MONROE — The Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative (RWHC) has awarded Dr. Franz Keilhauer the Rural Health Ambassador Award. Dr. Keilhauer provides care in SSM Health Monroe Hospital’s Emergency Department and has a passion for collaborating with community partners to address the needs of the underserved and elderly. 

On behalf of RWHC, Dr. Darren Pipp, SSM Health Monroe Hospital Chief Medical Officer, presented Dr. Keilhauer with his award on May 9. The Rural Health Ambassador Award was established to recognize employees at member hospitals who have gone above the call of duty in promoting their organizations and fostering relations within their communities and beyond.

Dr. Keilhauer was nominated for this award by SSM Health Monroe Hospital’s Administrative Council. Their nomination shared that “In all aspects of his work, Dr. Keilhauer has a passion for doing what is right for his patients. He shows concern for them as a whole person, making sure they have access to resources when needed and are on a path for success post-discharge.” 

In addition to patient care, he provides exceptional work to making SSM Health Monroe Hospital a high caliber hospital. He has played an active role in their Trauma Committee, Stroke Program and Incident Command.

As the Green County EMS Medical Director, Dr. Keilhauer oversees 14 EMS Services. Part of this role includes chart audits of EMS and trauma records to ensure these groups are providing care to the level needed. He then identifies where education may be helpful and assists with making sure that training is offered. Dr. Keilhauer was instrumental in improving the quality of rural pre-hospital care through training and support to advance our local EMS from intermediate to paramedic status. 

Dr. Keilhauer is involved in community initiatives such as educating on the purpose of lift assists, safety checks, injury prevention and addressing transportation needs in Green County.