Kathryn Gaeddert, Manager, came to Via Christi from a very different career path and background. After receiving her Bachelor of Science in History and Social Sciences from Bethel College (North Newton, Kan.) and graduate studies in Anthropology at Indiana University, she worked in the museum field for more than 20 years before coming to Via Christi.
Kathryn began working with Dr. Early in 1996 as manager of the Prevention & Health Center (renamed Solutions for Life in 2005). Their goal was to build a practice that included the full continuum of care for people who wanted to lose 10 to 200 pounds, or more. They also were interested in developing wellness opportunities for Via Christi employees, patients, and the community. In addition to the weight management programs, Kathryn also managed Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Diabetes Education Program, and Via Christi's two campus-based fitness centers.
Kathryn's motivation
"When I first met Dr. Early and his team, they were seeing 10 patients a week in the HMR Program for Weight ManagementTM. Being able to help guide the program's growth from 10 patients per week to more than 300 in a few short years was very exciting and gratifying. But even more rewarding was seeing how both the medical and surgical weight management programs have changed the lives of our patients. Not only do they have significant weight loss, but they experience significant improvement in the quality of their lives. Many have overcome significant health issues because they are committed to exercising and making healthier food choices a daily part of their lifestyle. I know from the bottom of my heart that these changes don't just happen. They happen because the successful patients are committed to making the changes, and because we have a very skilled and caring staff that re-inforces the learning of new behaviors."
