Leading Rural Health Care

Training, Technology and Rural Health's Future

Rural health care leaders are finding new ways to solve old problems, and Carroll County Memorial Hospital in Carrollton, Missouri is proof of what's possible. In this episode, Scott Thoreson, President and CEO, and Dr. Andy Horine, family physician and the hospital's first Chief Medical Information Officer, share how a fiercely independent, non-tax-supported critical access hospital has built a national reputation for quality while investing boldly in the future of rural health. They discuss the hospital's innovative partnership with UMKC and a new Student Learning Center, which includes a state-of-the-art Anatomage table used to train medical students and high school health occupations students, and is doubling as a recruitment strategy. They also address the role of technology and AI in improving both physician experience and patient outcomes and share what's ahead for Carroll County Memorial Hospital as health care continues to change. This episode offers a front-row look at two leaders who believe that in rural health care, relationships, culture and community investment aren't just nice to have — they're the strategy.

The Journey from Nurse to CEO

A nursing career that started 30 years ago laid the foundation for one of rural Missouri's experienced health care leaders. In this episode, Darinda Dick, President and CEO of Western Missouri Medical Center in Warrensburg, shares how her clinical background informs every decision she makes as a CEO. From earning a CMS five-star quality rating to building a thriving physician enterprise and expanding breast imaging access through the hospital's foundation, Darinda brings passion and practicality to rural health care leadership. She also reflects on the value of independence, the role of MHA and what rural leaders need to focus on right now.

Where Care Meets Community and Growth

In rural communities, a hospital is more than a place for care—it's a foundation for stability, growth and connection. In this episode, Tina Gillespie, CEO of Harrison County Community Hospital, shares how her organization is investing in the future of care in northwest Missouri. She discusses the journey to build a new hospital, the role of financial strategy in sustaining services and the importance of keeping care close to home. Gillespie also highlights how rural hospitals support their communities beyond clinical care, from workforce development to economic impact. This conversation offers insight into the decisions and leadership required to keep rural health care strong.

Risk, Reality and Rural Health Leadership

Rural health care leaders are making complex decisions every day to keep care local and accessible. In this episode, Todd Ahrens, CEO of Hannibal Regional Healthcare System, discusses how he navigates those decisions through a balance of risk, mission and long-term strategy. Drawing on his experience as an attorney and a health system leader, he shares how his perspective on risk has evolved, why growth is necessary for sustainability and how strong community connections shape decision-making. He also addresses workforce challenges, capital investment decisions and the increasing importance of advocacy. This episode highlights the mindset required to lead through uncertainty while keeping patients and communities at the center.

Leading Rural Health with Purpose

Rural hospitals are often misunderstood, yet they play a critical role in keeping communities healthy and economically stable. In this episode, Karla Clubine, CEO of Pershing Health System, shares what it really means to lead a critical access hospital in today's environment. Drawing from her clinical background, Clubine explains how she approaches leadership decisions, balances patient needs with financial realities and works to expand access through partnerships and technology. She also discusses workforce challenges, the importance of community support and why changing perceptions of rural hospitals matters. This episode highlights both the challenges and the opportunities shaping the future of rural health care.