Council Connect Articles

Adventist Health Ukiah Valley Gathers for Incubate Summit

Who

  • Adventist Health North Coast Network Leadership
  • Mendocino County representatives and stakeholders
  • Colorado Hospital Association
  • Colorado State University
  • Hospital Council & CHA

What

Adventist Health’s North Coast Network gathered for the second quarterly meeting of its Incubate Summit to discuss full scope family medicine (FSFM) residency retention in the Ukiah Valley. Based on feedback from the first gathering of this group in early 2023, the May 1 collaboration took a deeper dive into topics such as diversity equity and inclusion, FSFM and obstetric surgeries, resident wellness, and strategies to maintain a sustainable program. Guest speakers from the Colorado Hospital Association, Colorado State University, Banner Health, Baylor Scott & White, and the Waco Family Residency Program offered perspectives on their efforts in the area to collaborate with Ukiah stakeholders. Read more about the Incubate Program in the Ukiah Daily Journal.

What started as an investigation into, “How can we retain our residents?” has evolved into a deep, sometimes uncomfortable, and eminently necessary discussion about what matters for health care in the Ukiah Valley and how Adventist Health can shape a respectful and inclusive culture while staying true to its faith-based mission. As the Ukiah Valley-based Incubate team digests the most recent round of discussions, participants look forward to reconvening in August to finalize a five-year strategic plan. 

Judson Howe, president of Adventist Health North Coast Network, said: “Our community needs caregivers. I am less concerned about whether those caregivers work for us or someone historically viewed as our competition — we are all Ukiah.” Looking forward, the work being done right now in Ukiah Valley will have significant learning opportunities for rural health care providers in California and nationwide. Stay tuned!