Posted at: 08/14/2009 10:40 PM
Updated at: 08/14/2009 10:48 PM
By: Donny Rowles

Mayo Clinic on Change and the Economy

(ABC 6 NEWS)--- The Mayo Clinic continues to adjust to changing economic times, but leaders not only want Mayo Clinic to be a destination medical center, they want Rochester to be a destination medical community.

"Here we come, so get ready."

Mayo Clinic CEO Doctor Glenn Forbes says Mayo Clinic's financial numbers are better than expected, largely because they're becoming more efficient, but he says their work is just beginning.

"The future is still filled with many uncertainties particularly in the area of health care. We're committed to continuing to build the models that are going to be successful in the future."

That means streamlining jobs, departments and patient care, but Mayo Clinic's plans for change goes beyond the walls of the clinic.

"The majority of our patients, they make tough decisions - they make a decision to leave home, often times to bypass other options and to seek care here with us."

"In the end of March we decided to come to Mayo."

49-year-old Kevin Lue moved to Rochester to receive a heart transplant at Mayo Clinic.

While waiting for a heart, he stayed here, the Gift of Life Transplant House.

"We have very strong relationships with our patients and we try to provide that atmosphere for healing," said Sister Jane Francis.

It was here that he and his wife got the call.

"It was really kind of unique because we had gotten married actually, the day before, not knowing we were gonna get the heart," said Lue.

�It was very emotional, it was really something," said Lue.

The gift of life is one place that will continue to help make Rochester a medical destination community, which is what Mayo Clinic, is encouraging.