Health care
President and CEO
ThedaCare | Neenah
Dr. Imran Andrabi took over as president and chief executive officer of Neenah-based ThedaCare in 2017. Previously, Andrabi was regional president and chief executive officer of the Toledo region for Mercy Health. With more than 7,000 employees, ThedaCare serves 600,000 patients across 180 points of care, including eight hospitals. In October, ThedaCare announced a joint venture with Froedtert through which the health systems will build medical campuses in Fond du Lac and Oshkosh. Construction is also currently underway on a $100 million project to modernize its Neenah hospital campus.
Education: M.D., King Edward Medical College in Pakistan; pre-medicine studies, F. G. Sir Syed College
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?
"My first job was as an intern right out of medical school. It was a huge learning curve. I did my best to learn everything possible to better care for the people who entrusted me with their health."
What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career?
"God has given us two ears and one mouth. Use it in that proportion."
If you could have dinner with any two business leaders, who would you choose and why?
"I would be fascinated to have dinner with Steve Jobs, if he were still with us. It would be fascinating to learn more about his mind and innovation. He helped create something that people did not even know they needed or wanted – it was incredible. And the second person would be Elon Musk. I just want to understand how he thinks about things – I am really curious."
What are some of your favorite destinations/places to visit?
"I love to travel. I haven’t travelled to a bad place yet in my journeys. There are always great people to meet, and awe inspiring sceneries to take in."
What is one book you think everyone should read and why?
"'Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don't,' by Jim Collins. It changed my life. The concepts are unshakable and eternal."
What’s your hobby/passion?
"Listening to music. I also enjoy singing and collecting good wine."
What is your favorite Wisconsin restaurant and what do you order there?
"I am sucker for good food anywhere, any kind and flavor, so long as it is nice to my palate. I have had some great food in the state of Wisconsin."
What would people be surprised to learn about you (fun fact)?
"I was a lead vocalist in a pop band in medical school."
What was your first car? How long did you drive it for?
"My first car was a Honda Accord. I had it for two years."
If you could take a one-year sabbatical, what would you do?
"I would go to law school. I am fascinated with law. I come from a family of lawyers and judges. I suppose I was the only black sheep who followed a different career path."
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome?
"The last three years of the COVID pandemic. We are still learning how to navigate and overcome the challenges that stemmed from the pandemic."
What advice would you give to a young professional?
"Believe in yourself and your dreams. Be confident about where you wish to go, and figure out how to get there – it is never a straight path."
What has been your/your company’s most significant success over the last 12 months?
"The COVID-19 pandemic changed how people receive care, when and where care takes place, and what they expect from care partners. The lessons learned from the last 12 months and more from this pandemic will stay with us for generations. As I reflect on this time, I am proud. Proud of the communities and the support so many people provided for our health care workers. Proud of the patients and families who trusted us with their health and care. Proud of our dedicated team members. Through the most difficult of times, our teams stood true to our calling to do what it takes to care for our community. The strength and resilience as one ThedaCare team continues to shine as we pursue our mission to improve the health and well-being of our communities."
What is one thing you would change about Wisconsin to make it even better?
"We need to talk about ourselves more and let people know what all we have to offer here. This is a great state with tremendous people and resources."
As you enter your office, what would you choose to be your walk-up or theme song and why?
"'Danger Zone!' Not because of my office, but because of the energy and can-do attitude!"
Is there a nonprofit cause that has special meaning to you?
"I am very much involved with the United Way in our community. I love their focus on financial, education and health stability for the people of our community. Those areas all resonate with me."
What is the biggest risk You’ve ever taken?
"At the age of 24, I left my home and family back in Pakistan. I came to this country with my wife, a child on the way and no job. I was unsure how it was all going to work out. This is the essence of the American Dream. God has been super kind to me and my family."
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
"I want to transform health care forever in this country. I am committed to helping people receive the best care in the easiest way possible, in the right place at the right time, and at the price point as they wish to receive it."
What has you most excited about the future: "The future is bright and full of possibilities. We must be willing to get out of our own way and let the creativity, innovation and change happen. This pertains to health care, our communities, our lives and the way we will live in the future."
