Hisey steps down from non-paid GHS chief of staff position

Gonzales Healthcare Systems has a new chief of staff after Dr. Commie Hisey voluntarily stepped down from the position earlier this month.

Dr. Kathleen Koerner, a general surgeon, is the new chief of staff for the hospital. Hisey, a family practitioner, will remain on medical staff and continue to see patients through Sievers Medical Clinic.

Hisey told the Inquirer the move was not a demotion.

“After 30 years of practice I’ve opted to step down to spend more time with family,” Hisey said “I’m still an active member of the medical staff and will continue to be here to work at the hospital.

“This position is voted on by staff. The hospital does not employ the position, nor direct, who is or is not in that position. This is all among the medical staff.  It is not a paid position.”

Holly Danz, director of marketing for Gonzales Healthcare Systems, said “Per our policy, we do not comment on personnel matters.  There is no further comment at this time.”

Koerner has been with Gonzales Healthcare Systems for nearly 12 years and is board certified in general surgery. She received her medical degree from Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine and performed her residency with surgical training at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital Warren Campus in conjunction with Michigan State University and Henry Ford Hospital of Detroit.

“I’m so proud of our hospital and our clinical staff,” Koener said in an open letter on the hospital’s website. “It has been exciting to be a part of the growth over these last few years. The hospital board along with our administration and medical staff has helped to develop services to meet the needs of our community and have weathered the difficult financial state that most hospitals face, as well as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are indeed thankful for a supportive community that has seen the value of good care as an investment in our future economic well-being. The medical staff has grown to include many sub-specialties allowing people to receive care locally for a variety of healthcare issues. Each of our physicians strives to stay on the cutting edge of health care.”

Among the innovations Koerner indicated are on the horizon for the hospital is new electronic medical records software.

“This will allow our staff to see patients and have access to all their records – clinic, laboratory, radiology, and more.  We will be able to help our patients in the most efficient, and effective, way possible when we are able to view all of their information in one centralized location,” she said.

Koerner also spoke of the upcoming construction of a new operating wing at the hospital.

“Operating suites with state of the art equipment will provide patients with the highest level of care provided by the friendly faces of our staff members that our community has come to know,” Koerner said. “This is a significant step not only for Gonzales Healthcare Systems, but for the whole Gonzales community.  We strive to provide quality healthcare close to home, and this new construction will allow us to do just that.”