Stephens County Hospital’s Kathy Whitmire Completes Rural Health Fellowship

Stephens County Hospital’s Vice President of Operations, Kathy Whitmire, recently traveled to Washington D.C. to complete a Rural Health Fellowship, a year-long, intensive training program that develops leaders who can articulate a clear and compelling vision for rural America.

One of 15 healthcare professionals nationwide, Whitmire was selected by the National Rural Health Association for its 2017-18 Rural Health Fellows Program.

During the past year, Whitmire worked with fellow healthcare leaders to develop policy that will ensure better health outcomes for all rural Americans.

Whitmire explained that it was an honor for her to have been a part of this group of distinguished healthcare leaders in order to develop policy that will ensure better health outcomes for all rural Americans.

She added, that most importantly, her efforts during the fellowship were to strengthen the local healthcare infrastructure for the long term and ensure excellent care for the citizens of Stephens County.

Stephens County Hospital’s Chief Executive Officer Roger Forgey praised Whitmire’s recent accomplishment, and added that this fellowship parallels the hospitals efforts to keep healthcare thriving in our rural community.

Each year, NRHA selects 10 to 15 highly motivated individuals who have proven their dedication to improving the health of rural Americans through their educational or professional experience.

The goal of the Fellows Program is to educate, develop and inspire a networked community of rural health leaders who will step forward to serve in key positions in the National Rural Health Association, affiliated rural health advocacy groups and local and state legislative bodies.

The fellows meet in person three times throughout the year to undergo intensive leadership and advocacy training.

In addition, fellows take part in monthly conference calls to supplement their training, receive updates on legislative and regulatory concerns that impact rural health, and participate in a mentorship program with current members of NRHA’s Board of Trustees.