Liftoff with Dr. Ratliff
After a year and a half at Platte Valley, Chelsea Ratliff, MD, Internal Medicine, last month was confirmed by unanimous ballot as the new secretary/treasurer of the medical staff. This position launches her on a leadership track at the hospital that eventually leads to chief of staff.
We sat down with Ratliff (just days before she hopped on a plane to her latest destination) and asked her about her vision of Platte Valley.
How would you describe the healthcare needs of Brighton and the surrounding communities?
“I think Brighton definitely is experiencing growing pains and changes. Although I don't live in the area, I feel that I have come to know the community as I have taken care of the patients here. There is a unique mix of people who have moved out from the city to the area and those who have been here over the course of generations. It provides a large range of medical needs - both acute and preventive - in this area that need to be addressed.”
Is Platte Valley growing/changing to meet those needs?
“I think we are seeing Platte Valley grow tremendously to match the community's growth. We often are discussing through both official avenues and casual conversations the rising volume of patients we see come through our doors and attempting to match that demand. I am pleased to see the new faces spanning several departments that we have added recently.”
Why accept an executive leadership position?
“It felt like a gradual process, in that I got to know the excellent physicians and providers who are a part of this community and our leadership already, so the idea of working with them on ways to address concerns and improve the experience at this hospital was a natural next step.”
Share with us about the moment you realized you wanted to become a physician.
“I didn't initially! I was originally pursuing nuclear engineering. But along the way I did some volunteer BLS/rescue work and became intrigued by the medical field. My interest took off from there.”
What is it that you enjoy about being a physician?
“I enjoy several aspects! I find it uniquely challenging and rewarding to address patients' urgent medical needs. I am proud to provide a service to the community. And I love working together with a team of colleagues and professionals to achieve a common goal.”
What's the best advice you ever received?
“Probably to see things through to their completion. Good things in life come through perseverance. (As an aside, your question made me smile and think of Chandler Bing.)”
What's on the bucket list for 2025?
“On a professional level, finding ways to be helpful in this new role, in addition to addressing provider burnout and engagement. On a personal level, travel, travel and more travel!
Ratliff in 2022 standing alongside the so-called “crookedest street in the world,” Lombard Street in San Francisco, famous for its steep, one-block stretch of eight hairpin turns. At the time of this interview, she was preparing for a return trip to Japan, which has become one of her favorite destinations.
How do you want other physicians and APPs to feel about practicing at Platte Valley?
“I would want them to feel at ease about what to expect coming here. We have capable, friendly staff members and physician colleagues, and I believe that collaborative atmosphere sets us apart. I’m hopeful to practice here with this team for many more years to come!”
We’re glad you’re with us on the journey! Medical staff members can reach Ratliff via email at chelsea.ratliff@imail2.org.