Diversity in ideas, experience drive Albrecht in new Gundersen VP role

Rachel Albrecht always wanted to work for an organization where she could make a difference in her community.

“I feel blessed to have found Gundersen,” shares the new vice president for Ambulatory Services. “I have the opportunity and privilege every day to work with people who care so much about our patients and their families. People at Gundersen truly live our purpose for improving everyone’s health and well-being.”

Rachel’s 15 years of experience at Gundersen includes service as clinical operations director for Gundersen Orthopedics, Podiatry, and PT-OT. Rachel also has director experience in Vision Services, the Heart Institute, and Corporate Research, Planning, and Development. In her new role, Rachel will oversee a variety of clinic and specialty services.

“It's so important to bring together diverse experience, viewpoints, and roles, and work in partnership across the organization. This approach, combined with data that helps us understand the potential impact for our patients, our teams and organization, supports us in driving innovation and continuous improvement,” Rachel says. “This is how new ideas and opportunities take shape, this is how successful work is accomplished, and this is how teams gain motivation and feel great about the impact they have.”

Rachel shares that launching a same-day total joint replacement surgery care pathway, despite high hospital census during the COVID pandemic, and opening a new PT-OT location in collaboration with the Onalaska Houser Y, part of the La Crosse Area Family YMCA, are recent examples of cross-functional collaboration for better care and experience.

"It is incredible and invigorating to see so many individuals and departments come together for projects like these to ensure our patients and our community experience the quality care we can provide in innovative, convenient ways,” Rachel shares. “I am excited to continue this collaboration to extend our incredible care and service to everyone in our service area.”

Rachel holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and International Business, with a focus on Accounting and Finance, from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in Winona and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.