Abby Averill- Tomah Health (MHA '26)


Hello from Tomah, Wisconsin!                                                                                               Tomah's Health Hospital that they moved into in 2020

This summer, I have the incredible opportunity to intern at Tomah Health in Tomah, Wisconsin. Tomah Health is a critical access hospital situated in the heart of west-central Wisconsin, nestled between the major cities of Eau Claire and La Crosse. Its location makes it a vital healthcare hub. The hospital is affiliated with both Mayo Clinic and Emplify Health by Gundersen, creating a dynamic and collaborative healthcare environment that brings together top-tier medical expertise. My preceptor for this internship is Derek Daly, the CEO of Tomah Health, and a proud Iowa MHA alumni! Working directly with him has been an invaluable experience, offering a unique insight into the leadership and operations of a community-focused healthcare organization.

Some of the Admin Team at the WHA Conference 
So far, my internship at Tomah Health has been filled with incredible opportunities, and I'm only halfway through! Early on, I had the privilege of attending the Wisconsin Hospital Association Rural Health Conference alongside Tomah Health’s administration team. It was an eye-opening experience, as I met numerous passionate healthcare leaders dedicated to improving rural healthcare in Wisconsin. Another highlight was observing the Joint Commission during Tomah Health’s recertification process. I had the chance to join the Life and Safety Surveyor for a comprehensive walkthrough of the facility, ensuring everything met Joint Commission standards. Additionally, I sat with the Patient Surveyor to review patient charts, learning how the organization adheres to strict policies and procedures to maintain high standards of care. I’ve had the unique opportunity to meet with every department director at Tomah Health and shadow their teams to gain a deeper understanding of the hospital's operations. My favorite experience so far has been shadowing the lab department, where I learned about the many intricate and vital responsibilities that ensure patient care runs smoothly behind the scenes. Beyond the clinical side of things, I’ve also been able to participate in some of the exciting community events Tomah Health sponsors. One of the events was Tomah’s Truck and Tractor Pull, a nationally ranked championship event that drew over 100,000 spectators to the town. It was a great way to connect with the community and experience the energy of such a large-scale event. 

During my internship at Tomah Health, I’m focused on two key projects: a feasibility analysis and a cost containment/revenue generation initiative. For the feasibility analysis, I am evaluating potential service lines that Tomah Health could integrate into its operations. This project involves a thorough examination of factors such as cost, available space, market demand, and overall efficiency to determine which services would align with the hospital's strategic goals. The second project is centered on cost containment and revenue generation. I’ve been collaborating with department directors to brainstorm strategies aimed at reducing costs and increasing revenue streams within their respective departments. It has been incredibly insightful to learn from these directors, who are deeply committed to both the operational success of Tomah Health and its mission to provide excellent patient care. The passion they have for improving the hospital’s performance while maintaining quality healthcare has been truly inspiring.
Darek Dały and I at the tractor and truck pull with the TH's Director of Rehab Services, Tim, who runs the pull

Outside of my internship, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to spend quality time with my family and friends here in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin summer has been amazing, and I’ve made the most of it by enjoying time on the lake and cherishing every moment with my niece, who just started crawling! I also had the chance to attend Morgan Wallen’s concert at Camp Randall, my alma mater, which was an unforgettable experience. Overall, this summer has been a perfect balance of personal growth and professional learning. I’m looking forward to taking everything I’ve learned back to Iowa. 


My sister, niece, and I enjoying a summer night watching a water ski show 

 

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