Madison Anderson- CGH Medical Center (MHA '26)


Hello from Sterling, Illinois! I have had the amazing experience of interning at CGH Medical Center in my hometown. CGH Medical Center is progressive acute care facility that has been serving the community since 1909. The organization consists of a hospital and multiple satellite clinics throughout the surrounding region and is one of only two remaining city-owned hospitals in Illinois. The culture at CGH has been amazing to experience. It has been a breath of fresh air to be a part of a thriving independent rural community hospital. Everyone has been so welcoming and has provided unique insights on rural hospital operations. 

Over the course of the summer, I have been able to meet with every department director here at CGH. I have gotten to sit down with each one and learn firsthand how each area contributes to the hospital’s operation. My preceptor, Dr. Steinke, has been the CEO of CGH for over a decade. I have gotten to sit in on his strategic meetings with other VPs and chief officers. These experiences offered a behind the scenes look at high-level decision-making processes that shape the hospital’s future.

I have been able to work on multiple projects during this summer, but my primary project was developing an in-depth proforma for the acquisition of an additional PET/CT scanner for CGH. This project involved conducting a financial analysis to support the purchase and incorporated $3 million in estimated construction costs to renovate the current imaging department. I collaborated with the Director of Decision support to create financial models and worked with the VP of Support Services to meet with construction companies and discuss the blueprints of the renovations. I also analyzed market data to assess patient outmigration for imaging services. Having this new scanner will allow CGH to provide scans that patients currently travel over an hour to receive. This would lower the transportation burden that some patients face. After all my research, I presented my project to the city board. Since CGH is city owned, any capital projects that are over $50,000 must be approved by the city board. This project that I developed will be taken for approval in September and construction will hopefully begin sometime in the spring! 

Another significant project I was a part of involved developing a business plan for a CGH’s retail pharmacy that will compete with national chains such as Walgreens. Working with a third-party consultant, I researched regulatory requirements, including those for securing licensure from the Illinois Board of Pharmacy. I am excited to continue to help with this project throughout the school year!

Outside of work, I have enjoyed spending the summer at my family’s house. I have been able to take some lake trips and spend a ton of time outdoors. I even learned how to drive a jet ski, although I don’t recommend learning in the Ozarks. I also started a garden, and my next gardening goal is to grow cucumbers and make homemade pickles! One of my favorite moments of the summer was when I decided to run the Bix. For those of you who don’t know, the Bix is a 7-mile race in Davenport, IA. Over 10,000 people ran it this year with people coming from all over the world! I got to run the race with my best friends from high school. We all met while running cross country together, so this was our first race running together in 8 years!

Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience here at CGH. I think this center demonstrates that independent rural healthcare facilities can be essential to serving our community. This internship affirmed my passion for healthcare leadership within smaller, community-centered settings. CGH Medical Center exemplifies how independent rural facilities can deliver high-quality, patient-focused care. As the healthcare landscape evolves, I aspire to be a leader dedicated to strengthening these vital institutions and the communities they serve.

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