Uniting for Growth: Four Keys to Successful Regionalization (Sponsor Letter)

Dr. Sadaf Sohrab, Mercy Springfield Communities

Dear Springfield Business Community,

As we focus on regionalization in this fourth edition of Springfield Business Journal’s Economic Growth Series, I wanted to share some personal insights. As the Chief Medical Officer for Mercy Springfield Communities, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside my counterpart in Joplin to build a strong network of physicians across our region. This experience has taught me valuable lessons about regionalization that can be applied across various industries.

1. Collaborate, Don’t Duplicate

In our pursuit of excellence, it’s tempting to want the newest and best resources in our respective fields. However, a regional approach requires us to assess what each entity brings to the table. By identifying and sharing our individual strengths, we can enhance our collective output while conserving resources. This collaborative approach allows us to avoid unnecessary duplication and maximize our efficiency.

2. Identify Specific Needs

Understanding the unique needs of each community within our region is crucial. In health care, we’ve found that different communities require varied services - from labor and delivery to specialized senior care, orthopedic specialists, or full-service emergency departments. By pinpointing these specific needs, we can allocate resources more effectively and extend the reach of our budget. This principle can be applied across all industries to ensure we’re meeting the diverse needs of our regional market.

3. Leverage Your Size for Recruitment

A regional approach can significantly enhance your recruitment efforts. In health care, for instance, physicians often prefer to be part of a larger team to avoid constant on-call status. By offering the opportunity to be part of a regional team, we can attract top talent with the promise of interesting challenges, opportunities for skill growth, and a better work-life balance. Consider how your industry can use a regional presence to appeal to potential employees and partners.

4. Foster Regular Connections

One of the challenges in adopting a regional approach is unifying teams that have historically operated in community silos. To overcome this, it’s essential to establish regular connections that align all teams with a central goal. At Mercy, we host quarterly community reviews that bring leaders together to discuss successes and areas for improvement. These meetings serve the dual purpose of sharing information and fostering a culture of unity across our region.

By implementing these strategies, we can strengthen our regional approach and drive economic growth across Springfield and beyond. I encourage all of us in the business community to consider how we can apply these principles to our respective industries. Together, we can build a more collaborative, efficient, and prosperous region.

Sincerely,
Dr. Sadaf Sohrab, Chief Medical Officer
Mercy Springfield Communities