by
Gus Iversen, Editor in Chief | September 16, 2022
From the September 2022 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine
Brandi Lunneborg: I can always remember as a child wanting to be a doctor. I’m not completely sure when and why, but I liked science and helping people. I saw my grandfather get sick and succumb to leukemia and was always so grateful for the care he received. Until my last year of college, that was my plan. I was unfortunately hit with appendicitis the night before my MCAT exam and decided to work in health care consulting in my gap year.
HCB News: Can you tell us what your career has been like up to this point?
BL: I found I loved the business of healthcare and have worked in multiple, different roles from consulting, to billing and performance improvement, and then ultimately hospital operations and administration. I enjoy the variety of activities and connectivity between the community, patients and healthcare team. Serving my community is what I love about healthcare.
HCB News: What drew you to Lakeview Hospital?
BL: Lakeview Hospital’s reputation as an excellent healthcare delivery organization in a small, highly engaged community was a huge reason I was drawn here. I was very impressed with the compassionate, patient-centered care environment and the welcoming and dedicated team. It’s a great culture, and I’m so pleased to have joined and be carrying on the traditions of this wonderful community hospital.
HCB News: How would you describe the leadership style of the organization?
BL: Everyone in the organization has a service-oriented leadership style. They put the patients and their colleagues and community first in all decisions. They truly live the Head + Heart, Together culture of HealthPartners. It’s part of everything we do.
HCB News: What are the patient demographics that you're serving?
BL: Stillwater, Minnesota, and the surrounding communities in the St. Croix Valley are modestly growing, expecting about 4% growth in the next five years. The population is aging, overall, and that will require more access to increasingly complex health care services over time.
HCB News: Are there any special projects or initiatives you are undertaking or planning to undertake?
BL: Lakeview Hospital is one of the oldest operating facilities in Minnesota. Due to the age of our hospital, the continued growth of our community and aging population, we have begun assessing our options for future investment in a new medical facility. We’re still early in the assessment, but we look forward to creating a vision for what Lakeview will need to be to meet the needs of our community for decades to come.
