by Frank D. Byrne for Fierce Healthcare

I’ve been thinking a lot about the role of mentors lately, with the passing of someone who was one of the most influential people in my life and my career: Stan Nelson.

Stanley R. Nelson, LFACHE, was my predecessor twice-removed as president of Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne, Ind., where I served prior to coming to St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, Wis. Interestingly, I had never met him when I became Parkview president in 1995. Fortunately, a mutual friend arranged for my wife Cindy and me to meet Stan and his wonderful wife Rif 15 years ago.

Since that time, Stan and Rif have been advisors, role models and friends. They served so many roles in our personal and professional lives it’s hard to distinguish between the two.

As I progressed along my path of healthcare leadership, I learned much from Stan, who was a member of the second class of the University of Minnesota’s MHA program. Those in healthcare leadership are well aware of what’s often referred to as “Minnesota Mafia,” University of Minnesota graduates who have had a great positive influence on healthcare in this country.

After serving at Parkview, Stan returned to Minnesota, serving at the Minneapolis-based Abbott Northwestern Hospital, now part of Allina Health. He later led Henry Ford Health System in Detroit. As a result of this wonderful career, Stan was deservedly inducted into the Health Care Hall of Fame in 1999.

This story of Stan Nelson illustrates the many ways a mentor can be a positive influence on one’s life. First and foremost, he and Rif were role models to us. Rif gave great counsel to my wife Cindy regarding some of the obligations, challenges and teamwork necessary to achieve both personal and professional fulfillment. When I was invited to be a candidate for my current position in 2004, I, of course, called Stan.

He told me, “You absolutely must look at the job at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison. The best position is to be in an integrated system where you are working closely in partnership with physicians. That’s exactly the reason why I left Minneapolis to go to Henry Ford–to work in an integrated environment with physicians.”

Eight years later, I remain grateful for that advice. Shortly after I arrived at St. Mary’s, I was dealing with a particularly difficult challenge. Stan graciously gave up a day of his time over the holidays for me to spend time with him in Minneapolis helping me sort through how I could approach this serious issue. I took his advice, and the problem ultimately was resolved successfully.

I’ll never forget our most recent visit with Stan and Rif at the Health Care Hall of Fame dinner in Chicago this past March. Once we caught up, most of our visit consisted of Cindy and I describing current challenges we faced, with Stan and Rif counseling us on how to address them.

Who has been a great mentor in your life? If you look back, you’ll no doubt find you have had several. Remember them fondly and honor them by being a mentor to others. The rewards for both of you are remarkable.

Frank D. Byrne, M.D., is the president of St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, Wis.