Logan’s Day of Health Care highlights local health trends, unification with Billings Clinic

Health trends, statewide initiatives and Logan Health’s recent consolidation with Billings Clinic are among the topics slated for discussion at a series of conferences organized by the health care system on Friday.

Held at the Wachholz College Center, “Healthier Communities: Day of Health Care” on Oct. 27 will feature Logan Health’s physicians, providers and administrators. The free event is meant to provide attendees with the latest insights into local and statewide health care developments, according to a release from Logan Health officials.

Logan Health recently integrated with another Montana health giant, Billings Clinic. When the unification was made official on Sept. 1, CEO Dr. Craig Lambrecht said in a statement that work groups from both organizations would begin mapping out integration strategies.

A roundtable discussion about the unification is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. in McClaren Hall. Executive leadership are expected to discuss the integration of the health care systems and how they plan to advance health care access in the state.

Earlier conferences are slated to begin at 1 p.m. with opening remarks in McClaren Hall. Starting at 1:30, the conference breaks into two different tracks.

Conference A Track will focus on trends in local health care. It will feature Dr. T.C. Origitano, a neurological surgeon and physician executive of neuroscience, Dr. Kurt Lindsay, neurologist and medical director of stroke program, Dr. Rob Mitchell, a cardiologist and vascular medicine physician, and Carrie Thompson, director of genetics and genomics. The presentation runs from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in McClaren Hall.

Conference track B will focus on health care initiatives across Montana and will feature School Based Health Center Program Director Brittany Coburn, pediatric critical care physician Dr. Timothy Stidham, obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Thomas deHoop, and bronchoscopist and Medical Director of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Dr. Bethany Weiler. The presentation runs from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Stinson Family Event Center.

A break is scheduled between 3:30 at 3:45, followed by a panel discussion titled “A Real-Life Look at Health Care.” The discussion will feature Logan Health executive directors and will be moderated by Origitano. The aim is to “explore the complexity of the health care industry from various perspectives and service areas,” according to a release from Logan Health officials.

Following will be the panel discussion about the health care system’s recent unification with Billings Clinic and the afternoon concludes with drinks and hors d’oeuvres in the Wachholz College Center Lobby.

“This community event is not just about discussing the vital aspects of health care, it's a celebration of unity, knowledge and the pursuit of a healthier future for our state,” Logan Health Foundation President Joe McClafferty said in a statement. “The community can learn about the unique challenges and opportunities that shape our health care landscape in Montana. The day will be filled with meaningful discussion and engagement with our local healthcare experts.”

The event is free to attend, though seating is limited. To view the agenda and register, go to www.logan.org/foundation/current-initiatives/healthier-communities-day-of-healthcare.

Reporter Taylor Inman can be reached at tinman@dailyinterlake.com.