MedPro Group Fort Wayne gives employees a healthy dose of education, fitness opportunities

Aug. 31--MedPro Group, a leading medical malpractice insurance company headquartered in Fort Wayne, cut the ribbon Wednesday on its 10,800-square-foot expansion to the large, white, eye-catching, two-story complex situated on 40 acres at the corner of St. Joe Center and Reed roads.

"The latest expansion is configured for 84 employees," said Andrew Booth, MedPro Group marketing leader. "We have also reconfigured existing space for 36 additional employees."

Called the North Wing by employees, the project is expected to cost well over $3 million, said Richard Feagler, MedPro Group, construction project manager, in mid-August.

The new space includes: two conference rooms, restrooms, a break area and an outdoor patio that connects directly to the campuswide walking path.

"The employees we expect to use this space include: Underwriters, claims operations staff, manual operations staff, clinical risk management staff and customer service staff," Feagler said.

The name MedPro Group refers to the insurance operations of the Medical Protective Co., Princeton Insurance Co., PLICO, and MedPro RRG Risk Retention Group, Booth explained in an email. The Fort Wayne location had a previous expansion completed in September 2013.

Specific figures were not available for the average salary for employees expected to move into the North Wing.

"However, the companywide average salary is $80,000," said Kimberly Kem, MedPro Group, vice president, human resources

Other North Wing enhancements include: Fiber-optic connections to speed data transfer to the data center, LED lighting and height adjustable work stations that allow employees to sit or stand while working.

"We also plan to put tables and chairs on the patio so employees can access it from either the North Wing or the cafeteria. Employees will also have a direct access to the mile-long walking path," Feagler said.

More products, more growth

Rapid growth over the last several years and a growing array of insurance products prompted the latest expansion.

"Historically, ...we were just providing insurance to physicians and dentists," Booth said. "Today, we offer coverage across the whole healthcare continuum. So, that would be from the smallest practice -- a single chiropractor, or a nurse practitioner -- to the biggest hospital systems in the country and everything in between."

Other healthcare specialties seeking professional liability coverage from MedPro Group include: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, (CRNAs) and physician assistants.

Besides hospital systems, other medical facilities covered include: surgery centers, cancer care centers, blood banks and senior care facilities.

"All of those areas have grown, and when you grow like that you have to find good people to support it and, hence, the need for new construction," he said.

"The company receives over a billion dollars in annual premiums," he added.

Nationwide, MedPro Group employs about 700, including nearly 400 in Fort Wayne.

"MedPro's retention is incredibly high with an average tenure of over nine years," Booth said.

Work-life balance encouraged

Attention to health and wellness, community involvement and higher education may help account for employee longevity, he said

"MedPro Group is a place that provides real opportunities for people to grow. It is a pretty fast-paced environment. So, we look for people who are well-rounded, with good experience, who work well as part of a team and have good communication skills," he said.

Jill Adams, MedPro Group marketing analyst, said "What we are looking for is integrity, enthusiasm, energy, a passion to learn and continue to grow."

Employer contributions to education vary for employees pursuing advanced degrees or additional training.

"Professional development is strongly encouraged here. I am very much supported in that endeavor," said Adams, who is currently pursuing an MBA at the University of Saint Francis.

"The employee experience is very well-rounded. So, you are looking at professional satisfaction, personal well-being and work-life balance. That's what MedPro Group strives for," she said.

"We invest significantly in those who want to do master's (degree) programs," Booth said.

Finally, the health and wellness of MedPro Group employees is important. The company was recognized in 2014, 2015 and 2016 as a Fit-Friendly Workplace by the American Heart Association, Booth said in an email.

Community involvement

MedPro Group employees and interns are also encouraged to give back to the community through volunteer efforts.

Recently, nearly 50 interns participated in river cleanup efforts, he said.

Another upcoming project MedPro Group employees plan to participate in is today's United Wayne Day of Caring. And some will lace up and compete in Oct. 1's Fort4Fitness races. MedPro is one of the event's leading sponsors. "We do it because wellness is very important to MedPro," Booth said.

It will also host its annual employee and family 5K walk/run in late September with over 100 participants, he said.

Employees can use the MedPro outdoor walking trail as well as the indoor fitness center any time before, during or after work hours.

"We want our employees to be fulfilled...we also want our employees to be healthy," Booth said.

More Information

MedPro Group

WHERE: 5814 Reed Road

PHONE: 1-800-463-3776

HOURS: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday

FOR MORE: Go to www.medpro.com

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