April 2015
In the Huddle
with John Sheehan, President
UW Health at The American Center
Dear Associates,
With less than two months until construction is
completed and less than four months until we begin
delivering patient care at
UW Health at The American
Center, I think it’s fair to say
we’re in the home stretch of
our journey to opening day.
The most dramatic signs are
the physical space – just
check out the photos on
page 3 – but less visible
preparations are just as
important. Our team continues to grow with 350
associates now on board. On page 2, you’ll meet
Tricia Ejzak, the manager of our operating rooms
and reprocessing area. And we’re continuing to
hire. Note our Career Day to be held May 14 for
many positions in direct patient care and clinical
support areas. We welcome all applicants who want
to be part of our vision for quality, a care experience
like we would want for our own family members
and support for the wellness of our patients and our
community.
Now grab your calendar – our community Grand
Opening is scheduled for August 2 (see details at
right). Please consider this a personal invitation to
come and see UW Health at The American Center
for yourself. Mark the date now and watch future
issues for the full slate of activities for all ages. I
really hope to see you there.
Inside this issue:
Tricia Ejzak and surgical services at The American Center
Construction approaches the home stretch (with photos to prove it!)
Grand Opening — Save the Date!
Mark your calendar now to attend
UW Health at The American Center’s
Community Grand Opening
Sunday, August 2, 1 - 4 p.m.
4602 Eastpark Blvd., Madison WI 53718
See what this spectacular facility has to offer
as a self-guided scavenger hunt tour takes you to the sports wing,
demonstration kitchen, green roof, emergency department and more!
UW Health at The American Center Championship Playbook – Page 2
Meet Tricia Ejzak, MSN, Manager, Operating Room and Reprocessing
“Returning to UW Health has felt like
coming home,” says Tricia Ejzak, MSN,
who worked in the UWHC’s surgery
billing office more than 20 years ago
while she was in nursing school at
UW-Madison.
“I’d hear the surgeons talking about
their procedures and it always intrigued
me, but
I never
imagined
that I would
end up in
the OR,”
she says.
With gentle
nudging from
now-retired
Tricia Ejzak, MSN
orthopedic
surgeon
Bill Engber, MD, she applied for an RN
position in the OR and officially began
her nursing career at UWHC in 1992.
Since then, she’s worked in the surgical
services department at Meriter Hospital,
and most recently as the Director of
Surgical Services at Divine Savior
Healthcare in Portage, WI.
Tricia brings extensive experience
managing pre- and post-op care, postanesthesia care, operating rooms,
endoscopy and reprocessing. “I’ve been
fortunate to work with wonderful leaders
and mentors who have helped me to
grow in my leadership skills,” she says.
In her new role as Manager of the OR
and Reprocessing for UW Health at The
American Center, Tricia is responsible
for ensuring a safe and exceptional care
experience for surgical patients and their
families. Her ultimate goal is to create
an environment where patients and
families receive the best possible care
and associates look forward to coming
to work.
One of her priorities is to create
efficiencies, removing waste from
processes and systems, which she says
will lead to higher standards of care
and greater satisfaction among patients
and families as well as clinicians and
associates.
“The leadership team at The American
Center is working to prevent ‘silos’ so
we can be more efficient and respond
quickly to our patients’ needs and
requests. We will be able to adjust our
processes quickly to improve the care
we deliver” she says.
Tricia will work to ensure that staff
members have the proper training and
tools to perform their job responsibilities.
She’ll also manage the budget, analyze
clinical data and practices, identify areas
for improvement, and assess current
and future needs.
“I am passionate about providing
compassionate care and leading by
example,” Tricia says. “What excites
me most about my new role at The
American Center is being part of a new
hospital from the ground up and building
a great team of clinicians and associates
who will provide exceptional care to our
patients and their families.”
Tricia earned her bachelor and master’s
degrees from the UW-Madison’s School
of Nursing.
American Center
Career Event
Thursday, May 14,
10 am - 7 pm
Crowne Plaza Hotel
4402 E. Washington Ave.,
Madison
You’ve been hearing for
months how UW Health
at The American Center
will be a unique health
and wellness facility. Did
you know it will also be a
remarkable place to work?
At UW Health’s May 14
career event, you’ll find
opportunities for dozens
of positions. Apply ahead
online and have a chance
for an on-site interview.
To apply today, visit
uwhealth.org/careers
A N T I C I PAT E D M I L E S T O N E S
Building Occupancy
June 1, 2015
Orientation/Training
June - August 2015
Grand Opening Events
July 31- August 2, 2015
Patient Care Begins
August 17, 2015
UW Health at The American Center Construction
Approaches
Home Stretch
As construction crews
press toward June 1
completion, one recent
addition -- UW Health
signs on the front and
back of the building
-- makes The American
Center visible to motorists passing on nearby highways.
Meanwhile inside, the ORs and radiology exam rooms are nearly
done, and the sports wing is in full Badger glory. No other sports
program in the state will match The American Center’s winning
combination of state-of-the-art facilities, comprehensive services
and highly trained, certified professionals in sports medicine, sports
rehabilitation and sports performance. To hear American Center
sports performance manager Dave Knight talk about his program’s
philosophy and options for athletes of all ages and ability levels, visit
uwhealth.org/sportsperformance. And to stay up on all the latest with
UW Health sports, check out a new social media presence on Twitter
(@uwhealthsports) and Facebook (UW Health Sports).
Championship Playbook – Page 3