A longtime leader at Penn Medicine, for the last 18 years, Michele Volpe has led one of the health system’s earliest additions, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, through a period of tremendous growth. What began as a community hospital has become a preeminent medical center ranked, under a combined enterprise with HUP, among the top 20 institutions in the nation. More recently, Jan Bergen became president and CEO of Lancaster General Health when it became part of Penn Medicine in 2015—a natural fit for two systems known for their innovation, depth of resources, and community commitment. Here, both CEOs reflect on their hospitals’ journeys as part of the larger integrated system.
Michele Volpe, CEO, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center
On transforming PPMC…
When I took over as CEO, Presbyterian needed a rebirth.
The first step we took was to recruit Penn-trained physicians. That was the start. It was almost like a snowball. Put together a group of people, and it picks up steam.
Over the course of the first several years, we worked to rebuild the department of Medicine into a CPUP (Clinical Practices of the University of Pennsylvania) practice, following with the hospital-based clinical departments like Radiology and Anesthesiology. The department of Surgery soon followed the same direction which led to most other CPUP chairs seeing an opportunity at PPMC to expand their reach.
And then the next, very large change, was just three years ago: the transition of our Level One Trauma Center from HUP to Presby and then the Pavilion for Advanced Care. I can honestly say, and I think most people in the system will say this, the journey has just been magical. It has absolutely changed the perception of Presby, within and outside the health system.
On her fellow leaders…
This is the most collegial, committed group I have ever worked with in my career.
My colleagues and I are committed not only to the improvement of the entity we oversee, but to the advancement of the health system as a whole. The health system’s success is directly linked to the success of each entity.
On the future…
Penn Medicine will continue to dominate the regional health care market for years to come, expanding services across all care settings. In selective areas, Penn will be known for its innovative and first-to-market treatments made possible by the advanced research of a renowned faculty. Locally, Penn will continue on the trajectory of improving health outcomes for residents of all the communities where Penn Medicine campuses reside.
Jan Bergen, President and CEO, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health
On joining the system…
We are exceedingly proud to be part of Penn Medicine. As we hoped and expected, we have been warmly welcomed into the system and have found the physicians and administrative team to be highly collaborative and helpful.
On what Penn Medicine brings to LGH…
Penn Medicine’s clinical, teaching, and research capabilities are impressive. As a part of the system, we are able to tap into these resources to the benefit of our community. Since joining Penn, we have been more successful in recruiting Penn fellows and residents to Lancaster and have been able to strengthen our clinical offerings by assuring better coordination of care for patients receiving care in both Philadelphia and in Lancaster. Penn Medicine’s national reputation has also strengthened our position as a high-performing community-based health system.
On what LGH brings to Penn Medicine…
I like to believe that Lancaster General Health’s experience as a 125-year-old health system has added value to Penn Medicine overall. Our work in areas like Patient Centered Medical Homes, urgent care, population health, and Lean Management will hopefully enrich Penn Medicine’s ability to strengthen these competencies across the broad regional footprint.
On the community’s response…
Over the past three years, the community of Lancaster has learned a lot about how our integration with Penn Medicine is transforming delivery of health care in our local area. We continue to host sessions for community leaders in Lancaster with Penn Medicine clinical and administrative leaders so they can learn more about how Penn’s advanced research and clinical care capabilities are strengthening health care offerings locally. We are pleased with the community’s growing awareness and preference for the Penn Medicine brand.