Dear Colleagues,
I recently traveled to Jefferson City for Capital Region Medical Center’s 75th anniversary celebration.
I had the honor of delivering the opening remarks. It was truly a privilege to address so many people who are vital to Capital Region.
The even greater privilege, however, is being part of its next chapter.
From the moment I learned of Capital Region’s history as a teaching hospital, I recognized how naturally it fits with MU Health Care. Capital Region was formed through the merger of Charles E. Still Osteopathic and Memorial Community Hospitals — both rooted in a commitment to caring not only for the whole person, but the whole community.
That shared philosophy is our path forward.
Capital Region’s commitment to making high-quality care accessible close to home is foundational to MU Health Care’s vision for Missouri. It directly aligns with our efforts to expand rural access to care through strategic investments in clinics.
We are fortunate to share that vision and sense of community across our leadership team. Dr. Randy Haight, the chief medical officer at Capital Region, has practiced in the region for decades.
It is difficult to look ahead another 75 years with any degree of certainty. The landscape of health care — not to mention technology and facilities — is changing quickly. But what I can predict is that our partnership will endure, and our community will be stronger because of it.
We are grateful to play a role in shaping that future. As one united health system, MU Health Care will be here — in Columbia, in Jefferson City and in numerous other communities across Missouri — to deliver care that is compassionate, high-quality and accessible to every patient we serve.
Sincerely,
Rick Barohn, MD
Executive Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs and Hugh E. and Sarah D. Stephenson Dean, School of Medicine
rbarohn@health.missouri.edu
