Many hospitals include "innovation" among their list of values. Indiana
University Health is one of the few healthcare systems in the nation that considers
innovation fundamental to its mission:
To improve the health of patients and community through innovation and excellence
in care, education, research and service.
Innovation is part of this organization's collective DNA. The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis
records that when Methodist Hospital was opened in 1908, "the three-story fireproof
structure boasted modern surgical rooms with floors and walls of white glass. The
hospital had portable bathtubs, plumbing equipped with pedal action, a call system
of signal lights that eliminated the continuous noise of clanging bells, and a 'plunger
type' elevator large enough to hold a patient litter." Exceptionally innovative
given the alternatives in those days!
This hospital's ongoing legacy of innovation is well-known: first in the world to
provide patients with insulin, the first private hospital to perform a heart transplant,
the first lithotripter to use shock waves to crush kidney stones, first in the nation
to perform a simultaneous lung-pancreas transplant.
What about today? Methodist Health Foundation serves to connect passionate and generous
donors with innovative care at IU Health Methodist Hospital. In tough economic times,
philanthropy provides the lifeline to innovation when operating budgets are stretched
to the limit. In the past few months, the Foundation has provided support for a
pioneering technique to replace aortic valves, support for residents as they both
research and practice groundbreaking techniques in emergency care, and training
for all hospital staff to recognize and prevent domestic violence injuries.
Undoubtedly, one day in the future, we’ll look back on today’s innovations with
the same amusement as we do with plunger elevators from 1908! After all, yesterday’s
innovations are the building blocks for tomorrow’s inspirations. For healthcare,
the result is new treatments and techniques that save lives and preserve families.
As the President of Methodist Health Foundation, I have the privilege of working
with our Board of Directors and staff to sustain the needs of IU Health Methodist
Hospital. It is an honor to witness the countless acts of generosity of our donors,
grateful patients and friends of the hospital. Their support reflects the true meaning
of philanthropy.
Because of them, over the last 30 years the Foundation has distributed nearly 150
million dollars to the hospital – for innovative care, education, research and service
– that enables IU Health Methodist to provide preeminent patient care to the communities
of Indiana.
Thank you!
Kevin R. Armstrong
President
Methodist Health Foundation