Saying goodbye to Edward for Iowa

I would like to announce to the community I have served for more than 18 years that I will be leaving Edward Hospital June 1 to begin a new journey in Des Moines, Iowa, as chief medical officer of Iowa Health System, one of the largest integrated health systems in the country. It will be a great challenge for me, but it also means that I will be saying goodbye to so many friends, neighbors, co-workers, colleagues and community members, all of whom I admire and respect.

As chief medical officer at Edward and the CEO-in-waiting for Edward Plainfield Hospital, I want to assure you that my leaving will not compromise Edward's desire or diligence in bringing health care services closer to home for Plainfield area residents. No single individual carried the project. The vision did not begin with me - it was our CEO, Pam Davis, a strong senior leadership team and community-minded board of trustees. From this 60-acre farm field at the corner of 127th and Van Dyke, a medical center has already risen with more than 50,000 visits last year. From this piece of farmland, governmental corruption was exposed and brought to justice. From this piece of farmland, a new governmental ethics committee was created and CON laws will be reformed. From this piece of farmland, many new friendships were formed, and this Odyssey will continue. To all - from Naperville to Bolingbrook to Plainfield to Aurora and surrounding areas - thank you for providing my family and me a great place to work, learn, grow and raise children. It has truly been my pleasure to work on your behalf. I wish everyone good health.

Alan S. Kaplan

vice president and chief medical officer,

Edward Hospital

Naperville