Dr. Hippler’s role as head of Clinical Excellence is a newly created position. Why? “We are at a crossroads in the delivery of health care,” he says. “It means more than just taking good care of those who visit our offices; we must concern ourselves with the entire population of patients. Instead of being structured around a single provider, we will develop teams who will take responsibility for the ongoing care of patients.”

Dr. Hippler has practiced internal medicine for more than 20 years; he joined the OSF in the mid-1990’s. He received his MD from the University of Illinois College of Medicine and completed his residency in internal medicine at Mayo Clinic. “I don’t remember ever wanting to do anything but become a doctor,” he says. “It is truly a calling.”

Though he has taken on an important administrative role, he continues to see patients. “It’s important to maintain that contact,” he says, “to understand patients’ needs and what physicians do. Our new electronic medical records system (Epic), for instance, will have a huge impact on care. Epic can help us create the tools, reminders and registries to address the health care needs of our populations. It’s all about staying well, staying informed and engaged… and out of the hospital!”