Welcome to the Coast Columbia Memorial Hospital 2111 Exchange St. • Astoria, OR 97103 • columbiamemorial.org
People are at the heart of everything we do. At Columbia Memorial Hospital and the CMH-OHSU Health Medical Group, person-centered care is for everyone — our caregivers, patients and anyone visiting our hospital or clinics. We have proudly served the health care needs of our coastal community for over a century. As the fastest-growing rural hospital in Oregon, we employ more than 750 caregivers and 90+ physicians and advanced practice professionals. Our team is deeply committed to improving the health and wellbeing of our rural area. We have a passion for partnership. As a Planetree gold-certified hospital, we treat people as individuals – not diagnoses – ensuring an outstanding experience, while helping patients feel their best and live their lives to the fullest. We are always seeking new ways to innovate and advance our level of care, so we have the resources right here at home to meet the health care needs of our neighbors. Located in Astoria, Oregon, CMH is a health care center for the region. Our main hospital includes private, inpatient suites for patients needing medical and surgical care, critical care, and labor and delivery. Our emergency room is staffed by board-certified physicians. We have a state-of-the-art surgical program, full-service lab, advanced radiology services, and integrated behavioral health care. CMH offers many local specialties that patients may otherwise need to travel for. Through our unique partnership with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland, we provide high-quality care in 15 CMH-OHSU Health Medical
Erik Thorsen, MBA, CPA, FACHE, has been CEO of Columbia Memorial Hospital since 2010. Thorsen has worked at CMH for more than 20 years, previously serving as CFO and COO. Under his leadership, CMH has grown significantly, partnered with OHSU and achieved the distinction of being a Planetree gold-certified hospital. Thorsen has extensive experience in health care, including over 25 years in administration. During his career with CMH, he has overseen construction of the CMH Health and Wellness Pavilion and the CMH-OHSU Knight Cancer Collaborative. Group clinics such as pediatrics, women’s health, medical and radiation oncology, cardiology, orthopedics and more. The collaborative relationship with OHSU also allows providers access to an academic medical center and additional training and education options. Both our caregivers and providers have opportunities to provide input and ideas that help us sustain the highest quality of care possible. Our work is rooted in best practices and grounded in respect, teamwork and leadership. All members of our team commit to a Promise of Excellence and strive to demonstrate the CMH CARES values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Empowerment and Safety. Thanks to advances in medical technology, our caregivers and providers enjoy the challenge of a dynamic health care career with the lifestyle that a rural setting offers. CMH is the place where you can have it all — a thriving, fast-paced job, a beautiful place to live, and an ideal community where you can enjoy a magnificent coastal life. Consider joining our team on the North Oregon Coast – where high-quality health care is close to home. We look forward to seeing you, Erik Thorsen, MBA, CPA, FACHE Chief Executive Officer Columbia Memorial Hospital
Who we are and what we do
CMH is a national leader in rural health care, improving the health and well-being of our community and beyond. We offer state-of-the-art care to meet the health care needs of the region. We collaborate with other organizations and providers to deliver the best care to our patients and promote wellness in our community. We invest in our caregivers, facilities and technology to support the delivery of safe, quality care. Sound financial stewardship ensures we fulfill our commitment to the community to provide accessible care. Robust employee engagement supports a strong, healthy organization, making CMH the best place to work. Beginning in 2024, CMH will make a $200+ million investment in health care on its Astoria campus in what will be one of the largest construction projects in Clatsop County history. This four-year capital improvement project will expand hospital service lines, attract new health care providers, and provide the latest technology to address community health needs. • Meeting community health needs here at home with the caregivers and providers patients trust. • Building the infrastructure to support patient privacy and preferences, in addition to needed upgrades. • Increasing resiliency and offering safe refuge in case of a natural disaster like an earthquake or tsunami. Learn more about the expansion project at columbiamemorial.org/buildcmh. We help people live their healthiest lives. • Provide the highest quality, safest care • Grow health care services to meet the needs of the region • Improve community health and wellness • Remain the best place to work • Ensure long-term financial health Our vision Five-year strategic initiatives Our mission The BuildCMH Expansion Project Awards and recognitions • Planetree Gold Certification (2023) • American College of Radiology Accreditation (2022) • CEDR Community Impact Award, Seaside Clinic (2021) • Chamber Community Impact Award, Seaside Clinic (2021) • Commission on Cancer Accreditation (2023) • ACHC Accreditation (2023) • National Rural Health Association Outstanding Rural Health Organization (2024)
<18 18-34 35-50 51-64 65-79 80+ 6,316 5,815 6,772 6,861 9,540 2,493 17% 16% 18% 18% 26% 7% Age Group Count Percent to Total Demographics 2023
2020 2021 2022 2023 Outpatient Visits/Year 228,672 258,977 272,510 292,612 626.50 709.58 746.60 801.68 14.16 15.66 14.74 13.70 283 249 238 226 85,244 112,439 120,970 131,293 12,152 13,192 15,187 15,778 13,017 13,604 18,378 19,341 2,698 3,012 3,264 3,615 4,859 5,020 4,985 5,681 4,228 4,004 3,599 3,638 2,816 2,794 3,285 3,308 Average Outpatient Visits/Day Inpatient, Observation and Swing Patients/Day Deliveries Clinic Visits Emergency Visits/Year Urgent Care Visits Surgeries Infusion Treatments Oncology Visits Radiation Treatments Patient volumes Services offered • Behavioral Health • Cardiac Rehabilitation • Cardiology • Diabetes Education • Emergency • Endocrinology • Infusion Therapy • General Surgery • Hospice Program • Imaging • Labor and Delivery • Laboratory • Lactation Assistance • Medical Nutrition Therapy • Medical Oncology • Occupational Therapy • Orthopedics • Pediatrics • Pharmacy • Physical Therapy • Podiatry • Primary Care • Pulmonary Rehabilitation • Pulmonology • Radiation Therapy • Respiratory Therapy • Sleep Medicine • Speech Therapy • Sports Medicine • Swing Bed Program • Telehealth • Tobacco Cessation • Urology • Urgent Care • Women’s Health
Our care is our culture CMH is unlike any small, rural hospital you will find in the United States today. Our on-site specialty services, complemented by the latest technology and advanced diagnostic capabilities, make CMH an extraordinary place to care for patients of all ages and stages in their lives. We don’t see limits — we see opportunities. The hospital campus in Astoria is comprised of a 25-bed hospital, the Health and Wellness Pavilion, housing many of our outpatient clinics and services, and the CMH-OHSU Knight Cancer Collaborative, a spacious and contemporary care center for medical and radiation oncology patients. CMH continues to expand its reach and services through our Primary Care and Urgent Care Clinics in nearby Warrenton and our multispecialty clinic in Seaside, where we offer extended hours, on-site imaging and lab testing, in addition to primary care, pediatrics, podiatry and women’s health services. Our person-centered model of care guides us as we work to meet the needs of all the communities we serve. Uncommonly innovative To manage the many challenges facing providers today, we recognize how important it is to choose the right place to practice. We are committed to supporting our physicians and advanced practice professionals. To do this, we help develop their practices and ensure they have the tools and resources needed to succeed, while also achieving their desired work-life balance. Excellence & empowerment
“As a hospitalist and member of the CMH Board of Trustees, president of the Professional Staff, and part of the Medical Group, I’d like to invite you to consider becoming a valued member of CMH Professional Staff. “Here on the Oregon Coast, you’ll build a robust practice and work with a committed and collaborative team. We offer a highly competitive compensation package, opportunities for continuing education and professional development, provider-specific tax credits, relocation assistance, and help to make your family feel welcomed to the community.” Collaboration & commitment Quratulain “Annie” Durrani, MD Hospitalist Columbia Memorial Hospital
A place to call home “Working at CMH, my voice is heard and my opinions matter, but being able to practice pediatric medicine in a small town where I have gotten to know my patients is why I stay.” Misha Caldwell, ARNP, PNP-BC Pediatric Nurse Practitioner CMH-OHSU Health Pediatric Clinic “I truly enjoy being a part of the CMH team. We have a great team approach to do the best for our patients who want to keep their health care close to home. My family has found a fantastic community that has endless opportunities.” Jennifer Brown, MD Primary Care Physician CMH-OHSU Health Primary Care Clinic - Warrenton “I really appreciate the team approach and family-like atmosphere of our multispecialty practice. The area is beautiful and offers many activities for my family and me.” Michael Murdock, DPM Podiatric Surgeon CMH-OHSU Health Foot & Ankle Clinic - Astoria
“It’s rewarding to care for patients in the place where I grew up. This community is fun, culturally diverse, close-knit, and offers so many outdoor activities.” Rachel Van Dusen, MD General Surgeon CMH-OHSU Health General Surgery Clinic “What keeps me motivated are the patients we serve, their stories, and the opportunity to help them reach their health goals. Not to mention the picturesque sunrises, surf and forest that surrounds us here on the North Coast.” Thomas Hernandez, PA-C Physician Assistant CMH-OHSU Health Cardiology Clinic “Having close relationships with so many of the people who work at CMH makes coming to work fun and allows me to have a key role implementing improvements for better patient care.” Sarah Humphrey, MD Obstetrician-Gynecologist CMH-OHSU Health Women’s Center - Astoria
CMH is a Planetree gold-certified hospital. But what is Planetree? Planetree is an organization that was founded in 1978 by a San Francisco hospital patient who wanted to change the culture in health care. “Planetree delivers the leading evidence-based framework for co-designing your roadmap to improved patient and family engagement, better clinical outcomes, increased staff retention and recruitment, and high value care,” says their website. Our Planetree philosophy of person-centered care directs all we do here at CMH and the CMH-OHSU Health Medical Group. We value and respect all who step foot on the CMH campus. We believe a patient is a person to care for, not a condition to treat. While providing top-quality care and managing health, providers partner with patients and families to prioritize comfort, preference, values, dignity and empowerment. That means we include patients in all decisions about their care, meeting them where they are at in their health care journey, without judgment. The Planetree certification focuses on five drivers: • Structures that promote engagement • Connect values, strategies and actions • Promote partnership • Know what matters • Evidence-based improvement Some ways we incorporate those drivers into our work at CMH include: • A Person-Centered Care Steering Committee (PCC) and Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) that provide input on important decisions and programs; • A focus on patient preference and engagement through patient-guided visitation, interpretation services, Care Partner Program, Open Chart Policy, aromatherapy, pet therapy, reader-friendly education, spiritual care, etc.; • Assessing and addressing the community’s diverse cultural needs through a Community Health Needs Assessment completed every three years; • Staff support services that include a discount on hospital services, wellness program, childcare and insurance stipends, generous benefits, free counseling through an EAP, an annual Caregiver Engagement Survey with actionable results, etc.; and • A Patient Experience Department that rounds on patients and looks for opportunities to improve. Our Planetree commitment and gold certification What is Planetree?
In a culture of safety, every member of the team commits to taking an active role. Leaders enable caregivers to share safety information openly and frequently. When individuals report adverse events or unsafe conditions at CMH, they are contributing to improved care. The CMH culture is a learning environment, always seeking ways to improve processes and conditions that lead to higher quality and safety. The three core components of a true culture of safety include teamwork, communication and leadership. In addition to adopting the five drivers of Planetree, we strive to develop and implement tools and processes that promise a culture of safety and service excellence for every patient, every time. We make a promise to our patients that we will provide excellent service that is compassionate, respectful, safe and customized to the individual’s needs and preferences. Each employee commits to the CMH Promise of Excellence: “I will do my best every day, and I will provide excellence, quality and care in every interaction.” The employee values area an acronym for the word CARES, because we want our employees to remember that caring for each other, our patients and their loved ones is our top priority: • Compassion: I strive to understand others and show kindness. • Accountability: I am responsible for my actions and strive to improve. • Respect: I am attentive to everyone’s needs and preferences and strive for equity and inclusion of all people. • Empowerment: I am part of making CMH a great place. • Safety: I speak up, collaborate and model safety. Quality-driven care exhibits a culture of safety Service-focused care begins with a Promise of Excellence
Today, the Planetree membership network is a global community of more than 800 health care organizations in 35 countries. To achieve either gold, silver or bronze Planetree certification, CMH is required to meet more than 80 specific criteria to prove our commitment to a personcentered health care experience. Person-centered care is living Planetree
Our partnership with OHSU Since 2010, CMH has enjoyed a collaborative relationship with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland. The CMH Board of Trustees decided more than a decade ago to partner with a larger institution to expand specialty care to the North Coast community. OHSU was the obvious choice for CMH since the vision and organizational values of the two organizations were closely aligned. “The CMH Board wanted the leverage of a larger partner to help implement an aggressive growth strategy and assistance with the ever-changing health care reimbursement and regulatory environment,” says Erik Thorsen, CMH CEO. “The number one priority for the CMH Board was the requirement that CMH remains an independent, community-based organization. OHSU has always been incredibly respectful of this desire.” Over the years, our relationship has grown from providing limited chemotherapy to a strategy-driven model to drive the entire organization. In 2020, the partnership expanded, with most providers becoming CMH-OHSU Health employees, joining the OHSU Practice Plan and representing numerous specialties, such as emergency medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedic surgery, family medicine, and pediatrics. CMH-OHSU Health
CMH and OHSU have created an integrated system of care that bolsters the coastal area around Astoria. Our unprecedented outreach model to the rural community has helped foster organic growth. We have also been able to develop solutions with OHSU that help us navigate the ever-changing health care reimbursement and regulatory environments. The result is a unique intersection of academic and rural medicine that ultimately serves the patients in our coastal communities, strengthens our services, and helps keep CMH an independent, community-based organization.
“When we look back at CMH’s history, we see that collaborating with OHSU was the foundation needed to bring our patients expert care and set up CMH for growth and stability,” Thorsen says. To that end, OHSU and CMH have completed the following goals: • James Heilman, MD, MBA, associate professor of emergency medicine, and associate director of strategic outreach for OHSU, has served as a full voting member on the CMH Board of Trustees since 2019, and plays an essential liaison role between CMH and OHSU. • Chris Strear, MD, serves as chief medical officer for CMH in Astoria. Dr. Strear helps direct clinical strategy, oversees quality metrics, and serves as a key member of the CMH executive leadership team. As CMO, he is a communications link between the two organizations and helps identify and support future joint programming. • CMH and OHSU have a structure and governance model under the name CMHOHSU Health where providers have transitioned to OHSU employment while still maintaining their practices in Astoria, Warrenton or Seaside. Patients continue to receive excellent care from the CMH providers they know and trust. CMH-OHSU Health providers have the professional support and academic resources to support their care and are able to participate in educational and training opportunities. Keeping patients close to their communities whenever possible is a central goal of all OHSU Health affiliations. Our collaboration has already brought expanded services and procedures to the area, including vascular surgery and interventional radiology. Both CMH and OHSU continue to partner on other areas of growth that will benefit the North Coast.
The CMH-OHSU Knight Cancer Collaborative is accredited by the Commission on Cancer, demonstrating our commitment to highquality, data-informed care, and the American College of Radiology, the most widely accepted radiation oncology accrediting body. Cancer care
Improving population health through community partnerships Transformational health care begins with planting the seeds of partnership. With the coordinated care model, coordinated care organizations (or CCOs) are the fruits of these efforts. A CCO is a network of all types of health care providers who have agreed to work together in their local communities to serve people who receive health care coverage under the Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid). CCOs are focused on prevention and helping people manage chronic conditions, like diabetes, helping reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and giving people support to be healthy. Today, there are 16 CCOs operating in communities throughout Oregon. CMH was at the forefront of the first CCO in the nation, serving all of Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook Counties. With CMH’s administration and clinical leadership team at the table, alongside leaders from Adventist Health Tillamook, Providence Seaside Hospital, OHSU, Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare, and many other dedicated community stakeholders, the Columbia Pacific CCO is focused on helping people in the region manage chronic health issues, instead of treating them only when they become ill. As a part of CMH, you will join us in our mission to make a positive difference in population health. The coordinated care model Like other medical and social service communities across the U.S., ours has been engaged in a mission to improve care for those affected by chronic pain, while also reducing intervention using prescription opiates. CMH is an active contributor to regional Opioid Summits and continues to participate on the steering committee and task forces redesigning chronic pain and opioid addiction in our area. Reducing opiate dependence Improving children’s health Adverse childhood events (ACEs) have been shown to be a significant determinant of health throughout the lifespan. CMH worked with the Columbia Pacific CCO to pilot a program designed to provide interventions at the beginning of life in our Women’s Center and Pediatric Clinic. Caregivers work to address ACEs as early as possible, with the goal to improve lives and outcomes.
Behavioral health Mental wellness is an important piece of overall health. That’s why CMH’s behavioral health services are integrated into our primary care clinics. Behavioral health care can help everyone enhance well-being and build resiliency. Whether a patient is dealing with anxiety, managing ADHD or trying to quit smoking, therapy can give them the tools to live their best life. CMH’s Planetree certification reflects our personcentered approach. We’re focused not on our goals, but patients and their goals. We are here to listen to and empower them. At CMH, our therapists and primary care providers work together. We see a patient as a whole person, not a diagnosis. We look at the social factors that impact their health, too. This big-picture perspective empowers us to provide multidisciplinary care. CMH has expanded the one-on-one counseling we provide to meet the needs of our community. If there are behaviors patients want to change, we can help them create a change plan. We even have a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who sees patients. Our providers are all licensed clinical social workers who use validated, standardized measurement tools to track progress. All of our therapists are also experienced in trauma-informed care. Whether a patient is looking for a substance-abuse specialist or a counselor who is wellversed in LGBTQ issues, CMH has it covered. We offer behavioral health treatment for people of all ages, from young children to older adults.
What it’s like to live here Every parent wants their child to experience a quality education. Within 20 miles of CMH, there are five school districts, both public and private, each of them supported by an active parent program and a wide variety of extracurricular activities and sports. Several years ago, CMH formed a partnership with Astoria School District to construct a first-class sports complex for community use. Astoria is also home to Clatsop Community College, which is accredited by the Northwest Learning in Astoria Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Since the pandemic, CMH has been actively involved in helping increase access to childcare within the community. A new childcare grant program implemented with donations from CMH, Providence Seaside Hospital and other organizations in 2022 helped increase available slots by more than 30%. With its participation, the hospital has committed to being part of the solution to provide more childcare accessibility for working parents.
The North Coast region is an art, food and music lover’s dream come true. Be it the annual Crab, Seafood and Wine Festival, where the bounty of the coast is celebrated with gusto, or the Scandinavian Midsummer Festival, there is something for all to enjoy. Throughout the year, there are art walks and festivals in galleries from Astoria to Cannon Beach. If you are a Goonies fan, it’s a thrill to see familiar places from the cult classic film. For the ultimate trek Arts and eats across America’s longest continuous truss bridge, you can take part in the Great Columbia Crossing 10k run/walk, sponsored by the CMH-OHSU Health Cardiology Clinic for more than 10 years. If low key is more your flavor, you’ll find countless music, brewery and special cuisine encounters to be in your favor.
Outdoor paradise Living coastal Whether you like to paddle, fish, dig for clams, beachcomb, surf, hike or take in the sunset, the coast is an outdoor paradise. Located where the mouth of the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean, the community boasts some of the most breathtaking beaches, forests and mountains you will find anywhere. Situated just a short drive from Astoria, Cannon Beach and its neighboring cities of Seaside and Manzanita have made national lists for top romantic coastal destinations, top small towns and top beaches. Closer to home, take a quick drive to Sunset Beach in Warrenton, where the name says it all. Off the water, you’ll find hiking, hunting and miles of outdoor exploration when you follow in the footsteps of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. We know that relocating to a new community is an important, life-changing decision. With all there is to consider, finding a new place to call home that fits your lifestyle and needs is a high priority. One of the many things that makes this region so exceptional is the diversity it offers. Perhaps you’re looking for a place that is secluded in the woods or a hobby farm with room for horses. Whether you prefer contemporary living, a historical house, a view of the river or a beachfront home, you can find it here. CMH is committed to connecting our new providers and their families with local contacts who can help them in their search for a home and other resources.
The BuildCMH Expansion Project The BuildCMH Expansion Project is the culmination of a long-term strategic growth plan adopted by the hospital’s Board of Trustees. The Board is made up of dedicated volunteer community members who establish the vision and mission of the organization. The planned design includes total new construction of approximately 180,000 square feet, including a critically needed expansion of the CMH Emergency Department. Other expanded areas include additional operating rooms, larger patient rooms, lab draw, radiology services, a new chapel, dedicated caregiver respite areas, and dining facilities. Expanding our care The expansion will include four floors — three floors providing patient care and one floor housing resiliency measures and mechanical technology. The helipad will be located on the roof of the fourth floor. The size of the facility will help us preserve patient dignity and privacy by creating private corridors, private bathrooms for inpatients, and more space in registration areas. There also will be improved parking, public and waiting areas for family members. Construction will begin in late 2024, with a planned opening in 2026.
There are three primary reasons why CMH is expanding: 1. The age of the current facility: The current hospital was state-of-the-art when it opened in 1977. It’s now nearly 47 years old. While it has served the community well, critical infrastructure is in need of major upgrades. The current facility was also constructed in an era where health care was primarily delivered in an inpatient setting, and patient amenities were not considered at all. Health care is much different today — roughly 80% of CMH’s care is delivered on an outpatient basis, patient privacy is paramount, and a more holistic approach toward health and wellness is necessary. 2. Growth: Over the past decade, CMH and OHSU have brought many new providers and specialties to the region. During this time, the number of CMH caregivers has increased from 400 to 750. CMH has simply outgrown the current facility and needs additional space to continue to serve the community. Why CMH is expanding 3. Resiliency: The North Coast is susceptible to significant earthquakes and tsunamis. The current facility was constructed entirely out of wood and is not built on a foundation that could withstand a major earthquake or tsunami. CMH’s hospital is a critical need facility and must remain operational during a natural disaster. Due to the nature of the construction, there is not a cost-effective way to retrofit or upgrade the present facility.
How will it be designed? The design for the expansion will follow CMH’s commitment to the Planetree philosophy of personcentered care. Like the CMH-OHSU Knight Cancer Collaborative and the CMH Health & Wellness Pavilion, the expansion project will reflect the region’s architecture and beauty, emphasizing natural light, views and efficiency in the delivery of care. The CMH Board is committed to building a state-ofthe-art facility that will be able to withstand a major earthquake and tsunami. CMH has hired multiple experts to assist in studying and designing a resilient structure. We completed due diligence on landslide risks with GRI (Geotechnical Resources, Inc.), which resulted in shifting the entire footprint of the new facility to the northwest. We also partnered with some of the best consultants in the Pacific Northwest, including Degenkolb Engineers and the University of Washington, to study the impacts of earthquakes and potential tsunamis on the building site. This facility will keep all critical infrastructure (generators, water storage, IT components, helipad) on the roof, above any potential flooding. Any service located on the first floor will have the ability to move to the second floor. The new facility will also have a tsunami safe refuge area for CMH caregivers, patients and community members, with evacuation possible from the roof. CMH hopes this facility will be a model for other coastal hospitals.
What new services will be coming? This expansion will allow CMH to continue to grow, bringing new services and advanced technology and equipment to the community. The CMH Board is focused on providing those specialties that are appropriate for a rural facility to offer and keeping patients from having to travel out of the area for care. Some services we plan on adding include: • Robotic surgery • Dedicated interventional radiology suite • Additional telemedicine services with OHSU • Increased mammography services • Dedicated imaging equipment in the Emergency Department • Increased access to advanced imaging with new CT, MRI and PET CT machines • Safer rooms in the Emergency Department that will allow caregivers to accommodate a broader spectrum of patient types and acuity levels • Dedicated Observation unit • Beautiful, new OB suites, with private labor tubs in each room • Expanded access to surgery and outpatient procedures The Board of Trustees completed significant due diligence on the appropriate number of beds. Twentyfive inpatient beds were reaffirmed, and we believe our 25 beds meet the inpatient need for the area into the future. The new facility will be designed in a manner to account for the modern shift into more of an outpatient care model, including many additional Emergency, Observation and Same Day Surgery rooms.
Our current facilities
To learn more about current opportunities: CMH Provider Recruiter providerrecruiter@columbiamemorial.org 503.338.4592 www.columbiamemorial.org/provider-recruitment
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjI2MTU5NA==