Chances are that this next leading Movers & Shaker has had a direct impact on your life in Hunterdon County. Robert P. Wise has been the President & CEO of Hunterdon Healthcare since 1990, and also serves as President of Hunterdon Healthcare System, Hunterdon Medical Center Foundation, Hunterdon Regional Community Health and Midjersey Health Corporation.
Demonstrating the immense scope of responsibility that Mr. Wise holds in the Hunterdon County community, consider that Hunterdon Healthcare’s flagship hospital Hunterdon Medical Center treats over 8,600 inpatients annually, with 33,000 Emergency Department visits and over 292,000 outpatient visits per year.
In addition to leading Hunterdon Healthcare for over 26 years, Robert P. Wise was recently appointed by Governor Chris Christie as a member of the State Employment and Training Commission (SETC). Wise has chaired the New Jersey Health Care Workforce Council since its inception in December 2010. The Council is a sub-committee of the commission. Among his many accomplishments, Mr. Wise is credited with working together with a visionary board and talented administrative team that resulted in the expansion of both facilities and programs at the hospital, such as a new emergency department, an expanded ICU/CCU, a regional cancer center, a nutrition and diabetes center, two successful health and wellness centers and currently under construction, a cardiovascular center.
He also serves as vice chairman for Raritan Valley Community College Board of Trustees, is a member of the Rotary Club of Flemington and a member of the State Council on Gender Parity in Labor and Education.
Mr. Wise has received numerous awards including; the Hunterdon County Business Leader of the Year Award in 2000, the Distinguished Citizen Award from the Boy Scouts of America in 2001, the Edward J. Ill Excellence in Medicine Award for Outstanding Medical Executive from MDAdvantage Insurance Company of New Jersey in 2006 and the Elks Distinguished Citizenship Award in 2010. He is a founding director of the Hunterdon County Partnership for Health.
What’s it like to run the region’s largest medical center? Learn more about this multi-faceted Clinton-based Mover & Shaker:
Hunterdon Happening: Where did you attend school?
Robert P. Wise: Boston College, B.S.; University of Pittsburgh, MPH
Hunterdon Happening: What motivates you every morning?
Robert P. Wise: The anticipation of a challenging day ahead.
Hunterdon Happening: What would you say is your idea of a perfect day?
Robert P. Wise: An unscheduled day that begins with a hearty breakfast with my wife, followed by a beach day with my grandchildren, ending with a fine family meal, good wine, and a walk around the block.
Hunterdon Happening: Who inspires you?
Robert P. Wise: The people of Hunterdon Healthcare and their tireless focus on caring and healing.
Hunterdon Happening: How did you decide to go into the healthcare industry?
Robert P. Wise: My father was a physician and my mother was a nurse so I grew up in a home that introduced me from birth to medicine, healthcare, and helping those in need.
Hunterdon Happening: Which achievement are you most proud of?
Robert P. Wise: I am most proud of keeping alive the vision of the founders of HMC that recognized population health as its primary goal.
Hunterdon Happening: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?
Robert P. Wise: Until recently, the reimbursement system has not rewarded hospitals for keeping people healthy. It incented organizations to over-build, compete unnecessarily, and ignore community health.
Hunterdon Happening: What is the biggest accomplishment that you’d like to achieve over the next 5 years?
Robert P. Wise: We are working toward a membership model of health for our service area that will create a lifelong relationship opportunity for citizens within it.
Hunterdon Happening: How do you think your friends & coworkers would describe you?
Robert P. Wise: I am passionate about my work, humored by life, and put family first above all.
Hunterdon Happening: Where’s your favorite place to go in Hunterdon County?
Robert P. Wise: Any golf course.
Hunterdon Happening: If you could go back in time and talk to yourself ten years ago, what advice would you give?
Robert P. Wise: Exercise more, eat less, take time off, and buy Google stock.
Hunterdon Happening: Sounds advice! There’s no doubt that your hard work is impacting Hunterdon County for the better every single day. Thanks for your many years of service.
We Are Supported By:
