Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the U.S., headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Marshfield Clinic Health System, a physician-led integrated health system serving rural Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, announced a nonbinding memorandum of understanding to combine their complementary assets and capabilities and create an integrated health system.
The partnership will bring together two physician-driven organizations.
“Partnering with Sanford Health presents an incredible opportunity for our organizations to unify and establish the premier rural health system in the nation,” said Dr, Brian Hoerneman, interim CEO of Marshfield Clinic Health System. “Together, we will ensure sustainable access to exceptional care for our communities for years to come. With a shared mission to serve, a mutual emphasis on research and education and a strong tradition of physician leadership, Sanford Health is the ideal partner for this endeavor.”
The nonprofit combination will:
• Expand the breadth and depth of research capabilities, including increasing access to nearly 1,000 active clinical trials and clinical studies and combining research expertise to bring new treatments and cures to patients.
• Expand capabilities that allow for greater investment in clinical needs, directly supporting patients, providers and communities.
• Strengthen the ability to train, educate and support future physicians and caregivers through shared initiatives, including graduate medical education programs and strong partnerships with educational institutions throughout both regions.
• Create new opportunities for research and collaboration, robust peer networks and enhanced professional development and training.
The combined system will bring together nearly 56,000 employees, 56 hospitals, 4,300 providers, two fully integrated health plans, specialty pharmacies and nationally recognized research institutions.
Upon finalization of the combination, the name of the parent company will be Sanford Health, with system headquarters in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Marshfield Clinic Health System will be a region within Sanford Health and maintain regional leadership with its flagship medical campus in Marshfield, a regional board of directors, a regional physician executive council and regional brand presence.
Sanford Health President and CEO Bill Gassen will serve as president and CEO of the combined system. Hoerneman will serve as president and CEO of the Marshfield Clinic Health System region.
The combination is expected to close by the end of the year, subject to regulatory processes and closing conditions.
