A Lifetime of Gratitude and Generosity
In describing his motivation to make philanthropic investments to the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) as a member of the Class of 1968 and at Marquette University, where he received his undergraduate degree, Dr. Bill Listwan has a simple message: gratitude.
“I’m very grateful to the Medical College of Wisconsin and Marquette University,” he says, “and the opportunities I had as an undergraduate and at medical school.”
Bill’s contributions have focused primarily on ensuring that others have those same opportunities, particularly since going into the medical profession can be a daunting financial challenge. It’s an experience he understands.
“I borrowed money for Marquette, and my late wife Marlene and I worked to pay for medical school, and we even had a small amount of savings when I graduated,” he says. Even so, those first few weeks in residency with young children were a challenge. He recalls, with some humor, eating most of his meals at the hospital and bringing home bananas and pears from the cafeteria for dinners that usually featured macaroni and cheese until his first payday.
“I wish I’d made a copy of that check,” he says. “Marlene and I ran to the bank.”
Now, after a successful career and with the confidence that comes with thoughtful financial planning, Bill is supporting scholarship funds at MCW as well as research into breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, which affected Marlene before she passed away.
Over the years, he has taken advantage of using his required IRA distributions to make charitable gifts that have reduced his tax liability. He plans to use his estate to make a major investment supporting medical student scholarships while also providing for his children and grandchildren. Not only does this kind of financial planning ensure stability throughout retirement, but it also builds assets that can have an impact on generations.
“Marlene and I always felt that whatever extra we had should be shared so that others could have the same opportunities we did,” he says. “It’s an obligation that’s still important to me.”
What to Expect for Clinic Visits
We understand that visiting any health care facility during this time may cause some concern. That is why we want to assure you of the safe, expert care you will receive. Here is what you can expect when you visit one of our locations.
1. Scheduling Your Appointment
Safety precautions begin before your visit. When scheduling, our team will screen for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and may offer a virtual visit instead or as part of your follow-up care. If an in-person visit best meets your needs, we will help you prepare for your visit and what to expect when you arrive.
How to Prepare for Your Visit
- Please wear a face covering over your mouth and nose when entering our facilities and during your visit. If you do not have a face covering, we will provide one.
- Limit the number of people who come with you. For clinic visits, our visitor policy generally allows one visitor or support person per patient. Anyone accompanying you must wear a face covering at all times and be symptom-free.
2. When You Arrive
Our staff will welcome you at your designated entrance or check-in desk. To ensure the safety of everyone, you and anyone accompanying you should:
- Let us know if you are ill or if you are currently experiencing any of these symptoms: Fever, body aches, headache, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, new loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- Sanitize your hands.
- Wear your face covering over your mouth and nose. Ask for a face mask, if you do not already have one.
- Allow extra time for a health screening when you arrive. At our hospitals, we will take your temperature and ask additional screening questions at each entrance.
3. During Your Visit
Please wear your face covering over your mouth and nose at all times and maintain a safe six-foot distance from others to the greatest extent possible. You may notice extensive safety precautions in waiting areas and other public spaces, including:
- Hand sanitizer stations
- Furniture rearranged or removed to promote social distancing
- Floor markers to guide you in maintaining a safe, six-foot distance from others
- Safety messages posted as a reminder to all
- Magazines, coat racks, beverage stations and other commonly shared items removed
- Enhanced cleaning practices, including frequent disinfecting of high-touch surfaces such as elevator buttons, vending machines and door handles
4. When You Meet With Your Care Team
You can expect thoughtful, expert care in a safe environment.
- To keep everyone safe, our staff and providers are required to get vaccinated unless they qualify for a medical or religious exemption.
- You and your care team will stay masked whenever possible. Patients may be instructed to take off face coverings, if needed to provide care.
- Your care team will wear personal protective equipment.
- Our providers and staff are screened for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 prior to reporting to work to confirm they are well.
- Examination and procedure rooms are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between every patient using stringent guidelines.
- Froedtert Pharmacy offers many ways to stay safe while getting your prescriptions, including free home delivery, drive-thru and curbside pickup.