News

From Health System CIO — Health systems that rely exclusively on their EHR vendor’s product suite take the path of least resistance. They also surrender their ability to stand out. That is the central argument from Melek Somai, MD, MPH, VP, chief technology and product officer at Inception Health, the innovation arm of Froedtert Thedacare Health

From 620 WTMJ — April is Donate Life Month, and in recognition of that, Point Taken‘s Steve Scaffidi was joined in-studio by Matthew Cooper, MD, chief of transplantation at Froedtert Hospital. “Well over 95% Americans say they support organ donation, but…60-63% Americans are signed up to be organ donors,” said Dr. Cooper. He explained that kidney transplants are the biggest need and were the most common due to untreated high blood pressure and diabetes.

From WISN 12 — Rachel and Douglas Copher, a Milwaukee couple who grew their family through in vitro fertilization, are now hoping to donate their unused embryos to help another family experience parenthood. Jayme Bosler, MD, a reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist at Froedtert Hospital, said her clinic sees about 20 embryo donations a year, and there are various ways donor parents and recipient families connect.

From Winona State University News — Abigail Knoernschild came to Winona State seeking a “home away from home.” She had long felt drawn to helping others, but it was a two-week hospitalization before her freshman year that ultimately revealed nursing as her calling. After graduation, Abigail will begin her career at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee on the Cardiac Progressive Care Unit, bringing her empathy and “outside the box” thinking to the front lines of health care.

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel — “Lifeline: The Ultimate Bond” aims to educate the public about transplants and encourage more African American residents to become organ donors. The art exhibition is on display in the Transplant Center lobby in the Center for Advanced Care on the Froedtert Hospital campus. The exhibit runs from April 13, 2026, through April 30.

From Healthcare Design Magazine — Healthcare Design Magazine is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 HCD 10 awards, including Annette Roehl, nurse/health care facilities design strategist, Froedtert ThedaCare, in the clinician category. Each year, the magazine’s editorial team reviews numerous nominations, focusing on achievements from the past year that demonstrate leadership, creativity and meaningful impact on health care projects and initiatives.

From the Wisconsin Hospital Association — Maureen McNally of Froedtert ThedaCare was part of a group that included the Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA) and leaders from hospitals and health systems from across the state who traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with Wisconsin’s congressional delegation on April 21.

From Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service — To raise awareness of the growing demand for organ donations in Milwaukee’s Black community, Versiti is displaying LifeLine: The Ultimate Bond art exhibit at Froedtert Hospital. The exhibit features local members of the Divine Nine, who share their personal organ transplant stories through displays while local artists create artwork to spread awareness.

From Wisconsin Health News — Wisconsin Health News is assembling a panel of experts on May 6 in Milwaukee to discuss what’s next for health care payment reform. The panel includes Mark Lodes, MD, vice president of population health for the Froedtert & MCW Health Network.

From Spectrum News 1 — Kobena Collins had end-stage renal failure. Thanks to organ donation, he’s still here today. Collins’ story is on display at Froedtert Hospital. It’s part of a Versiti art exhibition aimed at increasing awareness for organ and tissue donation within the African American community.

From Healthcare Facilities Today — Patients and visitors to Froedtert Hospital will find parking easier and more pleasant with the grand opening of a new six-level, 2274-space Froedtert Hospital Parking — Blue structure. The new garage, which boasts a glass-enclosed design and modern parking management technology, elevates the parking experience while introducing a new architectural landmark at Froedtert Hospital, home of the region’s only adult Level I Trauma Center.

From WPR — In Wisconsin, 1,500 people are currently waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. But for the first time in 14 years, the annual number of deceased organ donations in the U.S. has declined. Matthew Cooper, MD, chief of transplantation and director of solid organ transplant at Froedtert Hospital, talked about what’s driving the decline in organ donation and how Wisconsin would be affected by proposed rule changes for organ procurement organizations.

From seehafernews.com — Shady Lane Inc. in Manitowoc has announced that Amy Skarvan will join its Board of Directors. Skarvan is a quality specialist with Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Hospital and will join the board with years of experience in the health care field. The announcement explains that Amy is honored to join Shady Lane’s board as a pathway to improve the health of her community, while focusing on quality and safety in the health care setting.

From Becker's Hospital Review — Hospitals and health systems began 2026 with a flurry of executive moves. Since Jan. 1, Becker’s has tracked 699 leadership changes, including Harold Berfiend's appointment as CFO of Menomonee Falls, Wis.-based Froedtert ThedaCare, effective May 11.

From Becker's Hospital Review — Ambulatory care is moving to the center of health system strategy — and leadership structures are shifting with it. Four health systems shared how ambulatory expansion is reshaping reporting lines, decision-making authority and executive roles. Froedtert ThedaCare was one of four health systems whose leaders shared how ambulatory expansion is reshaping reporting lines, decision-making authority and executive roles.

From WPR — Last month, Froedtert Hospital treated its first patient with 'proton therapy.' UW Health is set to launch its own program later this year. The treatment uses a machine the size of a building to target cancerous tumors by accelerating proton particles to nearly the speed of light and aiming those particles at specific parts of the body.

Menomonee Falls, Wis. — Froedtert ThedaCare, along with b.well Connected Health and Epic, are sharing a milestone in the journey to building a smarter, more secure and personalized health care experience for patients and families.

From Becker’s Hospital Review — Froedtert ThedaCare named Harold Berfiend as CFO, effective May 11. Berfiend joins the system from Indianapolis-based Indiana University Health, where he held several leadership roles, most recently serving as vice president and controller. In his new role, Mr. Berfiend will oversee several teams, including finance, facilities, revenue cycle, supply chain and managed care.

From Insight on Business — Shekar Kurpad, MD, has been appointed as president and chief executive officer of the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), effective July 1. Dr. Kurpad is a board-certified neurosurgeon, neuroscientist and academic health leader with more than 20 years of experience in building high-performing, multi-institutional enterprises. Since 2022, he has served as the founding director of WINS, a first-of-its-kind statewide neuroscience enterprise integrating more than 600 clinicians and scientists across MCW, Froedtert ThedaCare, Children’s Wisconsin and the Zablocki VA Medical Center under a unified strategic plan. 

From the Healthcare Financial Management Association — Froedtert ThedaCare has built a disciplined, technology-enabled approach to value-based care by aligning financial strategy, population health operations, and digital innovation. In this session, Caitlin Dunn, executive director, population and digital health, will highlight how the organization structures its CIN, scales care coordination, advances digital tools, and measures ROI across programs.