patient experience and innovation, Gundersen has a growing presence in Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota," he said in a news release. "Our staff is our best resource and they live our mission each day to provide care as if a patient were a loved one. In the months ahead I will visit each of our sites to meet staff and hear their ideas for even better patient care and to build upon the momentum we have as an organization."
3. Dr. Rathgaber has cared for patients in gastroenterology and hepatology at Gundersen since 1998. Since 2012, Dr. Rathgaber has served as medical vice president of Gundersen's hospital operations, neurosciences, general surgery, anesthesiology, emergency services, occupational health services and pharmacy. Aside from serving as section chief of Gundersen Gastroenterology from 2005 to 2011, Dr. Rathgaber served on the Gundersen Board of Governors from 2010 to 2012.
4. Dr. Rathgaber is board-certified in gastroenterology and is a fellow of the American Gastroenterological Association and member of the American College of Gastroenterology.
5. He has authored,and co-authored 14 publications in peer-reviewed journals.
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