SONARconnects

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                              June 23, 2008

Johns Creek, GA –  Emory Johns Creek Hospital is the first hospital in the area to embrace social media and Web 2.0 in its marketing and communications strategies. Web 2.0 is the reference to the understanding of the importance and impact of the internet as a viable and powerful platform.  The hospital launched its blog as an extension of its website earlier this month and began the first in a series of video clips featuring physicians and administrators.   “Traditionally, healthcare marketing has been pretty stodgy in its approach, choosing more conventional mediums and messaging,” said Johnel Reid, director of marketing for the hospital, and a member of the Advisory Panel for the Society for Healthcare Strategy and Market Development, an agency of the American Hospital Association.

Healthcare is as competitive as any industry, and more complex than most.  Certificate of need laws, the consolidation of hospitals into large, multi-facility systems, federal laws governing physician relationships and marketing, healthcare marketing can become very complicated.  “We know that we are in a highly competitive market,” said Reid.  There are so many choices for advertisers, the trick is finding one that’s effective at reaching your audience.    “We are fortunate because our leadership embraces the experiment – we are able to try new approaches based on what we know about our community, and then develop what works,” said Reid. 

The Emory Johns Creek blog has already generated interest and traffic numbers continue to rise.  “As we add more features and video, we envision the blog becoming an interactive forum for our patients, physician and community members,” said Reid.  The hospital worked with Scott Dunn, of Town Planner Calendar, to produce the video series.  “Scott has been a real advocate of pursuing social media – and using the internet to find creative ways to reach our audience,” said Reid.  (CLICK HERE to see the BLOG)

“Emory Johns Creek continues to push the ceiling and we’re very proud of that,” said John Quinlivan, ceo of the hospital.  “We are committed to bringing the latest and greatest not only to our hospital in the clinical sense, but in every other area, as well.  Utilizing new technology – from our imaging and surgery departments, and now to our marketing efforts – is central to our mission.”

Emory Johns Creek Hospital is known for its state-of-the-art technology in a luxurious, hotel-like setting.  Services include emergency care, state-of-the-art all digital imaging including a 64 slice CT,  The Birth Place with Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 24-hour anesthesiologists, intensive care, advanced cardiac care, rehabilitation services and women’s services.  Emory Johns Creek Hospital is home to the Atlanta Bariatric Center, designated a Center of Excellence by the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons.

For more information, or to find a physician on staff at Emory Johns Creek, please visit emoryjohnscreek.com or call 678.474.8200.