Patti Kneiser
Vice president – employer services, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin
9200 W. Wisconsin Ave., Wauwatosa
froedtert.com
Industry: Health care
Employees: About 10,000
Family: My husband Rick and I have two children, Emily and George.
What’s new at your company?
“We launched a Virtual Clinic that truly ‘meets people where they are.’ People can talk to a doctor 24/7 with their smartphone, computer or telephone for problems like flu, bladder infections and respiratory conditions. It’s easy, affordable and has gotten great response. Along with our walk-in and FastCare retail clinics, it offers on-demand access to care.”
What’s the hottest trend in your industry?
“Consumerism. Health care is increasingly driven by what patients want. That’s a change for the better. For us, it means finding ways to meet people where they are—where they work, play and live—and give them choices about how to receive care.”
What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?
“Boost our focus on wellness and injury prevention, especially at the workplace. I lead our health network’s strategy to partner with employers to improve employee health and reduce costs. This is a huge issue for employers, and there’s solid evidence that workplace programs can play a role. So we’ve expanded our capabilities in occupational medicine and workplace clinics to support that.”
Do you plan to hire any additional staff or make any significant capital investments in your company in the next year?
“Keeping up with demand for our services is a continuing challenge. We’re always looking for exceptional people and actively recruiting nurses and others to join our staff. We also have plans in the works for new Froedtert & MCW outpatient health centers in Oak Creek, Mequon, Waukesha County and other locations across the region.”
What will be your company’s main challenges in the next year?
“Managing change. Health care is changing in nearly every respect, and staying ahead of it is a tremendous challenge for all health care organizations. We’re fortunate to have Cathy Jacobson’s outstanding leadership to guide us.”
What motivates you?
“Making a difference. If I can get up every day knowing I’m in a position to do good, that drives me forward.”
What’s something about your role that might surprise people?
“I’m very engaged in economic development organizations and chair Economic Development-Washington County this year. It’s rewarding to apply my experience as a strategist and business development consultant to assist growth companies and promote economic vitality in the communities we serve.”
What was the best advice you ever received?
“‘Choose your battles carefully!’ I’m fiercely competitive, so learning how to reach win-win solutions and not get waylaid by minor issues has been critical to my leadership success.”
What do you like to do in your free time?
“I’m a tennis player (although currently rehabbing an injury) and a passionate ‘sports mom,’ so most often you’d find me cheering at a football field, basketball court, ski race or golf tournament.”
