Hospital CEO Finds Cure for Big City Stress in Guthrie County
In his career as a hospital administrator, Jerry Neal knows full well the stresses associated with working in the medical field. Increased government regulations and inspections, technology changes, the challenges of recruiting qualified people and increased demands for health care with the concerns on cost are a few of the constant issues that make health care management stressful. But while there may be no way to avoid stresses in the world of health care, you can do something to remedy stress in the rest of your life — like moving to Guthrie County, Iowa. That’s exactly what Jerry Neal did when he took the job as CEO at Guthrie County Hospital three and a half years ago.
Moving from Kansas City, Jerry traded the hectic grind of a metropolis for the relative quiet and simplicity of life in Western Iowa’s countryside, and he loves it. “Panora has Lake Panorama and two beautiful golf courses. The schools and churches in the area are excellent. And I love the quieter lifestyle and country atmosphere.”
Jerry’s move has been rewarding professionally as well. Since taking the job, he’s seen the hospital’s revenue double, and millions of dollars have been invested in the facility. One such capital upgrade is the new Healthy Living Center, which includes a fitness center, walking track and a small café. The hospital, which serves all of Guthrie County, has four full-time physicians, three full-time nurse practitioners and one part-time physician who commutes about 45 minutes from West Des Moines. In the last four years alone, Guthrie County Hospital has created 50 new jobs in the community. The great schools and solid work ethic has made it easy to fill most jobs.
In addition to his time in Kansas City, Jerry’s career has also included stops in Dallas and Philadelphia. And while he’s glad to be rid of living in the big city, he still enjoys getting to larger metros now and then for some of the amenities they have to offer. For that, he says, Guthrie County is perfectly situated for easy access to Des Moines and Omaha. “From a time standpoint, I’m really no farther from the airport, shopping, theater and the zoo than when I lived in Dallas and Philadelphia. There’s just so much less traffic here.”
Jerry Neal is committed to doing his part to bring Guthrie County the health care its residents need. A fair tradeoff, since Guthrie County has helped bring him relief from the stress of urban sprawl. “It’s important for people to know that you can continue your career without the stresses of highly populated areas.”
