Marketing health: An interview with Sharon Urhahn

How long have you worked in the health care industry's marketing field? What drew you to the position?

I've worked in health care marketing for over 13 years, 10 of those years at Missouri Delta Medical Center. I have always been intrigued with health in general and at one point thought I wanted to be a nurse. After taking a few health-related classes in college, I decided I was a better suited on the business side of things.

What's the best part of your work?

I love that every day brings a new challenge or adventure. No two days are ever the same.

What's the most challenging part?

Sharon Urhahn (Photo by Kit Doyle)

I have so many ideas, thoughts and visions, and only so many hours in the day.

What's something about Missouri Delta Medical Center that patients might be surprised to know?

We are a community-owned hospital and our obstetrics department has scored in the 99th percentile for overall patient satisfaction, ranking in the top 1 percent of hospitals nationwide* every month for over two years in a row! (*As measured by Press Ganey)

Tell us about some recent changes/improvements at Missouri Delta Medical Center.

We are in the final stages of a multimillion- dollar renovation. When complete, most all our patient rooms will be private and will include the latest technology available. We also recently opened Missouri Delta's PARE Minimally Invasive Neurospine Institute on our campus with the help of Dr. Joel W. Ray.

What are your thoughts on the national health care reform discussions? How much of an impact do the proposed changes have the potential to make in the Southeast Missouri health care community?

I think the proposed changes will be a challenge for health care providers in Southeast Missouri to treat more patients with potentially fewer resources.

How do you anticipate Missouri Delta Medical Center growing and changing in the future? Any major plans for 2010?

Missouri Delta Medical Center is constantly growing and improving. The positive feedback we receive from patients constantly reminds us that we are on the right track. The year 2010 holds plans for more construction, such as our new Physician Complex in Sikeston and our Community Care Center in Charleston. We will continue to convert to private patient rooms in our goal to accommodate patients and staff.

About Sharon Urhahn

NAME: Sharon Urhahn

POSITION: Director of marketing for Missouri Delta Medical Center

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in health promotion with a minor in marketing from Southeast Missouri State University

FAMILY: Married 14 years to Barry; daughters Madeline (11) and Grace (9)