Movers and Shakers Sept. 29, 2010

Kootenai named best place to work in health care

For the second consecutive year, Modern Healthcare magazine has named Kootenai Health one of the nation's best places to work in health care."We have been very intentional in creating a work environment that helps us attract and retain top-notch staff members," said Dan Klocko, Kootenai's vice president of human resources.

Modern Healthcare magazine works with Best Companies Group, a Pennsylvania-based firm that administers "best places to work" programs nationwide. Each year they review employers in the health care industry from across the nation and recognize the top 100 that have the best employment practices.Employers are surveyed on indicators like pay averages, time off and benefits. Other indicators include wellness programs, environmental stewardship and family-friendly policies. Employees also are surveyed to collect anonymous feedback on their employer.

"Kootenai is a very progressive employer; not only for northern Idaho, but nationally as well," said Klocko. "Our employees are the ones bringing the ideas to the table, researching feasibility and driving improvements. Our employees are the ones with the great ideas. Kootenai has just been smart enough to listen to them."Kootenai Health employs 1,800 people, making it the largest employer in North Idaho.

MUG AVAILABLEAdam M. Borg has recently earned his orthopaedic clinic specialist certification from the American Board of Physical Therapy Clinical Specialties. The board certification recognizes advanced skill and orthopaedic knowledge as it relates to physical therapy. Adam works for North Idaho Physical Therapy, at the Hayden branch.

MUG AVAILABLENorth Idaho Physical Therapy has added Melissa Jacobson to its Coeur d'Alene clinic.

Dr. Jacobson is a 2010 graduate of Western States Chiropractic College, University of Western States. She attended Eastern Oregon University. Jacobson is a Coeur d'Alene native and graduated from Coeur d'Alene High School in 2002.Ken and Kristi Kotoski are the new owners of Watches by Gosh in The Shops across Front Avenue from The Coeur d'Alene Resort. The store specializes in the sale of watches, clocks and sunglasses. The Kotoskis also own and operate Yellowstone Watch Inc., in Post Falls.