MeetEmplify Health
Meet Little Empathy
Say hello to healthcare with even more heart. Little Empathy symbolizes our commitment to amplifying empathy in healthcare. Because a friendly smile, a listening ear and a supportive hand – while small gestures – can have a big impact. A little empathy changes everything.
The history of
Bellin Health System
The Bellin Health legacy began in 1908 when founder Julius Bellin, MD, converted a house into a 15-bed general hospital that in 1925 was renamed Bellin Memorial Hospital. In 1977, Bellin expanded into the community and sponsored the first annual Bellin Run, and in 1994, its first of many family medicine clinics opened in Denmark, Wis. Bellin quickly expanded its leading specialty and primary care throughout Wisconsin and into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and in 2007, Bellin Health became the official healthcare provider of the Green Bay Packers.
The history of
Gundersen Health System
In 1891, Norwegian-born surgeon Adolf Gundersen, MD, opened his practice in La Crosse and served as Lutheran Hospital’s first medical director when it opened in 1902. In 1930, Dr. Gundersen moved his office from downtown La Crosse to a new clinic next to the hospital to be closer to his patients. Gundersen Clinic and Lutheran Hospital united and expanded over the years, evolving through affiliations in rural areas to become a leading healthcare provider. In 1995, the clinic and hospital formed Gundersen Lutheran, Inc., and became Gundersen Health System in 2013.
Compassionate expertise
Emplify Health is comprised of two of the Midwest’s most respected healthcare systems. We were neighbors, but now we are partners. By uniting our 11 hospitals and more than 100 clinics across Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, you’ll have access to a broader care network, including top-tier clinical services, over 4,500 nurses and providers and innovative medical education programs.
- 67cities and rural communities
- 200+services offered
- 133years caring for you
- $210min community investment
Our leadership
Scott Rathgaber, MD, Chief Executive Officer
Chris Woleske, JD, Executive Vice President and Bellin Region President
Heather Schimmers, RN, MBA, Gundersen Region President
Together, we're committed to guiding our physician-led enterprise with empathy and empowering teams to change healthcare.
Your care at Emplify Health
The care teams you know and trust will still be at the same locations they are today, along with the personalized care you expect. That's our promise to our patients and to our teams — a promise we’re keeping. We understand this is a big change, and that you have questions. We’re here to answer them.