SearchBy Jim Kerr, SVP of Growth
Once again, I find myself proud to be a graduate of Wabash College. Although Wabash College is a small school, its impact on society continues to impress and inspire. A prime example of this influence is the recent Wabash Alumni Club of Indianapolis Leadership Breakfast, which brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and industry professionals to discuss one of the most pressing issues in modern healthcare—accessibility. The discussion, centered around “Leadership in Transforming Healthcare Accessibility,” explored necessary solutions and collaborative strategies to ensure quality care reaches all communities.
The breakfast featured insights from the 52nd Governor of Indiana, Mike Braun; Dr. Lisa Harris, CEO of Eskenazi Health; and Dr. Juan Carlos Venis, a primary care physician at Indiana University School of Medicine.
Governor Braun, a member of the Wabash Class of 1976, opened the morning by sharing his personal experience with healthcare issues while leading his family business, Meyer Distributing, in Jasper, Indiana. He highlighted how he championed healthcare consumerism within his company, fostering a culture of responsibility and wellness that resulted in a healthier workforce and a stronger community.
Dr. Lisa Harris followed with a sobering discussion on healthcare disparities, emphasizing that the strongest predictor of life expectancy is a person’s zip code. These disparities are not confined to urban centers but extend to rural areas as well, highlighting the need for systemic change in access to care.
Dr. Juan Carlos Venis, Wabash Class of 2009, provided a frontline perspective on the challenges primary care physicians face. He shared the frustration of medical professionals nationwide who struggle to provide optimal care due to systemic constraints, resource limitations, and accessibility barriers. A recurring theme throughout the event was the collective responsibility to improve healthcare accessibility in Indiana and beyond.
In addition to these powerful discussions, the breakfast recognized the dedicated contributions of Dr. John Roberts, Wabash Class of 1983, and Dr. Scott Douglas, Wabash Class of 1984. Both were honored for their lifelong commitment to serving the Crawfordsville community as primary care physicians.
The Wabash College Leadership Breakfast once again served as a catalyst for action, inspiring attendees to drive forward initiatives that will bridge gaps and transform healthcare accessibility. As the dialogue continues, the focus remains clear: leveraging innovation, collaboration, and advocacy to build a healthier and more equitable future for all.
Initiatives like the BDS project underscore how innovative technology solutions can directly improve healthcare accessibility, connecting citizens in need with vital resources to help them feel and function better. This project example highlights our commitment to meaningful, data-driven solutions that improve both individual lives and community health outcomes.
We invite you to explore our case study with the State of Indiana to see how targeted interventions are transforming lives and driving systemic change.
#eimagineBetter
